We have just returned (or actually, I'm still onboard, but due in Fort Lauderdale in under 8 hours) from 8 terrific days on Carnival's Liberty. I was not expecting it to be so good, based on past (negative) experience with Liberty's sister ship, Glory. However, it was a great vacation.

When I say we are not your typical cruisers, I mean that we enjoy cruises yet partake in nothing they have to offer other than the ship and sailing experience. We try to get the best cabin on the least expensive sailing in order to satisfy our desires for peace, relaxation and interesting ports; and not to seek out cruises for the social activities that many of the Lines promote

Embarkation was fine - we arrived at the Port about 2 p.m. and were on the ship within a half hour or so. We were even able to carry our own luggage on to the ship - not a problem for us because all we bring is a few pairs of shorts and a couple of T-shirts (and some laundry detergent). Debarkation looks as though it will be easier than in the past, when non-US citizens had to be up at ungodly hours to clear customs and to get our passports back. Tomorrow we will be in no hurry to get to the airport so have left our luggage outside the door for Carnival to handle. Read more