Ship Comparison
Carnival Glory vs Carnival Liberty
For those seeking a classic Carnival experience with distinct flair, both Glory and Liberty deliver vibrant fun, diverse dining, and engaging entertainment across short, value-packed itineraries.
The verdict
Carnival Glory, with its 2024 refresh, brings a unique, whimsical charm to its short cruises, offering a homey yet energetic atmosphere that delights both first-time and seasoned cruisers. Carnival Liberty, refurbished in 2011, stands out for its consistently excellent service and a well-rounded array of crowd-pleasing activities and dining, ensuring a carefree and engaging vacation for families and social travelers alike. While Glory’s decor is more overtly 'zany,' Liberty provides a slightly more refined, yet still lively, mainstream resort experience.
Choose Carnival Glory if…
Travelers who appreciate distinctive, often quirky design, a lively party atmosphere balanced with relaxed spaces, and excellent complimentary dining options on shorter cruises.
Best for
- Cruisers who appreciate unique, characterful decor and an 'old-school' Carnival charm.
- Families and groups seeking a lively, yet easy-to-navigate ship for shorter cruises.
- First-time cruisers looking for great value and a fun introduction to cruising.
- Guests who enjoy complimentary Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.
Avoid if
- Those who prefer minimalist or ultra-modern ship designs.
- Travelers seeking extensive, quiet, or highly sophisticated enrichment programs.
- Anyone sensitive to potentially crowded areas, especially at the Lido buffet during peak times.
Choose Carnival Liberty if…
Families and social groups looking for a vibrant, activity-rich cruise with consistently good service, diverse dining, and a strong emphasis on entertainment and relaxation zones.
Best for
- Families desiring a ship with abundant, diverse, and well-organized children's and teen programs.
- Guests who prioritize consistently excellent service throughout their cruise.
- Casual foodies looking for a wide array of complimentary and specialty dining options.
- Social travelers seeking lively entertainment, including comedy, karaoke, and dance parties.
Avoid if
- Individuals seeking a very quiet, exclusive, or highly luxurious cruise experience.
- Travelers who prefer a deep cultural immersion specific to destinations over onboard activities.
- Those who dislike crowded popular venues, as many entertainment options are often full.
Overall Vibe
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory, launched in 2003 and refreshed in Spring 2024, carries 2,980 guests across 14 decks. It exudes a wonderfully unique 'old-school charm' with its vibrant, often whimsical Farcusian decor, which, while sometimes bordering on the bizarre, creates an undeniable sense of character. Despite its age, the recent refresh means the ship largely sparkles, offering a homey and relaxed atmosphere that can easily shift into a party-hard mode. It's a vessel that truly stands apart, providing a distinctive backdrop for your cruise memories.
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Liberty, built in 2005 and refurbished in 2011, accommodates 2,974 guests across its 14 decks. This mainstream resort ship offers a consistently vibrant and carefree atmosphere, designed to keep everyone happy and engaged. While its decor is less overtly zany than its sister ship, it maintains a lively energy throughout. Liberty focuses on delivering a wealth of crowd-pleasing options, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable experience where passengers often appear visibly content and thoroughly immersed in their vacation.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Carnival Glory
On Carnival Glory, the atmosphere is a lively blend of party-hard fun and relaxed leisure, particularly suited for its three or four-night cruise circuit. With a capacity for 2,980 guests, the ship fosters a happy and vibrant environment where people can easily mingle or find quiet corners. The unique decor by Joe Farcus contributes to a memorable, almost theatrical setting, making it easy for first-time cruisers to navigate and feel at home amidst the old-school charm.
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Liberty, with 2,974 guests and a dedicated crew of 1,160, maintains a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere. The ship buzzes with energy, offering an abundance of activities and dining options that keep passengers happily engaged. While lively, there are also dedicated spaces like the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat for those seeking peace. The overall vibe is carefree and social, appealing to a broad range of cruisers looking for consistent fun and excellent service without excessive formality.
Dining
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory offers a robust selection of dining experiences, with standout complimentary options like Guy's Burger Joint for poolside burgers and BlueIguana Cantina for fresh Mexican fare. The main dining rooms, Golden and Platinum Restaurants, serve Modern American cuisine with international twists, including a popular Sea Day Brunch. For a fee, guests can indulge in the Emerald Room Steakhouse, Seafood Shack, or the exclusive Chef's Table. Pizza Pirate is available 24/7, and JavaBlue Cafe offers specialty coffees and pastries.
