We recently returned from our first family cruise aboard the Liberty, sailing from July 11 to July 18. My husband and I have cruised before but have never taken the kids so this was quite an adventure!

Embarkation was a breeze. We arrived at the Port of Miami at 11:45am and were on the ship, at the pool, drinks in had, by 12:30.

Our kids ages are 13, 10, 8, and 5 so we experienced all of the levels of the Camp Carnival offerings. We were very pleased overall with the kids' programs. My eldest daughter went to the first night's activities, quickly made a group of friends and hung out with them the rest of the cruise. They definitely took part in many of the organized activities like scavenger hunts but also just hung out together and had a great time. My 10 year old son went to Camp Carnival a couple of times, made a couple of friends, but chose to hang out on his own and with us more than with anyone he met. The 8 year old loved the Camp activities and had a great time on the two nights we let her stay in the 'group babysitting' area. She prefers to be with us though and so didn't take part in many organized activities. The same could be said for the 5 year old. He had a great time when there but was with us more often than not. The staff was excellent and the security was top notch. We were able to borrow a cell phone from the Camp so we could be located immediately if necessary. THis also came in handy when the older two kids were on their own with friends and needed to check in with us. Read more