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- Carnival Liberty
Carnival Liberty ®
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We think you should have a great time at sea. Carnival Liberty feels the same way! This is one ship that’s ready to put its fun where your vacation is, with plenty of ways to enjoy your time away. All day long, Carnival Liberty can be found serving up signature burgers designed by Guy Fieri, right there at Guy's Burger Joint ™ — and look! — just over there is SkyBox ™ Sports Bar: a double-header of a sports bar that brings together live sports on TV and lively sports-gaming competition... oh, not to mention great drinks! Enjoy BlueIguana Cantina ™ tacos and burritos on Lido deck — made fresh, and fast, while you wait — plus two great bars: one rum-slinging, one tequila-wielding, both dueling for your heart. That's right: just a quick stroll from RedFrog Rum Bar ® you’ll find BlueIguana Tequila Bar ™ . On the entertainment side of things, Carnival Liberty features two of our best, live on stage. First there's Playlist Productions ™ , where pros sing and dance their hearts out, performing high-energy themed revues of tunes you know, backed by amazing visual effects. Then there's Punchliner ™ Comedy Club where you'll find some real pros who know how to wedge a little laughter into anyone’s evening. Kids have three unique youth spaces where they can hang out with others their age and enjoy supervised activities, games and more. You might call Carnival Liberty a vacation spot that's just full of great vacation spots... and we'd agree!
- 110,000 Gross Tonnage
- 2974 Guest Capacity
- 952 Length In Feet
- 1160 Onboard Crew
INSIDE THIS SHIP
Just like a delicious cake, your ship is made of layers. Find out which fun ingredients — staterooms, dining, activities — go into each deck.
YOUR STATEROOM
Interior with picture window (walkway view).
Every room includes:
- Dedicated stateroom attendant
- Soft, cozy linens
- Plenty of closet and drawer space
- In-room safe for valuables
- Stateroom climate control
Interior Upper/Lower (Porthole)
Interior upper/lower, ocean view (obstructed view), premium vista balcony.
Premium Vista Balcony staterooms were designed to wrap around the aft corners of Carnival Liberty, giving you a unique vantage point from which to enjoy luxuriously panoramic views of the sky and the sea — and yes, take in even more of that sunshine.
Premium Balcony
Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Liberty and it’s easy to see exactly what you’re getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. It’s about more than just the room itself, you’ll find… step onto your oversized balcony and you’ll find that when there’s a sea breeze in your hair, there’s no limit to the relaxation you can have.
Aft-View Extended Balcony
Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, more kick-back space… not to even mention some of the best stern-side views you'll find anywhere. Get ready to relax as you gaze upon Carnival Liberty's gentle wake from your spacious balcony.
Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you’re looking to cruise aboard Carnival Liberty. Any time you’re in your room, you’re just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.
Captain's Suite
This is the best room you can get… without bunking up with the guy himself. A Captain’s Suite aboard Carnival Liberty features tons of indoor space, and a huge balcony when you need a little more. Back inside you’ll find a king-size bed, two full bathrooms (one with whirlpool tub), plus a separate living room that sleeps another three. And VIP check-in? Naturally.
Amenities exclusive to suites:
- Priority check-in and boarding
- Priority Main Dining Room time assignment
- Priority debarkation at homeport, and ports of call requiring a water shuttle or with arrival times later than 9:30 Am
- Two large bottles of water
- Pillow-top mattress
Plus, every room includes:
Grand Suite
A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Liberty features even more space than the standard suite — plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and even a convenient dressing area with vanity.
Ocean Suite
A Carnival Liberty suite is the ultimate way to cruise. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub.
Junior Suite
As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Liberty, you can't help but feel that you're stepping into full-size luxury, just in a smaller package. In a Carnival Liberty Junior Suite you'll find everything there is to love about a suite, including VIP check-in, a walk-in closet, a full-size balcony... and even a whirlpool tub for relaxing.
ONBOARD ACTIVITIES
Onboard dining, where to for you.
This ship is always visiting great vacation spots. Where will your next vacation take you?
* Taxes and fees are included.
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Carnival Liberty deck plans
Deck layouts, review of facilities, activities, amenities.
Carnival Liberty deck plan review at CruiseMapper provides newest cruise deck plans (2024-2025-2026 valid floor layouts of the vessel) extracted from the officially issued by Carnival Cruise Line deckplan pdf (printable version).
Each of the Carnival Liberty cruise ship deck plans are conveniently combined with a legend (showing cabin codes) and detailed review of all the deck's venues and passenger-accessible indoor and outdoor areas. A separate link provides an extensive information on Carnival Liberty staterooms (cabins and suites), including photos, cabin plans and amenities by room type and category.
Carnival Liberty (2004-built, last refurbished in 2021 September, Fun Ship 2.0 refurbishment 2016 December) is the fourth of all five Conquest-class Carnival cruise ships – together with Conquest , Freedom , Glory , and Valor . Liberty ship was the first Carnival cruise ship to feature the line’s latest “Fun Ship 2.0” upgrades.
Carnival Liberty cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 1487 staterooms for 2978 passengers (max capacity is 3574) served by 1150 crew-staff. The boat has 13 passenger decks (8 with cabins), 22 lounges and bars, 4 swimming pools (one with retractable glass roof), 7 outdoor Jacuzzis (large whirlpool hot tubs), 18 elevators.
Carnival Victory decks with passenger cabins have a total of 52 Suites, 521 Balconies, 337 Oceanviews, 577 Inside cabins, Self Service Laundromats (passenger-use launderettes). Laundry facilities are at extra-charge – $3,25 (per washer or dryer load) and $1,5 per box (detergent/water softener, dispensed from the vending machine in the room). Launderettes (open between 6:30 am – 12 midnight) are located on all cabin decks. Each laundry room is equipped with 2-3 washers, 2-3 dryers, 1 ironing board/iron. All laundry machines accept coins only (can’t be operated using S&S cards). While the ship is in port, washing machines are closed (only dryers and irons can be used). Valet laundry service is handled through the cabin steward. Prices are per item – wash-and-press ($2 – $7,50) and dry-cleaning ($3 – $10,50).
Drydock 2016 was in in the period December 1-16.
In 2021 (October) Carnival Liberty was drydocked at Navantia Shipyard ( Cadiz Spain ), mainly for general maintenance (technical and routine) works and also repainting (received CCL's new livery).
Deck layouts
Deck 01 - riviera-cabins, deck 02 - main-cabins, deck 03 - lobby-dining1, deck 04 - atlantic-dining2-teens, deck 05 - promenade-lounge-casino-shops, deck 06 - upper-cabins, deck 07 - empress-cabins, deck 08 - verandah-cabins-bridge, deck 09 - lido-pools-cabins, deck 10 - panorama-cabins-waterslide, deck 11 - spa-cabins-sports, deck 12 - serenity1-sundeck-kids, deck 14 - serenity2-skydeck.
Carnival Liberty deck plans are property of Carnival Cruise Line . All deck layouts are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.
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Carnival Liberty
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About Carnival Liberty
Bring the whole family, because the 110,000-ton, 2,978-guest Carnival Liberty offers a fabulous cruise vacation for everyone. Upgrades to this Conquest Class ship in 2011 included a top-to-bottom makeover, with such new features as an assortment of unique bars with diverse offerings, chic lounges and dining venues — including a poolside burger joint. One of her highlights is a stunning nine-deck-high atrium that is crowned by a huge chandelier with octopus-like arms with lights that continuously change color.
Super amenities add to a fabulous vacation experience where you can be as active as you like or simply relax and soak up the sun at the four swimming pools. Thrill-seekers will love the 214-foot, three deck high waterslide and drencher, sure to delight the kids and those young at heart. Catch some rays and melt your cares away at the seven whirlpools.
The ship offers a host of supervised activities for kids designed according to their age group — like a summer camp at sea. Teens also have their own area where they can listen to music, dance and play games at the video arcade.
Carnival Liberty boasts plenty of places to enjoy conversation with new-found friends. She features 22 bars, including one for wine enthusiasts, and several comfy lounges, some with an elegant ambiance. Designed for pure pampering, the immense spa offers an extensive menu of relaxing treatments and the fitness center has state-of-the art equipment. Escape from the daily routine as you melt your cares away at the blissful adults-only retreat where you can watch the passing views from a comfortable lounger as you sip on a refreshing cocktail.
Savor a variety of dining options that include a pair of two-level main dining rooms, an intimate steakhouse and a two-story Lido buffet boasting a variety of food stations for American, Italian and Asian dishes as well as pizza, burgers, New York-style deli sandwiches, plus more. Specialty restaurants include a New York-style supper club and another for Mexican cuisine. Delicious hot pizza is available 24/7 as well as room service.
Make yourself at home in a variety of accommodations, all with comfortable furniture with light wood and generous storage space. The ship features a high percentage of oceanview staterooms and some with private balconies. Watch first-run movies on the TV from your super comfy bed.
Exciting entertainment includes a huge disco, a fun piano bar where you can join in on singalongs, a game show that the family can enjoy together and watch movies, concerts and sports events on a jumbo 270-square-foot LED screen for an incredible experience. Try your luck at the slots and other exciting games at the exciting casino, share the laughs at the comedy club and chill-out at the jazz club.
Feel the freedom as you experience the cruise of a lifetime on the fabulous Carnival Liberty.
Cruise on the Carnival Liberty to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
Captain's Suite
This is the best room you can get… without bunking up with the guy himself. A Captain’s Suite aboard Carnival Liberty features tons of indoor space, and a huge balcony when you need a little more. Back inside you’ll find a king-size bed, two full bathrooms (one with whirlpool tub), plus a separate living room that sleeps another three. And VIP check-in? Naturally.
Grand Suite
A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Liberty features even more space than the standard suite — plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and even a convenient dressing area with vanity.
Ocean Suite
A Carnival Liberty suite is the ultimate way to cruise. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub.
