The Carnival Liberty is a popular cruise ship that has been part of the Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet for quite a while. If you’re considering booking a cruise on the Carnival Liberty, it’s nice to know how old it is, whether it’s been refurbished and what’s on the ship.

I’ve done some research to find out the details, so in this post, I’ll tell you all about Carnival Liberty, its launch date, and more.
How Old Is Carnival Liberty?
Carnival Liberty was launched in 2005, and the ship is now 19 years old. Over the years, it has seen several refurbishments to keep it modern and exciting for passengers.
In 2011, the Carnival Liberty was the first ship to receive the FUN 2 enhancements, bringing a whole new level of entertainment and facilities to the cruise. In 2021, it underwent another refurbishment, receiving a new blue, white, and red livery that added to its charm and appeal.
As one of the older ships in the fleet, it has seen many years of service, but rest assured, it’s not the oldest ship. That title goes to the Carnival Sunshine, launched in 1996 as the Carnival Destiny and refurbished in 2013. The Carnival Liberty is younger than ships like Carnival Elation, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend, and Carnival Miracle.
In comparison, the Carnival Liberty is much older than the newest Carnival ships like the Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Venezia. These ships are part of the recent additions to the Carnival cruise line fleet, with the Carnival Jubilee being the newest Carnival cruise ship launched in 2023. However, whether you’re sailing on the Carnival Liberty or any other ship in the fleet, you can expect all the amenities to be in good working order, thanks to Carnival’s policy of regular refurbishments.
About Carnival Liberty
The Carnival Liberty is a grand vessel that has captivated cruise-goers’ hearts for years. Its impressive size and capacity make it a favourite among many. The ship was built with attention to detail and has been renovated several times to keep up with the changing times and the needs of the passengers.
The ship boasts a large size, accommodating a significant number of passengers without compromising on comfort. With a substantial number of decks, the Carnival Liberty ensures a variety of facilities and activities for everyone on board. The following are the main features of Carnival Liberty:
- Built: 2005
- Renovation: 2016, 2021
- Cabins: 1,487
- Capacity: 1,160 crew, 3,756 guests
- Length: 952 feet
- Number of Decks: 13 passenger decks
- Speed: 22.5 Knots
- Homeport: Port Canaveral, Florida

Accommodations
Carnival Liberty offers a range of accommodations to suit different tastes and budgets. From comfortable cabins to huge suites with separate balconies, there are options for everyone. The rooms are planned with the guests’ comfort in mind, featuring cosy bedding, high-end amenities, and lots of storage space. The following are the accommodations offered by Carnival Liberty:
- Suites
- Deluxe Captain’s Suites
- Grand Penthouse Suites
- Ocean View with Balcony/Lanai
- Ocean View without Balcony
- Interior Staterooms

Deck Plans
The 14 decks of the Carnival Liberty offer an enjoyable and memorable experience. Each deck is home to a variety of facilities and venues, making it easy for passengers to navigate the ship and find their way around. The decks are clearly labelled and colour-coded for convenience.
Facilities
As you explore the Carnival Liberty, you will discover a myriad of facilities designed to enhance your cruising experience. The ship’s spacious layout includes numerous lounges, bars, and entertainment venues, making it a veritable floating city. From shops to health and wellness centres, every facility has been curated to cater to your needs and desires.

One of the highlights of the facilities on the Carnival Liberty is the expansive spa, where you can unwind after a day of adventure. Additionally, the ship features a fitness centre packed with top-notch amenities to help you carry out your fitness regime even while on a journey. Libraries and conference rooms are also available for those who wish to continue their hobbies while travelling.
Recreation
When it comes to recreation, Carnival Liberty leaves no stone unturned. The ship’s recreational amenities are designed to keep you entertained, exhilarated, and, most importantly, relaxed. From swimming pools to sports courts, the ship offers endless opportunities for fun and games. These are the notable recreation spots of Carnival Liberty:
- Seaside theatre
- Basketball court
- Twister waterslide
- 9-hole mini-golf
- Jogging track
- Basketball court

Dining Options
The dining options on Carnival Liberty cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for gastronomic adventures or someone who simply enjoys good food, you’ll find something to savour on this cruise ship. The dining venues serve a variety of cuisines, ensuring that every mealtime is a culinary journey.
Your cruise fare includes dining at Guy’s Burger Joint, the BlueIguana Cantina, and the Seafood Shack. For a special treat, visit additional dining venues like the steakhouse and the coffee bar. If you’re in the mood for casual dining, the Carnival Deli and the Lido Marketplace are great choices. And don’t miss the Seaday Brunch and the Mongolian Wok, which are also included.

Entertainment Venues
The entertainment venues onboard the Carnival Liberty are designed to cater to all tastes. Whether you’re a fan of live performances, dancing, or gambling, there’s something for everyone. With its Las Vegas-style shows, the Venetian Palace can accommodate up to 1,400 guests, ensuring a grand spectacle for all.
The Victoria Lounge, with a capacity of 425, is a more intimate setting, perfect for enjoying a quiet evening. The Piano Man bar, with a capacity of 100, offers a cosy ambience for music lovers. For those who love to dance, the Hot & Cool dance club can accommodate 211 guests. You can also head out to the Czar’s Palace, which can seat 484 guests and is a good place for entertainment. And for those who prefer a quiet drink, the Cabinet Bar is the perfect spot, with a capacity of 147.

Dress Code
When cruising with Carnival Liberty, it’s important to note the dress code. During the day, the dress code is very casual, allowing you to enjoy the onboard activities and the warm weather in comfort. Feel free to wear sleeveless shirts, gym and basketball shorts, baseball hats, bathing suits, and flip-flops.

Evening dress codes on Liberty come in two levels: Cruise Casual and Cruise Elegant. On each sailing, there’s a balance between casual and elegant evenings, so you’ll have the opportunity to dress up if you wish. For more information on what to wear, you can visit the dress code section of the Carnival Cruise Line website.
Related reading: Can You Wear Shorts in the Dining Room on Carnival?
Refurbishments
Even though the Carnival Liberty is one of the older ships in the fleet, it’s kept up to date with regular refurbishments. The most recent refurbishment in 2021 ensured that everything was in good working order and looking good. Refurbishments often include updates to accommodations, dining options, and entertainment venues to match the latest and greatest features on the fleet’s newest ships.
These refurbishments are crucial to maintaining the high standards of the Carnival Cruise Line. They help ensure that even the older vessels like the Carnival Liberty can provide the same level of comfort and enjoyment as the latest additions to the fleet. So, whether you’re on the Carnival Liberty or the newest Carnival cruise ship, you’re in for an amazing cruise experience.
Wrapping It Up
The Carnival Liberty, despite its age, continues to provide an extraordinary experience for its guests. Its impressive facilities, robust deck plans, and numerous entertainment venues make it an outstanding choice for a vacation at sea.
It’s also important to note that Carnival Cruise Line is always innovating. One of its newest additions, a roller coaster at sea, launched in 2021, is a testament to its commitment to providing thrilling experiences for its guests. So, whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller, Carnival Liberty promises a memorable journey.
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I'm Hannah and I've been cruising for as long as I can remember.
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