Carnival Liberty is a large, beautifully decorated, and well kept ship that is under three years old. We had been wanting to do an eastern or southern Caribbean itinerary for some time and this one fit in well with work and school commitments. The weather, ports of call, and the general experience were all very nice. Carnival does seem to have to economized in some ways in comparison to other Carnival ships and cruises we've been on in the past. In the past the stateroom steward would stop by on the first day of the cruise to introduce himself and to be of any assistance if needed. That didn't happen until we tracked him down on the first night to ask for some kleenex for the bathroom which hadn't been left there when the cabin was cleaned earlier in the day. Paper products were a problem throughout the cruise with TP frequently running out and replacements not being left in the room. One day I had to call room service to request a couple of rolls. When they arrived a few hours later the runner was holding two rolls as requested. He would only give me one as he said the other was for the cabin next door..so go figure! We didn't solve the problem until my wife started picking up rolls in the public restrooms and bringing them back in her purse.

Food quality has been reduced as well. There is still plenty of quantity but the Lido deck buffets have become boring and almost unappetizing. Breakfast had the same entrees each morning with the only day to day difference being French toast one day with pancakes the next and then back again. Hometown Buffet would have been a better choice but I've never seen one on a cruise ship. Dinner in the dining room (Silver Olympian) was always good but the level of service has really dropped. Table service is still performed by the usual waiter/assistant waiter combo but it is obvious that each are servicing many more tables now than they have in the past. They are running so much and working so hard that individual service is quick and fleeting. Its not their fault but the corporate bean counters should really rethink this one. Beating these people to death from overwork just doesn't work.

Now onto the subject of the beginning to end sales pitches on the Carnival Liberty. Our very forgettable cruise director did nothing more than emcee shows with his primary duties really being chief shill and master annoyer of the cruise. The public address systems throughout the ship were the loudest I've ever heard. Imagine peacefully sleeping in and then being suddenly awakened by the babbling idiot at the threshold of pain expounding on the gold chain sales, rip-off art auctions, cheesy shore tours, and the "recommended Shopping destinations". Of course the wake-up call isn't the only one of the day. This goes on throughout the day and into the evening and you never know when it is going to start again. You just wish that he would Shut up! Read more