Junior Suite
As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Liberty, you can't help but feel that you're stepping into full-size luxury, just in a smaller package. In a Carnival Liberty Junior Suite you'll find everything there is to love about a suite, including VIP check-in, a walk-in closet, a full-size balcony... and even a whirlpool tub for relaxing.
Premium Vista Balcony
Premium Vista Balcony staterooms were designed to wrap around the aft corners of Carnival Liberty, giving you a unique vantage point from which to enjoy luxuriously panoramic views of the sky and the sea — and yes, take in even more of that sunshine.
Premium Balcony
Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Liberty and it’s easy to see exactly what you’re getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. It’s about more than just the room itself, you’ll find… step onto your oversized balcony and you’ll find that when there’s a sea breeze in your hair, there’s no limit to the relaxation you can have.
Aft-View Extended Balcony
Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, more kick-back space… not to even mention some of the best stern-side views you'll find anywhere. Get ready to relax as you gaze upon Carnival Liberty's gentle wake from your spacious balcony.
Balcony Staterooms
Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you’re looking to cruise aboard Carnival Liberty. Any time you’re in your room, you’re just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.
Oceanview Stateroom
A picture window gives you views of scenery you won’t find anywhere on land, all from the comfort of your stateroom.Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television, Stateroom climate control.
Interior with Picture Window (walkway view)
Your picture window gives you a view beyond your stateroom, to the observation deck outside, including a great sky view. (Note: view will be partially obstructed.)Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television, Stateroom climate control.
Inside Stateroom
This is an affordable way to cruise without leaving out the comfort or convenience! Great for curling up after a long day of fun.Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television, Stateroom climate control.
Inside Porthole
A pair of round windows in your room give you the classic seafarer’s view times two, a view of the ocean without breaking the budget.Dedicated stateroom attendant, Soft, cozy linens, Plenty of closet and drawer space, In-room safe for valuables, Television Stateroom climate control.
Upper/Lower Inside Stateroom
These staterooms are great for a pair of cruisers on a budget, creatively maximizing space with a different layout — featuring one Twin bed, and either an upper Pullman or sofa bed.
View Deck Plan
Emile's Lido Restaurant
Deck: 9 Lido
Emile's Lido Restaurant.
Golden Olympian Restaurant
Decks: 3 Lobby 4 Atlantic
Golden Olympian Restaurant.
Silver Olympian Restaurant
Decks: 4 Atlantic 3 Lobby
Silver Olympian Restaurant.
Jardin Cafe
Deck: 5 Promenade
Jardin Cafe.
Dining Room Annex
Deck: 3 Lobby
which side does the fork go on?” is a question you’ll never have to ask at a dining room dinner aboard a Carnival cruise… we set the table for you. We also bring to the table a full three courses in an experience that’s filling, but never stuffy — after all, you’re just as likely to catch waiters table-dancing as you are to order dessert.
Seafood Shack
A good seafood dish is quite the catch. However you like yours served — whether it’s on a roll or a platter — Seafood Shack’s the place to cast your net. Imagine a New-England-style seaside spot where you can take it all in, enjoying a great meal complete with a side of ocean view. On a Carnival cruise is where you’ll find this shack by the sea, wherever in the world you happen to be
Grand buffet
Grand buffet.
Mongolian Wok
Chow down on some delicious Asian goodness. First, select your noodles and veggies. Then tell one of our chefs which sauce and meat you want in the wok. Will it be mussels and Szechuan? Beef and Thai barbecue? Chicken and black bean? Don’t worry, the decision doesn’t have to be final — you can come back to Mongolian Wok and try all the combos your heart desires!
Guy's Burger Joint
We went looking for someone to help us grill up the best burgers at sea, and we found just the guy. Carnival has teamed up with best-selling author, restaurateur and Food Network personality Guy Fieri to bring all the authentic appeal of a roadside burger shack to Guy’s Burger Joint, the cool poolside spot for hot burgers and hand-cut fries. Try a fresh-off-the-grill burger Guy’s way, or take it off-road to our toppings bar and truly make it your own.
Blue Iguana Cantina
Nobody knows Mexican dining like a blue iguana. Well, our blue iguana, at least. That’s why it should come as no surprise that the BlueIguana Cantina features freshly made tacos and burritos stuffed specially for your enjoyment. Throw our homemade tortillas and salsa into the mix, and you have a casual dining experience that will make you say “mmmm” (which is actually Iguanese for “more, please”).Nobody knows Mexican dining like a blue iguana. Well, our blue iguana, at least. That’s why it should come as no surprise that the BlueIguana Cantina features freshly made tacos and burritos stuffed specially for your enjoyment. Throw our homemade tortillas and salsa into the mix, and you have a casual dining experience that will make you say “mmmm” (which is actually Iguanese for “more, please”).
Diamonds Steakhouse
Deck: 10 Panorama
Turn your special vacation in the direction of delicious — book a table for an unforgettably delectable evening at the Steakhouse. Our menu features mouthwatering premium cuts of beef cooked to your exact specifications, as well as a fantastic selection of seafood, entrées, gourmet appetizers and an extensive wine list. The atmosphere pairs remarkably well with — and perhaps even enhances — the culinary creations of our gourmet chefs.
Ol'Fashioned BBQ
Ol'Fashioned BBQ.
Venetian Palace Main Lounge
Decks: 4 Atlantic 3 Lobby 5 Promenade
Venetian Palace Main Lounge.
Czars Palace Casino
Play cards like a pro at Carnival Liberty's Czar's Palace Casino. Poker's not your game? There's craps, blackjack, roulette, slots and more.
Antiquarian Library
Deck: 4 Atlantic
Antiquarian Library.
Art Gallery
Tapestry Conference Room
Tapestry Conference Room.
Hot & Cool Nightclub
Hot & Cool Nightclub.
Coney Island Pool
Coney Island Pool.
Tivoli Pool
Tivoli Pool.
Versailles Pool
Versailles Pool.
The Promenade
The Promenade.
Video Arcade
If you love to play video games we've got just the spot for you - no matter your age. Enjoy our video arcade which is equipped with the latest high-tech video and arcade games.
Photo Gallery
Our photo gallery is located on the Atlantic deck and loaded with some of your best Carnival Liberty moments. Pick your favorites; then take home your fondest and funnest memories.
Club O2. Hang out doing stuff like watching movies, listening to music from this decade, playing sports and video games, joining karaoke jam sessions… maybe even attending Carnival’s version of prom, all with other high schoolers ages 15 to 17.
Shore Excursions
Shore Excursions.
The Fun Shops
The Fun Shops.
Decks: 9 Lido 10 Panorama 11 Spa
When it comes to complete relaxation from the inside out, nothing beats a trip to the spa. From the minute you step inside, the soothing ambiance begins to work its magic. Renew yourself with premium beauty and wellness therapies, like hot stone massages, aromatherapy or full-body wraps. This is your time to be spoiled, indulged and even beautified. Lie back, close your eyes, and feel the stress sail away as your body and mind experience total tranquility. (Oh yeah, and this feel-good stuff isn’t just for the ladies — dudes, there are plenty of treatments on our menu for you too.)
Flowers Lobby
Flowers Lobby.
Piano Man Bar
Piano Man Bar.
Promenade Bar
Promenade Bar.
The Cabinet Bar
The Cabinet Bar.
Decks: 3 Lobby 5 Promenade
Victoria Aft Lounge
Victoria Aft Lounge.
The Garden Atrium
Decks: 4 Atlantic 5 Promenade
First impressions are important — everyone knows that. We’ll let you in on a little secret: that’s why it’s so important to us that the atrium, your first taste of your Carnival cruise, tastes like ‘wow.’ From the moment you step aboard, the atrium — the heart of the ship — simply screams “welcome aboard!” It screams it with hustle, with bustle,
What does the “C” in Circle “C” stand for? Well, “chill,” “connect” and “cool,” just to name a few. It’s where young teens ages 12 to 14 go to hang out, meet new friends, and enjoy some pretty awesome activities like dance parties, games, outdoor movies and more, in the special Circle “C” area or around the ship. It’s all supervised by friendly and fun-loving counselors who want your young teens to have the best vacation ever.
Conservatory Aft Atrium
Decks: 4 Atlantic 5 Promenade 3 Lobby
Conservatory Aft Atrium.
The Stage Bar
The Stage Bar.
Sky Box Sports Bar
Sky Box Sports Bar.
Cherry on Top
A cruise is the perfect time to treat yourself to something sweet, and Cherry On Top™ happens to be the perfect place. You'll find this well-stocked candy-and-more-store not only great for enjoying some of your confectionery favorites, but the place to pick up food and apparel gifts for that special someone, even if — admit it — that someone happens to be you.
Decks: 6 Upper 7 Empress 8 Verandah 9 Lido 10 Panorama
The Garden.
Red Frog Rum Bar
Guests have told us we hit on something special with the cool Caribbean chill of the RedFrog Pub. We've taken the best parts and brought them poolside with the RedFrog Rum Bar, where the frog keeps the fun hopping day and night with all the island flava you know and love. Join the party at this poolside bar featuring a great selection of frog-approved Caribbean rum-based concoctions available by the glass or pitcher, plus plenty of Carnival’s signature private-label draft beer, ThirstyFrog Red.
Carnival Seaside Theater
Carnival Seaside Theater.
Sliding Sky Dome
Sliding Sky Dome.
Deck: 11 Spa
Jogging Track
Jogging may not immediately come to mind when you think of things to do at sea, but it probably should. You don’t have to walk on water, you just have to get on a Carnival cruise. After all, if you’re going to jog, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place to do it with a more scenic view, or a more refreshing breeze — both of these are available in abundance when you go for an open-air jog on the upper-deck. Jogging tracks are available on all Carnival ships, and are even padded for long-distance comfort.
Sports Deck
Sports Deck.
Fitness Center
We have some bad news for you — your ship has a gym. In other words, there’s no excuse for leaving your fitness routine back on land. That’s great news, however, for your body, which will definitely benefit from all the extra energy that vacationing pumps directly into you. And let’s not forget the extra time you’ll have, since you won’t be waking up and spending most of the day at the office or anything like that.
