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 Guy's Burger Joint and the BlueIguana Cantina. Alongside Carnival Breeze, the 2,974-passenger Conquest-class ship will soon homeport in Galveston, Texas.
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 on the Lido Deck, guests can order batter-fried fish, french fries, calamari fritters, or seafood soup at Fish N' Chips on the Panorama Deck — all included in the cruise fare.
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 24-hour 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.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Little ones will get a kick out of Towel Animal Theater and Seuss at Sea, 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 ($50 per person, per day) may be a good deal for those who plan to throw back more than a few.
First-Time Cruisers: With Liberty's short itineraries, cruise newbies can get a taste of onboard life without making too much of a commitment.
Mexico Fans: Liberty will sail out of Galveston full-time starting in March, 2016. Itinerary options include four- or five-day cruises with calls on Cozumel and Progreso.
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" night.
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.