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Liberty boasts a diverse culinary landscape, with many of its most popular venues included in the fare. Guests consistently praise Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina for their delicious, made-to-order meals. The Emile's Lido Buffet, also complimentary, features varied stations including the popular Mongolian Wok and Ol' Fashioned BBQ. For a surcharge, the Diamonds Steakhouse offers a gourmet experience, and The Chef's Table provides an intimate, multi-course dinner. Pizza Pirate and Room Service (with a free menu) ensure food is always within reach.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Carnival Glory
Entertainment on Carnival Glory is designed for continuous fun. The Amber Palace Main Show Lounge hosts high-energy Playlist Productions and popular game shows. For comedy, The Punchliner Comedy Club offers both family-friendly and adult-only shows. Nightlife heats up at the White Heat Dance Club and The Cinn-A-Bar Piano Bar, with live music found throughout. Outdoors, Carnival WaterWorks provides splashy fun, and Dive-In Movies offer films under the stars. The Camel Club Casino is also a popular spot for gaming.
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Liberty offers a packed entertainment schedule, ensuring there's always something to do. The Venetian Palace Main Lounge presents Broadway-style Playlist Productions and various game shows. The Punchlines Comedy Club is a consistent hit, and karaoke at The Stage Bar draws enthusiastic crowds. For sports enthusiasts, the SkyBox Sports Bar is a unique feature. The Czar's Palace Casino is bustling nightly, and the Hot & Cool Nightclub keeps the party going. Dive-In Movies on the Lido Deck are a family favorite, alongside the water slide and numerous trivia games.
Cabins & Suites
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory offers a range of accommodations across 14 decks, totaling 1,487 cabins. All staterooms, from Interior to the opulent Captain's Suites, were refreshed in 2024 with new soft furnishings and bedding, along with modern conveniences like dual USB ports and 120V outlets. Suites like the Ocean Suite (275 sq ft with a 65 sq ft balcony) and Grand Suite (345 sq ft with an 85 sq ft balcony) offer VIP perks. The Captain's Suites are particularly spacious at 548 sq ft with a 258 sq ft balcony, providing expansive views and two bathrooms, including a whirlpool tub.
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Liberty features 1,487 cabins and suites across its decks, all comfortably furnished. Standard cabins are roomy, ranging from 185 to 220 square feet, with beds convertible to a king and ample storage. Bathrooms in non-suite categories feature showers, while all suites boast whirlpool tubs and double sinks. The Captain's Suite is notably expansive at 750 sq ft, sleeping five with two rooms and two full baths. Other suites like the Junior Suite (340 sq ft) and Ocean Suite (275 sq ft) also provide generous space and upgraded amenities, including priority services.
Service & Onboard Style
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory maintains a homey and approachable onboard style, where the dedicated stateroom attendants ensure comfort and convenience. The service is attentive, especially for suite guests who enjoy VIP check-in and priority boarding. While the decor is distinctly vibrant and sometimes zany, it contributes to a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. Crew members are generally helpful, aiming to provide a friendly and efficient experience, embodying Carnival's fun-focused cruise philosophy.
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Liberty is consistently praised for its excellent service onboard, with a crew of 1,160 attentive individuals dedicated to guest satisfaction. From dedicated room stewards to a staff that keeps passengers happy and engaged, the service is a standout feature. The ship's onboard style is vibrant and carefree, balancing lively public spaces with tranquil retreats like Serenity. Suite guests benefit from VIP check-in and priority services, enhancing the personalized experience for those seeking a touch of luxury.
Best Itineraries
Carnival Glory
Carnival Glory is ideally suited for shorter cruises, particularly its three or four-night circuit to destinations like the Bahamas. These itineraries offer a perfect blend of fun-filled sea days and exciting port visits, making it an excellent choice for a quick getaway. The ship's robust offering of dining and entertainment ensures that every moment onboard is utilized, providing a concentrated dose of vacation enjoyment for those seeking a brief, vibrant escape.
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Liberty offers a variety of itineraries, including those focused on the Bahamian experience. While specific durations aren't detailed as a primary feature, the ship's comprehensive range of activities and dining options makes it versatile for different cruise lengths. Its crowd-pleasing amenities and excellent service ensure that no matter the destination, guests will have a memorable and enjoyable journey, whether exploring new ports or simply soaking up the fun onboard.
What reviewers say
Carnival Glory
4/5Carnival Glory reveals itself to be the perfect ship for a three or four-night cruise, offering a compelling mix of cozy public rooms, well-kept staterooms, and unique décor. This creates a perfect experience that rivals newer vessels, providing a happy, relaxed atmosphere for any traveler seeking fun or a quiet escape.
Carnival Liberty
4.5/5Launched in 2005 and refurbished in 2011, Carnival Liberty makes the most of its $500 million overhaul with crowd-pleasing options at every turn. The carefree atmosphere and abundance of activities make it a great value.
Itineraries to compare
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Carnival Glory
Carnival Liberty
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

Ship Guide
Carnival Glory: Ideal for Shorter, Fun-Filled Cruises
Experience a happy, relaxed atmosphere on Carnival Glory's 3 or 4-night cruises, perfect for fun or a quiet escape.

Ship Guide
Carnival Liberty: Carefree Cruises with Great Value
Enjoy a voyage filled with crowd-pleasing activities and diverse dining options at an excellent price.
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