First of all: Thank you to everyone who posted helpful hints and ideas on Cruise Critic. They were of great value! We sailed on the Carnival Liberty out of Miami on April 7, 2012. Embarkation was quick and pain free. The earlier you arrive at the terminal the lower your "zone", but no one was allowed to board before 11:30am to afford Carnival time to disembark the returning cruise passengers, clean, etc. We were given a card with zone 30 and waited less than 30 minutes. They called 3 or 4 zones at a time. The first of many photo opportunities slows things down a bit as they take every one's picture as you cross the gangplank.

Once on board everyone scrambles to either the buffet on Lido deck, or to claim a lounge chair near one of the pools. Be sure to bring a swimsuit in your carry on because you won't see your luggage for a while. We relaxed in the adults only "serenity" area on deck 10 until our cabin was ready. The Miami skyline is beautiful from the top of the ship.

Our cabin was on the Lido deck and we had a nice balcony with a small round table and 2 chairs. A heavy curtain completely darkened the room if you wanted a mid-day nap. There are 4 small dresser drawers and 3 closets, one of which had shelves instead of clothes hangers. Bring extra hangers if you have clothes you don't want to get wrinkled. Clean robes hang in one of the closets along with life preservers. There is a small safe inside one of the cabinets that is locked with the swipe of a credit card. There is only one outlet in the room so bring a multi-strip outlet if you want more. There is an outlet in the bathroom as well. There is no clock in the room. You can arrange a wake up call instead of using an alarm. Our king bed was soft but you could tell it was 2 twins hooked together. The linens were plush and soft, and extra pillows were delivered within minutes of being requested. Your choice of down filled or foam. A small love seat and coffee table were just the right size. We never once heard noise from outside even though we were right near the action.The bathroom was small but sufficient. There was no exhaust fan. Soap, toothpaste, floss, and breath-right strip (oddly enough) are in a little basket. There are tissues too. The water is hot and the pressure is good. The shower head adjusts and can be hand held. Body wash and shampoo are in a dispenser in the shower itself. Bring clothes pins! There is a retractable clothes line in the shower stall. Read more