Carnival Liberty Western Caribbean - As first time cruisers, my wife and I were not sure what to expect, what we experience was super service, great fun and entertainment way above what was expected. The dinner was so much better then expected, the wait staff professional and friendly and the food selection could not have been more diverse. We even decided to attend the open seating breakfast and lunches rather then attend the buffet. The lunch buffet did offer asian food that you selected and was prepared in front of you with 3 different Thai sauces to select from, worth the wait in line. The open 24 hour pizza was delicious and service was faster then expected. The Deli sandwiches was another favorite spot. The hamburgers and hot dogs with fries were also delicious. The fish and chips was hard to find and not always open but again the food was delicious.
The entertainment is not to be missed from the regular shows (a different show twice every other night) to the cruise director's shows and the 2 late night mature audience comics. Lots and lots of laughs and it's all included in your fare. Trivia games, dance classes and bingo (buy cards) were available every day and do not forget the casino.
The shore excursions were pricier the expected , but the ones we selected at our 3 stops, Costa Maya (Mayan ruins), Puerto Limon, Costa Rica (bus, boat and train tour) and Colon, Panama (ferry ride thru 2 canal locks (except for leaving the ferry to the buses for the trip back to the ship)) were enjoyable and what we had hoped for. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable and frank about their countries and answered all questions. The ship's pools were smaller then expected, the sun decks crowded and it was not easy to get lounge chairs unless you are up early.