Massage Room
Cruising always feels good, but it doesn’t usually — ooh, right there. Right where? Sorry, we’re at the onboard spa, where they do these amazing massages by hand. But they don’t just stop there — they’ve got tools to enhance the benefits too. Select from different hands-on experiences featuring seaweed for detox, herbal poultice for energy, bamboo for deep tissue penetration and hot stones for — ahhh — for perfection. We know you’re all about feeling good, and so are these massages.
Fitness Studio
Fitness Studio.
Beauty Salon
A trip to the salon is an opportunity to relax, to chat with others, to focus on yourself. It’s about more than just getting your hair or nails done… but it’s definitely about getting your hair or nails done! Even though you’re on vacation, you won’t have to settle for anything less than the salon style you’re used to back on land. And these good looks go beyond the usual — we even offer services like teeth whitening… great for taking those ‘I’m on vacation and I’m looking great!’ smiles to the next level.
Deck: 12 Sun
When families cruise Carnival, even the smallest fish in the pond have a big, awesome time. Okay, so it’s actually way more than just a pond — it’s Camp Ocean. At Camp Ocean, 2–11 year-olds stay busy, keep active and have fun as they enjoy all new ocean-themed activities and entertainment made for kids.
Ah, imagine a perfect day out on the links, the golfer's zen of the ball, the hole and nothing in between but well-manicured fairway... plus one cactus, a treasure chest... and wait, is that a windmill in the way? Just who designed this course anyway? Whoever it was, they had one thing in mind — maximum fun for mini-golfers, big and small! That's precisely why you'll find a course on every Carnival ship, where you can hit the holes and take in everything you’d expect, like the sights and the sounds... plus the seagulls.
Decks: 12 Sun 14 Sky
Blue Iguana Tequila Bar
BlueIguana Tequila Bar is the onboard spot to chill and enjoy a slushy tequila drink or an ice-cold Mexican cerveza. The menu offers up Mexican favorites, including several brands of tequila and a slew of Mexican brews. There’s a lineup of frozen concoctions, cocktails and margaritas served by the glass or by the pitcher, and even a special Mexican beer cocktail (yes, really). Where can you find this little slice of Mexican paradise? Next to the pool, of course. So stay cool and take in the bar’s vacation vibe while you kick back on your cruise – that’s what official bar mascot Blue the Iguana would tell you.
Alchemy Bar
No magic spells are required to enjoy a cocktail creation at Alchemy Bar, our unique vintage-themed cocktail "pharmacy" — all you need is a willingness to be surprised, to try something new. We’ve flipped through dusty old texts to uncover enticing combinations: select spirits, fresh juices, infused syrups, spices… and other tantalizing secrets performed before your very eyes by the true mix-masters: our bartenders. Choose a remedy from the menu, or let us prescribe you a custom elixir just for you, with or without alcohol.
Spa Carnival
Spa Carnival.
Guest Services
Guest Services.
Slide Entrance
Deck: 14 Sky
Slide Entrance.
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Carnival Liberty Decks and Cabins
- 5 Promenade
- 10 Panorama
- Click here for ALL
- Small Interior
- Interior with Picture Window
- Premium Balcony
- Ocean Suite
- Grand Suite
- Captains Suite
- Ship info and tracking
- Cabins Check
Built in 2005, the Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Liberty cruise ship weighs 110K tons and has 1489 staterooms for up to 3574 passengers served by 1150 crew . There are 13 passenger decks, 8 with cabins. You can expect a space ratio of 31 gross tons per passenger on this ship. On this page are the current deck plans for Carnival Liberty showing deck plan layouts, public venues and all the types of cabins including pictures and videos.
Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Liberty
Last Drydock: Sep 2021
LIVE SHIP TRACKING
STATEROOM CABINS COMPLETE LIST BELOW
CAPTAINS SUITE
Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 9199
Sleeps up to: 5 2 Cabins Cabin: 512 sqft (48 m 2 ) Balcony: 258 sqft (24 m 2 )
Click for
More Info [+/-]
Deck locations, stateroom cabin features, stateroom cabin perks, grand suite.
Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 7289
Sleeps up to: 3 10 Cabins Cabin: 345 sqft (32 m 2 ) Balcony: 85 sqft (8 m 2 )
OCEAN SUITE
Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 9205
Sleeps up to: 3 42 Cabins Cabin: 275 sqft (26 m 2 ) Balcony: 65 sqft (6 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.
Accessible Info [+/-]
Important size information, more diagrams of this cabin type.
PREMIUM BALCONY
Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 7445
Sleeps up to: 4 8 Cabins Cabin: 185 sqft (17 m 2 ) Balcony: 75 sqft (7 m 2 )
Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 9267
Sleeps up to: 4 531 Cabins Cabin: 185 sqft (17 m 2 ) Balcony: 35 sqft (3 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.
Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 2480
Sleeps up to: 4 309 Cabins Cabin: 220 sqft (21 m 2 )
INTERIOR WITH PICTURE WINDOW
Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 7201
Sleeps up to: 4 19 Cabins Cabin: 170 sqft (16 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.
Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 1216
Sleeps up to: 4 6 Cabins Cabin: 170 sqft (16 m 2 )
Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 6420
Sleeps up to: 2 541 Cabins Cabin: 170 sqft (16 m 2 )
SMALL INTERIOR
Floor Diagram Similar to cabin 1435
Sleeps up to: 2 21 Cabins Cabin: 160 sqft (15 m 2 )
Carnival Liberty Deck Page Menu
Click deck pictures to go to individual cruise deck plan pages where you can see all the public areas, venues and stateroom cabins categories for each deck.
Carnival Liberty Quick Stats
Big picture carnival liberty decks.
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Carnival Liberty Links
- PDF of all the decks
- PDF (choose your own decks)
- Carnival Liberty DECK DRAG
- Carnival Liberty Cabin Check
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Carnival Liberty Cruise Ship
Tripsavvy / Linda Garrison
I sailed the western Caribbean on the Carnival Liberty not long after the first of the 2.0 changes were made to the ship, and I'm happy to say that the cruise line has some winning ideas. The Carnival Liberty was the first of the Carnival Cruise Lines ships to undergo its FunShip 2.0 renovation. Carnival announced in 2011 that the company is investing over $500 million to enhance its fleet over the next several years. I had previously sailed on the Carnival Liberty in 2006, so it was interesting to see the changes made to the ship.
First, Carnival has partnered with some big names to bring new entertainment and dining options to the ships. Comedian George Lopez consulted on the hiring of comedic talent, and Food Network television star Guy Fieri introduced a new free outdoor grill on the ships called Guy's Burger Joint. Video game fans will recognize the name EA Sports. Carnival has worked with this company to develop a new sports bar concept, aptly named the EA Sports Bar. This bar is next to the casino where the former sports bar, Gloves, was located. This new bar has a whole wall of flat screen monitors for watching sports action, playing trivia games, or competing in video games. Finally, under license from Hasbro, Inc., Carnival will create Hasbro, The Game Show , a new series of entertainment activities based on the popular Family Game Night television show from The Hub.
In addition to the big-name consultants, Carnival added two new outdoor bars to the Carnival Liberty. These fun spots are located next to the Lido deck pool. The RedFrog Rum Bar is a poolside version of the RedFrog Pub on the Carnival Magic . Rum may be a popular Caribbean libation, but tequila is also a favorite. So, Carnival has also added the BlueIguana Tequila bar on the Carnival Liberty on the opposite side of the pool. I love Mexican food, so was delighted to see the new BlueIguana Cantina. This complimentary poolside dining destination offers freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas, along with a nice salsa bar with a variety of toppings.
Overall, I loved the enhancements made to the Carnival Liberty, and I think my fellow cruisers on our western Caribbean cruise did too. The new bars were packed with patrons, and the new dining venues were terrific. Although some of the entertainment changes will evolve over the next few months and years, the plans are intriguing and the future looks FUN for those who sail with Carnival.
Let's take a tour of the Carnival Liberty.
- Dining and Cuisine
- Interior Common Areas
- Exterior Common Areas
- Onboard Activities and Entertainment
Carnival Liberty - Cabin
We were in Carnival Liberty balcony cabin #8389 and were well pleased with this cabin. The balcony was large enough for two chairs and a small table. The cabin was quiet, and we had plenty of storage space. The cabin was made up with a queen-sized bed, which could be separated into twin beds. The stateroom also had a nice sofa, cocktail table, storage shelves, flat-screen television, and dressing table. The television had several news and movie channels. The closets were large enough for two people, although the hangar configuration was inconvenient since you couldn't take the hangers out of the closet. I guess some people must steal hangars from cruise ships just like they do from hotels or otherwise the cruise line would make the hangars easier to use.
The cabin was quite comfortable and had good lighting. The dressing table only had one plug-in, but I had brought along a power strip to hook up all my electrical equipment (camera, computer, phone, etc.), so we were fine.
The bathroomhad a shower with a curtain. The sink area had shelves for all our toiletries, and a makeup/shaving mirror, which I always like to see in a cruise ship cabin. The bathroom came equipped with all sorts of small packages of sample items, and the shower had a container of shower gel and shampoo. I had to use my own shower cap, so was glad I brought one along.
The Carnival Liberty has 20 different price categories among the seven different types of cabins, ranging from inside cabins to luxurious suites. Over 500 cabins are balconied such as ours was.
Carnival Liberty - Dining and Cuisine
Overall, I thought the Carnival Liberty dining options and food quality were very good on our western Caribbean cruise . Just imagine serving 3,000 hungry people 24 hours per day!
The numerous dining options on the Carnival Liberty are varied and diverse. Here's a list of the mouth-watering places you can dine each day:
- Golden Olympian Dining Room
- Silver Olympian Dining Room
- Emile's Bistro
- Blue Iguana Cantina
- Mongolian Wok
- Fish & Chips
- Guy's Burger Joint
- Harry's Steakhouse
- Origami Sushi Bar
- Jardin Cafe
- Chef's Table
- Room Service
Since we were usually anxious to get ashore and go exploring, we ate breakfast in the buffet-style Emile's Bistro. It had all the standard fare, including an omelet station. Although most of the other passengers also ate in Emile's for breakfast, the buffet lines were manageable; we never had to wait too long.
