Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
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Carnival's Seaside Theatre
Carnival's Seaside Theatre / Carnival Cruise Lines / Andy Newman
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Pool Dance Party
Pool Dance Party / Kristen Boatright
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Venetian Palace Show
Venetian Palace Show / Carnival Cruise Lines / Andy Newman
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Emile's Lido Buffet
Emile's Lido Buffet / Carnival Cruise Lines / Andy Newman
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Guy's Burger Joint
Guy's Burger Joint / Carnival Cruise Lines / Andy Newman
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Cherry on Top
Cherry on Top / Kristen Boatright
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Fitness Center
Fitness Center / Carnival Cruise Lines
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Carnival Comfort Bed
Carnival Comfort Bed / Carnival Cruise Lines / Andy Newman
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Carnival Liberty

Our Ship Review
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Carnival Liberty, which launched in 2005, was the first Carnival ship to be overhauled as part of a $500 million fleet-wide upgrade plan that began in 2011 — which included the addition of the popular and complimentary casual eateries Guy's Burger Joint and the BlueIguana Cantina. That said, the ship’s décor is now quite dated (there hasn’t been a major refurbishment since) and very much heavy-handed in an Old World way — as in lots of shine in the Golden Olympic Dining Room and patterned velvet in the Venetian Palace Main Show Lounge.

What We Love

You Won’t Go to Bed Hungry: Liberty, like other Conquest-class ships, offers a roster of unique dining options. In addition to Guy Fieri's burgers and BlueIguana's burritos and tacos on the Lido Deck (both included in the cruise fare), guests can also order batter-fried fish, French fries, lobster rolls, or seafood chowder at Seafood Shack (for an extra charge). If you're celebrating a special occasion, reserve a table at Diamonds Steakhouse. You’ll pay a supplement, but you'll be served four courses with entrée choices that range from an 18-ounce ribeye to lobster tail and filet mignon. And if hunger strikes at midnight, there's the all-day Pizza Pirate.

Poolside Antics: The DJ and the cruise director are known to get the party going on sea days with everything from hairy chest competitions to cocktail-making contests — and you can count on the less-than-shy passengers to really take it up a notch.

Best Known For

Kid-Friendly Fun:  Little ones will get a kick out of Seuss at Sea activities such as the Seuss-a-Palooza Parade and the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, while teens can kick up their heels — and give parents a well-deserved vacation — at Club O2. 

Cocktail Options: From the Alchemy Bar and EA Sports Bar to the poolside BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar, adult beverages abound. The all-you-can-drink bar package may be a good deal for those who plan to throw back more than a few. 

Who It's Best For

First-Time Cruisers on a Budget: With Liberty's short three- and four-night itineraries, cruise newbies can get a taste of onboard life without making too much of a commitment. But trading up to newer ships after that will make a world of difference.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

It Ain’t Fancy: A good time is all but guaranteed, but if you’re expecting luxury, look elsewhere. Passengers are known to wear jeans on "elegant" nights.

Crowds Can Abound: Guests may have to wait in line to get into the main dining room and the buffet, and back aboard the ship after a day in port. The late-night comedy shows also can fill up quickly and loungers at the two small pools are often occupied right after breakfast. 

Kristen Boatright
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger