We just returned from a family trip on the RC Liberty of the seas. This was the fifth cruise for my immediate family (2 RC, 2 Carnival, 1 NCL). This was an extended family trip and there were 11 of us altogether, ages ranging from 12 to 80. Everyone had a really good time. Here is a breakdown:

Embarkation/disembarkation: Super easy. We got dropped off at port liberty around 11:30, waited in a line behind about 4 families (about 5 minutes), checked in and went on board. No waiting. Had lunch in the Windjammer and our rooms were ready by 1. Disembarkation was just as easy. There was a line to get through customs but it moved fairly quickly.

Around the ship: The ship itself is very nice. It is kept very clean at all times. I think the layout of the ship made things very easy to find. There is a nice promenade deck with stores, bars, pizza, Ben and Jerrys and more. Plenty of places to grab a sandwich, drink, soda, water, etc. Of all the ships we have been on, this one had the greatest availability of water and iced tea (no charge). The coffee shop had amazing cookies and really good sandwiches that are also no extra charge (specialty coffee is extra). Being a non-smoker, the one complaint I would have is the casino on deck 4. Smoking is allowed in there and the smell carries out to the surrounding areas. The casino is also in the middle of the deck so at times you have to cut through to get from one place to the next and the smell of cigarettes could be overwhelming. The staff around the ship could not have been any nicer or more helpful. Read more