The Carnival Liberty had many options for lunch, and we tried them all. One of the main dining rooms was open for lunch on sea days, but most passengers enjoyed a casual lunch either by the pool or in the food court area at Emile's on the Lido Deck. Emile's had a buffet lunch with many diverse options, and the deli, pizza bar, and Mongolian Wok are nearby. The Mongolian Wok is a favorite of many cruisers (like me), but the lines often are long. The wait is worth it, but you might want to try it the first day or on a port day, when not as many people are on the ship. The BlueIguana Cantina has excellent burritos and tacos, with a great self-serve salsa bar. My husband loved the fried oysters and seafood soups at the Fish & Chips bar on deck 10 upstairs from Emile's. My favorite casual lunch spot was Guy's Burger Joint, where you'll find the best burgers at sea. There was certainly something for everyone!
Dinner was our favorite meal. We ate in the Silver Olympian Dining Room, but had dined in the "anytime dining" Golden Olympian Dining Room on a previous cruise of the Mediterranean on the Carnival Liberty. Both are excellent and lovely dining venues. The food was delicious, and the portion sizes just right. Our waiters remembered our names and usual requests (white wine, decaf coffee, etc.) from the first night. They anticipated our needs and were exceptional.
We ate at Harry's Steakhouse ($30 per person cover charge) one night. The presentation and taste of the food was marvelous, and the cover charge hasn't changed since 2006 when I dined there before. One word of caution--the portion sizes are larger than those in the main dining rooms, and you will need to allow at least two hours for dinner. Was it worth the $30 extra? We all agreed it was, but others might not.
The Jardin Cafe and Origami Sushi Bar are along the Promenade aft on deck 5. The Jardin Cafe is a patisserie that serves delicious snacks and specialty coffees for an extra fee. Origami features fresh complimentary sushi rolls most evenings between 5 and 8:15 pm. Since we had dinner at 8:15 each night, Origami was a good place to have a snack before getting cleaned up for the evening.
We did not try the Chef's Table since the reservations are limited, but it sounds like a very special experience. Up to 12 guests enjoy wine and hors d'ouevres in the galley with the ship's chef de cuisine. The group then get a personalized tour of the galley with the chef and get to see the galley in action, something usually missed on regular galley tours. The evening concludes with a memorable dinner with appetizers, entrees, and desserts designed by Carnival's master chefs specifically for the Chef's Table dinner. The Chef's Table is $75 per person and can be booked at the Guest Services Desk. Doesn't the evening sound marvelous?
Room service is available 24 hours per day on the Carnival Liberty at no extra charge. Since breakfast is the most popular room service meal, it's a good idea to use the card provided in the cabin to order the night before. You can't order off the regular dining room menu as you can on small luxury ships, but the room service menu has a nice selection of items that will carry you over until the next meal.
Carnival Liberty - Interior Common Areas
The interiors of the Carnival Liberty are mostly bright, contributing to the overall fun environment. The soaring atrium is filled with flowers (artificial) and a huge chandelier with lights of changing colors. It's very festive and a great atmosphere for cruising the Caribbean !
The Carnival Liberty has many lounges spread throughout the ship. The Venetian Palace is the large show lounge, with good seating spread over three decks. The Venetian theme is carried over to the two jesters on either side of the stage and the cute tables shaped like Carnival masks. This show lounge is used for evening entertainment and popular activities like bingo. The Victoria Lounge is the second largest lounge and is like a cabaret, with comedy shows and live music karaoke. Next to the Victoria Lounge is The Stage, which was used as a venue for live Latin music on our cruise. Downstairs from these two venues is The Cabinet, which has nice seating, a dance floor, and is used for karaoke, magic shows, and various other entertainment. The Hot & Cool nightclub and disco is a busy place in the late evening.
The smaller indoor bars feature all sorts of fun themes. The lively Piano Bar has sing-a-longs around its huge "piano". Those looking for a quiet bar will enjoy the Alchemy Bar with its fascinating assortment of premium drinks. The EA Sports Bar (previously called "Gloves") has sixteen 46-inch flat screens, perfect for watching sports or playing video games. We liked sitting in either the Promenade or Flower Lobby bars in the evening because the people-watching was so much fun!
The Carnival Liberty has a nice Internet lounge tucked away behind The Cabinet on deck 4. The ship has WiFi available shipwide (for a fee), and many people either used their own laptops or tablets to access the Internet.
Like most large ships, the Carnival Liberty has a large casino and shopping arcade, both on the popular Promenade Deck. The ship also has conference rooms, a lovely small library that seems to only be open an hour or so a day, and a card room.
The Carnival Liberty spa, salon, and gym are forward on deck 11. The gym features good views of the sea and a nice selection of all the latest workout equipment. Classes are
Kids sailing on the Carnival Liberty have their own age-appropriate areas. The Club O2 age group (ages 15-17) have the exclusive use of a lounge on the deck 5 Promenade. It features bar stools shaped like Duracell batteries. This lounge is conveniently located next to the video arcade. The Circle C age group (12-14) also have their own lounge on deck 4. I'm sure the older teens are glad these two lounges aren't TOO close! The younger kids' Camp Carnival is indoors forward on deck 12 near the adults-only Serenity outdoor deck area.
It's really fun to just take a deck plan of the Carnival Liberty (obtained at embarkation or at the guest services desk) and just explore the interiors of the ship.
Carnival Liberty - Outdoor Areas
The Carnival Liberty cruises the sunny Caribbean year-round, so its outdoor areas can get very busy when the weather is good. The ship has two large swimming pools on the Lido Deck--one midship pool and the other Versailles Pool next to the pizza bar aft of Emile's Bistro buffet. The Carnival Liberty also has a large water slide , kiddie pool, and several hot tubs.
The busiest bars on our western Caribbean cruise were the BlueIguana Tequila Bar and the RedFrog Rum Bar . These two outdoor drinking venues flank either side of the Lido deck pool and were added during the 2011 renovation. What a great idea to have two such fun places outdoors, and the friendly competition between the "blue" iguana and "red" frog carryover to several activities during the cruise. Those looking for a drink certainly don't have to go far. The large outdoor Seaside theater screen is also next to the Lido deck pool.
Serenity is the adults-only area forward on deck 12. There is no extra charge to use this facility, and it has padded lounge chairs, double clamshell lounges , hammocks, and two large hot tubs . It's a great place to escape the hubbub on the Lido deck.
Guests who get tired of lounging around, drinking, or enjoying the pool and hot tubs might want to escape to the sports deck aft on deck 11. There, they can jog , play miniature golf, basketball, or volleyball.
Carnival Liberty - Onboard Activities and Entertainment
The Carnival Liberty has all sorts of non-stop activities on our western Caribbean cruise , most of which you would expect on a large mega-ship. The swimming pool and deck areas were terrific, and the Carnival Liberty features one of the large, on-deck movie screens over the midship pool . It was much like being at a drive-in theater (without the cars and making out). Videos, in-house talk shows, and news were shown in the daytime, with a movie featured each evening.
Those looking for a quiet place on deck sought out the Versailles Pool or the forward adults-only Serenity deck area.
The Carnival Liberty gym and spa were forward on deck 11. The spa had all the usual massages and treatments, including a cruise-long "spa seminar" that featured classes on everything from weight loss to detoxification to teeth whitening. The gym had all the latest equipment (including spinning for a fee). Pilates and yoga classes also had a fee, but the rest of the classes and machines were included in the cruise fare. The gym also featured a great view.
Days at sea could be filled with bingo, art auctions, funny contests by the pool, dance classes, or gambling in the casino.
What we didn't see on the Liberty (and didn't expect) were educational classes or enrichment lecturers. Although the television and daily FunTimes newspaper included information on each port of call, the focus was mostly on Carnival's shore excursions or shopping recommendations. Those preferring to learn about the ports or tour on their own will need to do independent research.
The Venetian Palace is the Carnival Liberty's show lounge. The seats are comfortable, with good sight lines, and the room has a beautiful stage curtain and spectacular Murano glass chandelier. The shows by the onboard troupe in the palace are Vegas-style, with lots of singing and dancing. We enjoyed all of them. On the evenings when the show troupe was not performing, the Venetian Palace had a variety of entertainment such as magicians, singers, or comedians. One night we had a "Carnival Legends" show featuring some talented passengers in an "Idol"-style show (but with no one voted off).
The Carnival Liberty has plenty of other evening entertainment options in its lounges, and most have live music ranging from classical to jazz to disco to karaoke. The teens even have their own lounge. Just wandering from lounge to lounge in the evening and taking in a few minutes at each was great fun. A large ship like the Carnival Liberty can really stand out in its diversity of entertainment options.
I thought that the variety of entertainment on this ship was one of its strongest points, although the casino seemed to be the most popular evening entertainment onboard.
Conclusion The Carnival 2.0 enhancements have added new bars, dining options, and entertainment to the Carnival Liberty. Before the changes, the ship was already an excellent choice for multi-generational groups or couples who want a good mix of both quiet time and party time. These changes have made the ship even better!
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary cruise accommodation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our Ethics Policy.
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- Carnival Liberty - Passenger Capacity: 2,974 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2005 Last Refurbished: 2021
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21 Carnival Liberty Tips [PHOTOS]
Lauren Rodgers
- February 16, 2022
We’ve rounded up the best Carnival Liberty tips to help you maximize your cruise vacation.
Carnival Liberty is one of Carnival’s mid-sized cruise ships, coming in at 110,000 gross registered tons. It carries 2,974 passengers, and some say it’s a perfectly-sized cruise ship. The vessel features venues that some of the newer ships gave up in favor of more cabins.
As of 2022, Carnival Liberty will be sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida (40 minutes east of the Orlando International Airport). The ship was the first vessel to undergo Carnival’s Fun Ship 2.0 initiative back in 2011.
If you’re a first-time Carnival Liberty cruiser, here are 21 tips to help you navigate your way around the ship and make the most of your Bahamas cruise.
1. Get a drink at the Alchemy Bar.
The Alchemy mixologists are the best on board! And they don’t just make any good drink — they’ll make a custom drink just for you that incorporates your alcohol, drink, and/or flavor preference.
I’ve previously told them I like Manhattans and chocolate, and also martinis and chocolate (martinis were $1 off that day).
Flavors you can ask for are chocolate (of course), cinnamon, lemon, orange, apple, rosemary, cucumber, and mint. I’m sure you could combine a couple if you’re feeling adventurous.
Every drink at Alchemy is $10.95, but check their chalkboard for which drinks get $1 off that day. The mixologists can also whip up custom non-alcoholic beverages for $6.50 each.
MORE: Carnival’s Alchemy Bar Review
Alchemy has a menu with excellent drinks, but getting something just for you is more fun. And if you buy the CHEERS! drink package for alcoholic drinks, you won’t have to keep track of your purchases, and you can get unlimited water to stay hydrated.
2. Get a lobster roll from the Seafood Shack.
They’ll set you back $12, but you won’t regret spending money on this treat that you can enjoy poolside. If you don’t like lobster, there are other menu selections that any seafood lover will enjoy, such as buckets of fried clams and shrimp, clam chowder, and fish and chips.
Ask anyone who has had it, and they’ll be sure to recommend the lobster roll.
Review: Carnival’s Seafood Shack
3. Watch a Dive-in Movie.
Most of Carnival’s fleet have Dive-in movies now, but Carnival Liberty has an amazing setup for viewing. On some ships, the majority of the seating requires craning your neck. That’s not the case on Liberty! Here, you’ll find loungers on numerous levels of stadium “seating” spanning multiple decks.
The movies selected are not new releases, but they’re only a few months old and free.
You will also want to stop by the RedFrog Rum Bar (this ship does not have a RedFrog Pub) after snagging your seats for some free popcorn to munch on.
If it gets chilly out, head to the towel hut and check out a blanket or two (they’ll record your cabin number and charge you for the blanket if you accidentally keep it).
On the other hand, if you’re feeling warm, you can head to the ice cream machine, which is also located on the lido deck.
4. Try Mongolian Wok.
Mongolian Wok is only open from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., so it’s easy to miss, but make sure you don’t! Because of the limited hours, you might have to wait in a 30-minute line, but don’t let the slow-moving line deter you.
As you get closer to the front, you’ll get a bowl and begin making a completely custom meal.
- You pick your noodles: lo mein, cellophane, rice noodles, or mix and match.
- You can choose from around 15 vegetables to add to your bowl.
- When you get to the front, you’ll pick a protein: chicken, pork, calamari (sorry, no tofu) and a sauce: Szechuan, Thai BBQ, Black Bean, and soy sauce (not listed, but an option).
- Then enjoy your meal!
Pro Tip: the Szechuan sauce is pretty spicy!
5. Grab Some BBQ on Deck 10.
Some of the newer Carnival ships have Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, an outside barbecue joint on an outside deck. Liberty has Ol’ Fashioned BBQ, which is basically a non-branded version of Guy’s.
You have an option of chicken, beef, and pulled pork, along with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, and baked beans.
You should plan on going this place on the first day of the cruise because as the cruise gets going, so does the crowd.
MORE: Carnival’s Ole Fashioned BBQ Joint Review
6. Take advantage of the adults-only pool.
Carnival has been moving away from having adult-only pools. If you’re on Carnival Liberty , make sure you head to the back of the ship if you want to avoid getting splashed.
At night, they close the roof so that you can enjoy the pool without the chilly wind ruining it when you get out.
7. Attend the Mardi Gras party.
This is the best event on board for those who aren’t afraid to get up and move. If you’re a bit shy, don’t worry — there will be a ton of others right up there with you!
Make sure to be down on the dance floor of the lobby if you want Mardi Gras beads; they can only throw them so far. The event starts with selecting a Mardi Gras king and queen, for which the candidates are randomly selected by the cruise director who is hosting the event.
The candidates will have a dance-off to determine the winner, so if you want to win, you need to bring it! The event continues with a conga line around the lobby and then a night of dancing.
If you have little ones, you can sign them up for the Night Owls (babysitting with an added fee) program at Camp Carnival. Chances are, if you have teens, they’ll already be busy in Club O2.
(Note: This activity has been temporarily put on hold during the cruise restart due to social distancing but is scheduled to return.)
8. Order some sushi.
Liberty has a “ Sushi at Sea” on the lido deck, which is reasonably priced and pretty enjoyable. There is a small menu of some staple sushi items, including 4 different rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. You’ll wait in line at the window to place your order.
Don’t be deceived if there is little to no line. After you place your order, you’ll be given a buzzer, so you really have no idea how many people’s orders are ahead of yours.
Go a little earlier than you’d like to eat to make sure that waiting for it won’t cause you to miss a comedy show or the sunset on your balcony.
If you have a balcony, I recommend you take your sushi with you and enjoy it seaside and at sunset — depending on which way the ship is going.
If not, don’t waste the fresh air by eating it inside; walk a little ways forward or aft and find an outside table. Sushi at Sea is open from 12–10 p.m. on embarkation and sea days, and from 5–10 p.m. on port days.
9. Eat Seaday Brunch.
Held in the main dining room, the options are bountiful, and you don’t have to get up early. It normally runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They have tweaked the menu over the years — on top of the steak and eggs, you will find burgers, barbecue sandwiches, French toast, mac and cheese, and other brunch-type items.
On Liberty ’s three and four-night sailings, you’re only going to get one chance to try it out, so make a point to head to the dining room that day instead of the Lido buffet.
10. Go on the water slide.
The Liberty only has one water slide, but it’s a good one. If there’s a line, it’s worth waiting for at least once. Without a line, you’ll want to go a few times! This probably varies by cruise and even day-to-day, but the water wasn’t cold, which made it easy to enjoy.
11. Get pizza delivered — anywhere on the ship!
It will cost you $5 per pizza (tip not included), but you don’t have to wait in line or lose the deck chair you finally acquired!
To order pizza to your cabin, a bar, or a deck chair, open the Carnival HUB app and find it in the side menu. The pizza doesn’t come from the kitchen on Liberty, it comes from Pizza Pirate. If you’re ordering poolside, make sure to take a selfie when ordering (you’ll have the option) so that the delivery person will recognize you.
READ MORE: Carnival Pizza Delivery Review
12. Go Up to the Sky Deck to Lay Out.
If you’re looking to spend some time in the sun, go up to the top deck. There is a nice breeze on deck 14 by the entrance to the kid’s slide. Most cruisers flock to the Lido deck pools or Serenity during sea days, so chances are you’ll have your choice of real estate up there.
There is an opposite area without the noise of kids playing right above the basketball court by the ship’s funnel. The only issue there is you may hear the basketball bouncing. The good news is you won’t get hit by the basketball because it’s in a netted-in area.
13. BlueIguana Cantina Serves Breakfast.
BlueIguana Cantina not only serves tacos and burritos during lunch but also a killer breakfast burrito in the morning. You can pile it high with breakfast meats, eggs, cheese, and veggies.
This is perfect for a grab-and-go type meal if you want to get to the lido deck quickly to claim a lounge chair!
READ MORE: BlueIguana Cantina Review
14. Get to the Comedy Club Early.
The Punchliner Comedy Club is located on deck 5 aft and has a large variety of seating. A good piece of advice is to get in the club early because they have really cool round couches that you and your party can grab and enjoy the show.
They are a lot more comfortable than just sitting in a regular chair. The comedy club manager usually opens the door 20 minutes prior to show time, and it fills up fast. Luckily, the lounge is a decent size.
15. Use the Jogging Track Early.
The jogging track is located on deck 11 aft and can get pretty crowded, especially with the walkers. If you want to exercise during the sailing, consider going to the track early. Between 7:30 and 9:00 seems to be the prime time for the walking crowd.
If you don’t want to jog outside, you can also head up to the gym. The gym gets crowded, so you’ll want to get there early as well. Both the gym and jogging track have stunning ocean views.
16. Use Room Service Carefully.
There are some room service items that cost money and some that are complimentary. However, after 10 p.m., all of the items you order will have an after-hours service charge, so make sure you know what time it is when you’re ordering.
A good alternative to room service is popping by the 24-hour complimentary pizza joint or seeing if they have the Late Night Selections in the Lido buffet area.
As an example of late-night room service pricing, Chicken Wings are $7 and Chicken Tenders are $6.
READ MORE: Carnival’s Late Night Eats Menu
17. Eat at Guy’s Burger Joint.
Make sure you get one of those famous burgers at Guy’s Burger Joint. This is a complimentary venue where you can eat as much as you’d like.
There is a menu of five different burgers, but if you want to customize your own, all you need to do is head over to the toppings bar, where you’ll find a selection of grilled onions, mushrooms, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onions, and about a dozen different types of sauces.
RELATED: Guy’s Burger Joint Review
18. Go to the Free Raffles.
Even if you don’t plan on buying a spa treatment or a bottle of booze, you should consider going to the drawings anyway.
They normally offer free spa treatments or steakhouse dinners if your name gets picked in the raffle. There’s no obligation to enter, either. So, if you have the time, drop in and put your name in the hat.
On our sailing, people won free excursions, spa packages, gift cards to the shops, and free bottles of champagne. It’s worth just showing up and registering, if nothing else.
19. Research Your Excursions.
Shore excursions are a big money maker for the cruise lines, and sometimes, they’ll use scare tactics to try to get you to purchase their tour and not one from an outside vendor.
Although you should be smart and know what time your cruise ship leaves, you are free to book an outside tour if you’d like. A lot of the popular tours in Nassau are the all-inclusive beach resorts or the Atlantis water park (which can be very expensive!).
Nassau has public transportation options that are very convenient for cruise travelers to use, as well as a cash-only taxi system.
(Note: If you use cash, negotiate the rate before getting into the vehicle.)
20. Bring Adapters/A Power Strip
Since this is an older ship, there aren’t many options when it comes to plugging in your devices, and the ship does not have any USB ports in the staterooms.
There is one electrical outlet in each cabin located in the desk area. The outlet is equipped with a 3-prong 110-volt and a 220-volt (European). Carnival details the information on its website .
Make sure you have an appropriate power strip without surge protection. Otherwise, it will likely be confiscated during embarkation, and you won’t get it back until you debark your cruise.
We used the razor outlet in the bathroom to charge our watches at night and used the regular outlet for our phones. Next time, I will be packing some type of USB/power strip contraption.
21. Pick Your Debarkation Zone Early.
Recently, Carnival changed its debarkation process. Now, instead of getting a luggage tag delivered to your cabin, guests can pick which zone and what time they’d like to debark. If you’re carrying your own luggage off, this won’t apply to you because you can walk off whenever you’d like.
However, if you have a late flight or don’t want to get off the ship super early, you can pick a later luggage tag.
They go quickly, so if you want to get off the ship at a certain time, get there early. The zone tags are typically located on deck five or near guest relations (I’ve seen them in both places on Carnival Liberty ).
The do ask that you leave your stateroom by 8:30 a.m. on disembarkation morning so the cabin stewards can clean and sanitize the room for the embarking guests.
Do you have any tips to offer anyone sailing on the Carnival Liberty ?
Want to read more from our special guest columnist Lauren Rodgers? Visit her blog, Lauren of All Trades.
This article was originally published in March 2019. It was updated and republished in February 2022.
Watch a Tour of Carnival Liberty (2018)
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Explore The Carnival Liberty
Carnival cruise line.
The Carnival Liberty was built in 2005 and is among Carnival 's 27 ships in its fleet. The Liberty is included in the cruise line's Conquest Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Liberty vs all of the other Carnival ships.
Carnival Liberty Size
How big is the Carnival Liberty ? Below, you’ll find all of the relevant cruise ship stats, specs and dimensions for the Carnival Liberty . Included in these statistics are passenger capacity, length, year built, year renovated, cost to build, gross tonnage, engine info, number of rooms, deck counts and more!
Carnival Liberty
Carnival liberty capacity.
Passenger Capacity refers to the total number of people that the Carnival Liberty can accommodate. Of course, there are also crew members on board. Below, find the total onboard capacity, including staff and cruise guests.
Carnival Liberty Passenger Capacity: The passenger capacity for the Carnival Liberty is 3,756 guests . The average capacity for the 27 active ships in Carnival ’s fleet is 4,085 passengers. The passenger capacity range for all Carnival ships has a minimum of 2,606 guests and a maximum of 6,630 passengers.
Carnival Liberty Crew Members: Staff on the Carnival Liberty include 1,160 members. That's a guest to staff ratio of 3.2 to 1 . The average Carnival ship includes 1,226 employees and has a passenger to staff ratio of 3.3 to 1 .
Carnival Liberty Passenger and Crew Capacity
Vs carnival fleet, carnival liberty length.
How long is the Carnival Liberty ? From end to end, the Liberty length equals 952 feet ( 290 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 27 active vessels in Carnival ’s fleet, measuring 982 feet ( 299 meters).
The smallest Carnival ship (in terms of length) measures 855 feet ( 261 meters) from end to end. The longest vessel spans 1,130 feet ( 344 meters). Our chart below shows the length of the Carnival Liberty vs all other active Carnival Cruise Line ships.
Carnival Liberty Built Date
When was the Carnival Liberty Built? The Carnival Liberty was built in 2005 and joined the cruise line’s Conquest Class.
Carnival includes 27 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1996 while the newest ship was built in 2023 . The average Carnival ship is 16 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2007
When was the last Carnival Liberty Dry Dock? The Liberty experienced dry dock improvements in 2016 .
Renovations include the following: The Carnival Liberty's most recent dry dock was in October of 2021. The ship was refurbished in Cadiz, Spain. The most notable improvement was an upgrade to the new hull design previously seen with the Mardi Gras. The hull now boasts the red, white and blue trademarked design. Other improvements during this renovation were routine and technical in nature. Prior to the 2021 dry dock, the Carnival Liberty was refurbished in December, 2016. During this drydock session, the Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades were applied, including: Guy's Burger Joint, Punchliner Comedy Club, EA Sports Bar, RedFrog Pub, Blue Iguana, Alchemy, and Library Bars.
Carnival Liberty Deck Plans
The Carnival Breeze has a total of 13 passenger decks. The lowest level available to guests is Deck 1 . The highest passenger deck is Deck 14 .
What does the Carnival Breeze offer in terms of things to do? The ship features 26 restaurants, 10 bars, 8 shows, 78 activities, and 18 other features for your enjoyment.
Click below to access deck plans for the Carnival Liberty . The resulting page will provide a floor plan and summary of all things to do offered on that level of the ship.
all deck plans
Frequently asked questions.
Carnival Liberty Info
You will find the Carnival Liberty Casino on Deck 5 of the ship.
You will find the Carnival Liberty buffet on Deck 9 of the ship.
The Carnival Liberty's most recent dry dock was in October of 2021. The ship was refurbished in Cadiz, Spain. The most notable improvement was an upgrade to the new hull design previously seen with the Mardi Gras. The hull now boasts the red, white and blue trademarked design. Other improvements during this renovation were routine and technical in nature. Prior to the 2021 dry dock, the Carnival Liberty was refurbished in December, 2016. During this drydock session, the Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades were applied, including: Guy's Burger Joint, Punchliner Comedy Club, EA Sports Bar, RedFrog Pub, Blue Iguana, Alchemy, and Library Bars.
The ship belongs to the Carnival class of ships known as the Conquest class.
The ship features 26 restaurants, 10 bars, 78 activities, 8 shows and 18 other venues for your enjoyment. You can click on our ship deck plans or details pages for a full list of activities, sorted by feature type.
The Carnival Liberty has a total of 13 passenger decks. The lowest deck is Level 1. The upper most passenger deck is Level 14.
We're often asked how many passengers are on the Carnival Liberty. The ship's capacity is 3,756. When comparing the occupancy to the average Carnival passenger capacity, you'll find that the average ship in the fleet holds 4,090 guests. Feel free to look at our graph above to see where this ship falls in line with all other live Carnival ships.
The Carnival Liberty was built in 2005. Carnival includes 27 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1996 while the newest ship was built in 2023. The average Carnival ship is 16 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2007
Each of Carnival's ships offers a unique layout with features and activities catered to all. Whether the Carnival Liberty is right for you will depend on your individual preferences. Do you prefer a larger or smaller ship with many or fewer guests? Are you hoping for many family activities or entertainment options for an older clientele. Our deck maps layout and activities list provide a helpful guide to what you'll find on board. Feel free to explore the see if this ship is suited towards your preferences.
From end to end, the Carnival Liberty length equals 952 feet (290 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 27 active vessels in Carnival fleet, measuring 985 feet (300 meters). Please see our size comparison chart above to see how this ship falls in line with all other active ships in the fleet.
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Liberty ships and victory ships, america's lifeline in war (teaching with historic places).
The officers and men of the Merchant Marine, by their devotion to duty in the face of enemy action, as well as natural dangers of the sea, have brought us the tools to finish the job. Their contribution to final victory will be long remembered.
--General Dwight D. Eisenhower on National Maritime Day, 1945¹
In the nearly 20 years following the end of the World War I, America's merchant fleet, including its cargo and passenger ships, was becoming obsolete and declining in numbers. A shipbuilding program began with the passage of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936. However, World War II provided the impetus to intensify those efforts eventually leading to a ship-building program that produced 5,500 vessels. Among them were 2,710 mass-produced ships known as Liberty ships. While reviewing blueprints of the Liberty ships at the White House, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who loved naval vessels and had an eye for design, mused aloud to Maritime Commission administrator Admiral Emory S. Land, "I think this ship will do us very well. She'll carry a good load. She isn't much to look at, though, is she? A real ugly duckling."² Thus, the Liberty ships received their second nickname, "the ugly ducklings."
When the United States entered World War II at the end of 1941, it had the beginnings of a great merchant fleet. But the lethal U-Boats, submarines of the German Navy, prowled the shipping lanes hunting American merchant ships. The Liberty ships proved to be too slow and too small to carry the tons of supplies the United States and her Allies would need to win the war. In 1943, the United States began a new ship-building program. These new ships would be faster, larger, and able to carry cargo long after the war was finished. These were the Victory ships. The Liberty and Victory ships fulfilled President Roosevelt's prophetic words, serving the nation well in war and peace. Today, of the thousands of Liberty ships and Victory ships built during World War II, only a handful remain. ¹ War Shipping Administration, Press Release 2277(W), Maritime Day 1945--Military Leaders Praise Merchant Marine (18 May 1945). ² John G. Bunker, Liberty Ships: The Ugly Ducklings of World War II (Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1972) p. 6.
About This Lesson
This lesson is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration files for the SS John W. Brown, the SS Jeremiah O'Brien (with photographs ), the SS American Victory, and the SS Red Oak Victory, the National Historic Landmark nomination file for the SS Lane Victory (with photographs ), and other sources. Jay Michalsky, a historical researcher, wrote this lesson. Jean West, education consultant, and the Teaching with Historic Places staff edited the lesson. This lesson is one in a series that brings important stories of historic places into classrooms across the country.
Where it fits into the curriculum
Topics: This lesson can be used in U.S. history, world history, social studies, and geography courses on World War II. Time period: World War II
United States History Standards for Grades 5-12
Liberty Ships and Victory Ships, America's Lifeline in War relates to the following National Standards for History:
Era 8: The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945)
Standard 3A- The student understands the international background of World War II.
Standard 3B- The student understands World War II and how the Allies prevailed.
Standard 3C- The student understands the effects of World War II at home.
Curriculum Standards for Social Studies
National Council for the Social Studies
Liberty Ships and Victory Ships, America's Lifeline in War relates to the following Social Studies Standards : Theme II: Time, Continuity and Change
Standard B - The student identifies and uses key concepts such as chronology, causality, change, conflict, and complexity to explain, analyze, and show connections among patterns of historical change and continuity.
Standard C - The student identifies and describes selected historical periods and patterns of change within and across cultures, such as the rise of civilizations, the development of transportation systems, the growth and breakdown of colonial systems, and others.
Theme III: People, Places and Environments
Standard A - The student elaborates mental maps of locales, regions, and the world that demonstrate understanding of relative location, direction, size, and shape.
Theme V: Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
Standard A - The student demonstrates an understanding of concepts such as role, status, and social class in describing the interactions of individuals and social groups.
Standard B - The student analyzes group and institutional influences on people, events, and elements of culture.
Standard G - The student applies knowledge of how groups and institutions work to meet individual needs and promote the common good.
Theme VI: Power, Authority and Governance
Standard C - The student analyzes and explains ideas and governmental mechanisms to meet wants and needs of citizens, regulate territory, manage conflict, and establish order and security.
Standard G - The student describes and analyzes the role of technology in communications, transportation, information-processing, weapons development, and other areas as it contributes to or helps resolves issues.
Theme VII: Production, Distribution and Consumption
Standard A - The student gives and explain examples of ways that economic systems structure choices about how goods and services are to be produced and distributed.
Standard D - The student describes a range of examples of the various institutions that make up economic systems such as households, business firms, banks, government agencies, labor unions, and corporations.
Objectives for students
1) To outline the reasons behind the massive merchant-ship building program the United States undertook in the years before its entry in World War II. 2) To examine how changing technology affected the conduct of warfare. 3) To compare and contrast the Liberty ships and the Victory ships. 4) To conduct oral histories with local people involved in supporting the war effort.
Materials for students
The materials listed below either can be used directly on the computer or can be printed out, photocopied, and distributed to students. The maps and images appear twice: in a smaller, low-resolution version with associated questions and alone in a larger version. 1) two maps showing selected shipyards in the United States and the North Atlantic Ocean; 2) three readings about Liberty ships and Victory ships; 3) four photos of Liberty ships, Victory ships, and convoys; 4) one stamp showing a Liberty ship.
Visiting the site
The Liberty Ship SS Jeremiah O'Brien is located at Pier 45 on Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, California. The ship is open to the public and cruises are available. The ship is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. There is an admission charge. For more information, contact the National Liberty Ship Memorial, Pier 23, San Francisco, CA 94111, or visit the ship's website . The Liberty Ship SS John W. Brown is located in Baltimore, Maryland. The ship is open to the public and cruises are available. The ship is open Sundays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., except on Christmas. From I-95 take the Keith Avenue exit. Follow Keith Avenue west to Clinton Street. Turn right on Clinton Street and proceed to 2000 S. Clinton Street, Pier 1. For more information, contact Project Liberty Ship, P.O. Box 25846, Highlandtown Station, Baltimore, MD 21224, or visit the ship's website . The Victory Ship SS American Victory is located near the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Florida at Berth 271. The ship is open to the public and cruises are available. The ship is open Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is an admission charge. From I-275 take the Downtown East exit to Jefferson Street. Continue south on Jefferson Street to Twiggs Street. Turn left on Twiggs Street to Channelside Drive. Turn right on Channelside Drive to York Street. Turn left on York Street to the Florida Aquarium parking lot. For more information, contact American Victory Ship, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, or visit the ship's website . The Victory Ship SS Lane Victory is located at the Los Angeles Harbor in San Pedro, California. The ship is open to the public and cruises are available. The ship is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is an admission charge. From the Harbor Freeway (I-110) take the Harbor Boulevard exit. Stay to the right and follow the signs to Harbor Boulevard. Once off the freeway, stay in the center lane and go into the Catalina Terminal. Follow the signs to the SS Lane Victory at Berth 94. For more information, contact the United States Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II, P.O. Box 629, San Pedro, CA 90733.
The Victory Ship SS Red Oak Victory is located in Richmond, California and is part of the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park. The ship is administered by the Richmond Museum of History and is open to the public. The ship is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except when there is severe weather. Donations are requested. From either I-80 or I-580 take the Cutting Boulevard exit. Continue west on Cutting Blvd. to a four-way stop sign. Take a left on Dornan Drive through the Ferry Point tunnel to Terminal One, 1500 Dornan Drive. Please note the ship is scheduled to be relocated in early 2005. For more information, contact the SS Red Oak Victory, Terminal 1, 1500 Dornan Drive, Richmond, CA 94801, or visit the ship's website .
Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, located in Richmond, California, preserves and interprets the history of the men and women who worked in the factories and shipyards in Richmond during World War II. It is a partnership between the National Park Service, the City of Richmond, the Rosie the Riveter Trust, and the Richmond Museum of History, and is made up of noncontiguous units near the Richmond waterfront. Many of the units are owned by the City of Richmond while others are privately owned. The park was created in 2000 and is still in development; therefore, certain sites are not yet open to the public. Several units are open to the public, including the Rosie the Riveter Memorial, which is open from dawn to dusk every day, the John J. Sheridan Observation Point, and the Victory Ship SS Red Oak Victory. For more information about the park, contact the Superintendent, Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, 1401 Marina Way South, Richmond, CA 94804 or visit the park's website or the park's partner, the Rosie the Riveter Trust .
Getting Started
Inquiry question.
Why do you think the U.S. Post Office issued this stamp?
Setting the Stage
In 1936, Congress passed the Merchant Marine Act, creating the U.S. Maritime Commission to oversee "... that the United States shall have a merchant marine…to provide shipping service essential for maintaining the flow of such domestic and foreign waterborne commerce at all times, capable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency, owned and operated under the United States flag…, composed of the best-equipped, safest, and most suitable types of vessels…, and supplemented by efficient facilities for shipbuilding and ship repair."¹ The fleet of ships responsible for this mission is called the U.S. Merchant Marine. At the time the act was passed, the majority of the ships in the merchant fleet were over 20 years old. The original plan was to build 50 ships per year for 10 years. However, World War II began in 1939, when Hitler's Germany invaded Poland. The United States realized that the existing construction program was not adequate to meet the changing world situation. During World War II the Merchant Marine was nationalized, that is, the U.S. government controlled the cargo and the destinations, contracted with private companies to operate the ships, and put guns and Navy personnel (Armed Guard) on board. The government trained civilian men to operate the ships and assist in manning the guns through the U.S. Maritime Service. With Hitler's attack on Great Britain in 1940, the need for the United States to increase ship production became critical. The British could no longer produce ships in great numbers and also needed food and supplies. The United States knew that if Great Britain fell it would have no allies in Western Europe. Under the Lend-Lease program (which enabled the president to transfer arms and equipment to any nation deemed vital to the defense of the United States), the U.S. agreed to build commercial ships for Great Britain. American ship builders began to construct these ships using an old, but reliable, English design. In 1939 the German Navy launched submarine warfare in the North Atlantic Ocean to enforce a naval blockade against Great Britain. Their submarines, called Unterseebooten or U-Boats, sank great numbers of merchant ships approaching the British Isles. Under these pressures, the United States greatly increased the production of its own merchant fleet. Cargo ships were needed to ferry supplies to allies if the United States entered the war. The United States decided to modify the English design being used for the Lend-Lease ships. The new emergency cargo ships came to be known as the Liberty ships. Yet, between 1939 and 1940, only 82 vessels were constructed. In 1941, Congress passed the Ship Warrants Act, giving the Maritime Commission power to allot ship construction priorities. Since existing shipyards were working full capacity on naval contracts, the Maritime Commission established 18 new shipyards to work on these identical merchant ships. They were built on a common design in assembly-line fashion along the West, East, and Gulf coasts of the United States. Parts were manufactured in every state in the country. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and U.S. entry into World War II, ships were being sunk by German U-Boats almost as fast as they were being built. The Maritime Commission called for 2,000 ships to be constructed by the end of 1943. (The Japanese also inflicted a toll on supply ships in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea, but following their naval and air losses at Coral Sea and Midway, in mid-1942, they were less of a problem to merchant shipping than the Germans.) The ship building effort was a success. Finally, the United States had enough ships to keep pace with the losses caused by the U-Boats. However, the Liberty ships were slow and small. Their design had a weakness in the hull that caused ships to sometimes break in two. In 1943, the United States started a new emergency cargo ship program to replace the Liberty ships. The newer ships were bigger and faster with better engines. These ships were designated Victory ships. While the Liberty ships were designed to be the workhorse of the war, Victory ships could continue to be used after the war as part of the regular merchant fleet. The Liberty and Victory ships were adapted to suit the operational needs of each branch of the military service. Many carried cargo, while others were fitted out as troop carriers. Some were used as tankers carrying fuel for ships, vehicles and aircraft. Still others were fitted out as hospital ships or used to transport enemy prisoners of war. Ultimately, both the Liberty ships and Victory ships served with distinction in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans during World War II.
Locating the Site
Map 1: selected shipyards in the united states..
All of the shipyards built Liberty ships. The shipyards marked with a (V) also built Victory ships.
Questions for Map 1
1. Compare Map 1 with an atlas or a map of the United States map. Make a list of the states where the shipyards were located. On what bodies of water were the shipyards located?
2. What effect do you think climate might have on producing ships? Would having a large population nearby be important? If so, why? Why do you think most of the shipyards that built Victory ships were located on the West Coast, and especially in California? Which shipyard on the East Coast built Victory Ships?
3. Why do you think it would be important to have shipyards along the East, West, and Gulf coasts, and not just in one area?
Map 2: North Atlantic Ocean.
Questions for Map 2
1. Using an atlas, world map or globe, locate the Atlantic Ocean, North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Greenland, Iceland, Germany and Great Britain. Mark them on Map 2.
2. Using an atlas or a United States map, locate New York City. Mark it on Map 2.
3. On Map 2, draw a line between New York City and Great Britain. This would be the most direct route between the two and a logical shipping lane. However, German submarines patrolled these shipping lanes. Try to determine other routes to get the supplies from New York City to Great Britain and chart them on Map 2. What might be the difficulties of traveling to the north to reach Great Britain? What might be the difficulties of traveling to the south?
