Amazing hardware Massive and mass-market with class, Liberty of the Seas is an absolute marvel of marine engineering and is structurally impressive from the inside out. At the time of this review, Liberty of the Seas at 160,000 tons is one of three sister ships that is among the largest cruise ships in the world, soon to be surpassed by a vessel even more massive, which will be called the Oasis of the Seas at 210,000 tons (currently under construction). Liberty of the Seas towers over her pier in Miami and it's hard to miss her as she truly adds to the Miami skyline. This ship is so big that it seems more like a place rather than a ship, but there is no mistaking her as a ship as she pulls away from the pier and moves through the channel and out to sea. The Liberty of the Seas towers 17 stories above the ocean and stretches over one thousand feet in length, and what is truly amazing is that this giant can press ahead through the sea at 22 knots with ease. I was looking forward to cruising the Caribbean aboard this huge vessel, however, I had to walk out on deck and look over the side of the ship to remind myself I was actually at sea, because I felt nearly no movement at all. Liberty of the Seas is a beautiful ship, and actually looks like a ship as opposed to many newly built cruise ships these days, which look more like floating boxes or apartment blocks. The designers were able to make this massive ship look sleek...no small task if you ask me.

Inside the ship is an impressive four-story-tall, football field long boulevard called the Royal Promenade that truly gives you the impression you're in a mall rather than a cruise ship at sea. The Royal Promenade sets the Liberty of the Seas apart from most other cruise ships in the marketplace, outside of Royal Caribbean that is. I wasn't sure how I would like this Royal Promenade, since I tend to lean more traditional when it comes to the cruising experience; however, I was impressed and I enjoyed the space. It's a great place for people watching, shopping, or grabbing a bite to eat. It creates a unique community feel when strolling this area, and it is easy to forget you're at sea cruising from port to port. Inside this Royal Promenade is an interesting piece of hardware called the fly-bridge which lowers down from the ceiling just above the main floor area creating a bridge, or stage where entertainers and musicians can perform for those strolling the promenade. On each end of the Royal Promenade is an atrium with elevator bays that whisk passengers to other parts of the ship, including the passenger staterooms and the upper decks.

The ice skating rink is another amazing piece of hardware added to this ship. Leisurely cruising from port to port in the warm Caribbean sunshine, the last thing you would expect to be able to do is go ice skating, and yet there it is, an actual ice rink for passengers to skate on during certain hours, or you may even see a world-class ice skating show during your cruise. There are many innovative features aboard the Liberty of the Seas that all add up to a fabulous resort experience. Read more