Background: This was our fourth cruise -- our first with Carnival. We've sailed with RCCL, Princess and Disney. I place the Carnival Liberty (even during Spring Break!) on par with every other ship we've sailed, and all have earned excellent reviews. Our family consists of me, my husband and two sons (12 and 17). This was an eight-night Western Caribbean to the Panama Canal.
Arrival and Embarkation: We flew in same day, on a flight purchased through Carnival. I would have chosen to fly directly into Ft. Lauderdale rather than Miami, but we had no issues with the flight or transfer from the airport to the port. Because we didn't arrive at the port until around 2:00pm, we had a long (but not unpleasant) line to wade through to embark. But we were able to go straight to our cabin where two of our three bags were already waiting for us!
Stateroom: We booked a balcony stateroom on deck 7. It was plenty roomy for the four of us (although our 17yo is outgrowing the twin bed!). Storage is plentiful, even for our 16 pairs of shoes! Absolutely take a clock of some type with you and a power strip if you need to plug in lots of devices. We were fine with the two outlets provided. Our steward, Manny, and his assistant, provided just the right amount of attention -- morning and evening service including fabulous towel animals.