Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	429
Accommodation	200	165
Food	400	221
Service	400	269
Entertainment	100	85
Cruise	400	287

How this score is created

Carnival Liberty is the 23rd new ship for this incredibly successful cruise line. It shares the same generally well-balanced profile as sisters Carnival Conquest, Carnival Destiny, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Valor and Carnival Victory. The ship is unable to transit the Panama Canal, due to its size (so it’s called a non-Panamax ship). With extremely short bows, it has the distinctive, large, swept-back wing-tipped funnel that is the trademark of Carnival Cruise Lines, in the company colors of red, white and blue.

The ship’s decor, in the public rooms, hallways and atrium, features a design theme that salutes the master trades, like ironwork, masonry, pottery and painting. The layout is logical, so finding your way around is easy. Most public rooms are located off one main boulevard (an interior promenade that is great for strolling and people watching – particularly from the Jardin Café or Promenade Bar). Other hangouts and drinking places include The Stage (live music/karaoke lounge), the Flower Bar (main lobby), Gloves Bar (sports Bar), Paparazzi (wine bar), and The Cabinet.

As for public areas, there are three decks full of lounges, 10 bars and lots of rooms to play in. There are two atriums: the largest, in the forward third of the ship goes through nine decks (the Grand Villa Garden Atrium combines all four of the design themes), while a small aft atrium spans three decks.

There are nightspots for just about every musical taste (except for opera, ballet and classical music lovers), and for those who like to gamble, the Czar’s Palace Casino, with its Russian motifs and theme, is certainly large and action-packed; there are more than 320 slot machines.

Youngsters are provided with good facilities, including their own two-level Children’s Club (including an outdoor pool), and are well cared for with “Camp Carnival”, the line’s extensive children’s program. Soft-drinks packages can be purchased for children (and adults).

Many pillars obstruct passenger flow (those in the two main restaurants make it difficult for the waiters to serve properly). The public toilets are spartan and could do with some cheering up.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008