Determining the Facts Reading 1: Liberty Ships
When war broke out Europe in September 1939, the merchant fleet was caught unprepared to handle a massive sealift of war material. With continental Europe under German control, and Great Britain under devastating air attack, President Franklin Roosevelt decided to increase the pace of production to provide ships to America's British allies. The result was the emergency fleet program, which introduced the assembly-line production of standardized ships--the Liberty ships--in 1941. The Liberty ship represented the design solution that would fill the need for an emergency type of simple, standardized cargo steamer. Based on a British design, it could be mass-produced cheaply and quickly using assembly-line methods and could easily be converted to individual military service needs. The United States designated this new type of ship the EC2 (E for emergency, C for cargo and 2 for a medium-sized ship between 400 and 450 feet at the waterline.) Production speed grew more important as German submarines sank ships trying to break Hitler's naval blockade of Great Britain. The Allies needed ships by the hundreds to replace these losses and to increase the flow of supplies to England and, later, the Soviet Union. The first of these new ships was launched on September 27, 1941. It was named the SS Patrick Henry after the American Revolutionary War patriot who had famously declared, "Give me liberty, or give me death." Consequently, all the EC2 type of emergency cargo ships came to be known as Liberty ships. Naming nearly 3,000 ships turned out to be harder than people thought. Unlike the later Victory ships, there was no plan for how the Liberty ships would be named. In the end, the Liberties were named for people from all walks of life. Ships were named after patriots and heroes of the Revolutionary War. They were named after famous politicians (Abraham Lincoln to Simon Bolivar), scientists (George Washington Carver to Alexander Graham Bell), artists (Gilbert Stuart to Gutzon Borglum who sculpted Mt. Rushmore) and explorers (Daniel Boone to Robert E. Peary). One ship was named the SS Stage Door Canteen after the famous U.S.O. club for military service members while another was named the SS U.S.O. in honor of the United Service Organization itself. The Liberty ships were slightly over 441 feet long and 57 feet wide. They used a 2,500 horsepower steam engine to push them through the water at 11 knots (approximately 12.5 miles per hour). The ships had a range of 17,000 miles. Liberty ships had five cargo holds, three forward of the engine room and two aft (in the rear portion of the ship). Each could carry 10,800 deadweight tons (the weight of cargo a ship can carry) or 4,380 net tons (the amount of space available for cargo and passengers). The crew quarters were located amidships (the middle portion of the ship). Many technological advances were made during the Liberty shipbuilding program. A steel cold-rolling process was developed to save steel in the making of lightweight cargo booms. Welding techniques also advanced sufficiently to produce the first all-welded ships. Prefabrication was perfected, with complete deckhouses, double-bottom sections, stern-frame assemblies and bow units speeding production of the ships. By 1944, the average time to build a ship was 42 days. In all, 2,751 Liberties were built between 1941 and 1945, making them the largest class of ships built worldwide. Each Liberty ship carried a crew of between 38 and 62 civilian merchant sailors, and 21 to 40 naval personnel to operate defensive guns and communications equipment. The Merchant Marine served in World War II as a Military Auxiliary. Of the nearly quarter million volunteer merchant mariners who served during World War II, over 9,000 died. Merchant sailors suffered a greater percentage of fatalities (3.9%) than any branch of the armed forces. The Liberty ship was considered a "five-year vessel" (an expendable, if necessary, material of war) because it was not able to compete with non-emergency vessels in speed, equipment and general serviceability. However, Liberties ended up doing well, plodding the seas for nearly 20 years after the end of World War II. Many Liberties were placed in the reserve fleet and several supported the Korean War. Other Liberties were sold off to shipping companies, where they formed the backbone of postwar merchant fleets whose commerce generated income to build the new ships of the 1950s and 1960s. However, age took its toll and by the mid-1960s the Liberties became too expensive to operate and were sold for scrap, their metal recycled. The first Liberty built, the Patrick Henry, was sent to the ship breakers (scrap yard) in October 1958. Of the nearly 3,000 Liberty ships built, 200 were lost during World War II to enemy action, weather and accidents. Only two are still operational today, the SS Jeremiah O'Brien and the SS John W. Brown. Questions for Reading 1 1. What is the U.S. Merchant Marine? What was the 1936 Merchant Marine Act? If needed, refer to Setting the Stage. 2. Why did the United States want to build merchant ships? 3. How many total ships did the Merchant Marine Act call for? 4. Why were the ships known as Liberty ships? How were the individual ships named? 5. Why were so many Liberty ships built? 6. What purpose did the ships serve during the war? What purpose did they serve after the war? Reading 1 was compiled from John Gorley Bunker, Liberty Ships: The Ugly Ducklings of World War II (Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1972); Harry Butowsky, "SS Jeremiah O'Brien " (San Francisco County, California) National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form (Washington, D.C.: Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1985); James P. Delgado, "Lane Victory" (Los Angeles County, California) National Historic Landmark Nomination Form (Washington D.C.: Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1990); Curtis P. Junker, revised by Peter E. Kurtze, "SS John W. Brown " (Baltimore City, Maryland) National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (Washington, D.C.: Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1996); Samuel Eliot Morison, History of the United States Naval Operations in World War II. Vol. 1, The Battle of the Atlantic, September 1939-May 1943 (Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1950); and L.W. Sawyer and W.H. Mitchell, The Liberty Ships: The History of the 'Emergency' Type Cargo Ships Constructed in the United States During World War II (Cambridge, Maryland: Cornell Maritime Press, 1970).
Determining the Facts Reading 2: Victory Ships
In 1943, the U.S. Maritime Commission embarked on a program to design new types of emergency fleet ships, most importantly fast cargo vessels, to replace the slower Liberty ships. The standardized design adopted by the Commission called for a ship 445 feet long by 63 feet wide and made of steel. On April 28, 1943, the new ships were given the name "Victory" and designated the VC2 type (V for Victory type, C for cargo, and 2 for a medium sized ship between 400 and 450 feet long at the waterline). The Victory ships ultimately were slightly over 455 feet long and 62 feet wide. Like the Liberty ships, each had five cargo holds, three forward and two aft. The Victories could carry 10,850 deadweight tons (the weight of cargo a ship can carry) or 4,555 net tons (the amount of space available for cargo and passengers), a larger load than the Liberties could manage. Victory ships typically carried a crew of 62 civilian merchant sailors and 28 naval personnel to operate defensive guns and communications equipment. The crew quarters were located amidships. The Victory ships were different from the Liberty ships primarily in propulsion, the steam engine of the Liberty giving way to the more modern, faster steam turbine. The Victory ships had engines producing between 5,500 to 8,500 horsepower. Their cruising speed was 15-17 knots (approximately 18.5 miles per hour). The ship profile and the construction techniques of the Victories were also different from the Liberties. One important feature of the Victory ship was in the internal design of the hull, the ship's framework. The Liberty ships had the frames inside the hull set 30 inches apart. This made the hull very rigid. This rigidity caused the hull to fracture in some of the ships. The Victory ships had their hull frames set 36 inches apart. Because the hull could flex, there was less danger of fracture. The first Victory ship completed was the SS United Victory (built at Oregon Shipbuilding, Portland, OR), launched on January 12, 1944 and delivered February 28. The next 33 ships were named after member countries of the United Nations (e.g., SS Brazil Victory and SS U.S.S.R. Victory [both built by California Shipbuilding Corporation, Los Angeles, CA], and SS Haiti Victory [built by Permanente Metals Corporation, yard 1, Richmond, CA]). The ships that followed were named for cities and towns in the United States (e.g., SS Ames Victory [built by Oregon Shipbuilding], SS Las Vegas Victory [built by Permanente Metals Corporation, yard 1] and SS Zanesville Victory [built by Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyards, Inc., Baltimore, MD]) and for American colleges and universities (e.g., SS Adelphi Victory and SS Yale Victory [both built by Permanente Metals Corporation, yard 2]). All of the ships' names ended with the suffix "Victory" with the exception of the 117 Victory Attack Transports that were named after state counties. The Maritime Commission built 414 Victory cargo ships and 117 Victory attack transports for a total of 531 vessels during the course of the war. Victory ships formed a critical maritime link to the theaters of war. These fast, large capacity carriers served honorably in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of war. Ninety-seven of the Victories were fitted out as troop carriers; the others carried food, fuel, ammunition, material and supplies. At the war's end a number of Victory ships were offered for sale by the Maritime Commission. One hundred and seventy were sold, 20 were loaned to the U.S. Army and the rest were stored as part of the reserve fleet. When the Navy no longer needs to use a ship but wishes to reserve it for a future emergency, it tows the ship to storage harbors, empties it of all fuel and cargo, and seals its windows and doors. The ship is protected from salt-water corrosion by a cathodic protection system and the interior spaces are dehumidified. This technique is called "mothballing," because it echoes how people preserve a wool sweater that is put away for the summer. Some vessels were reactivated to serve during times of national crisis, including the Korean War, the Suez Canal closure of 1956 and the Vietnam War. Other vessels were retained as logistic support ships as part of the Military Sealift Command, which in 1970 became the single managing agency for the Department of Defense's ocean transportation needs. The command assumed responsibility for providing sealift and ocean transportation for all military services as well as for other government agencies. In 1959, eight Victory ships were reclassified and refitted as instrumentation, telemetry, and recovery ships for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in support of America's space program. On August 11, 1960, the former SS Haiti Victory (renamed the USNS Haiti Victory (T-AK-238)) recovered the nose cone of the satellite Discoverer XIII, the first man-made object recovered from space. Over the years, many ships in the reserve fleet have been sold for scrap, their metal to be recycled. Of the thousands of Liberty ships and Victory ships produced only a small number remain. Questions for Reading 2 1. When and why did the Maritime Commission start a new program to replace the Liberty ships? 2. How were the Victory ships different from Liberty ships? 3. How were the Victory ships named? 4. What is "mothballing"? 5. Describe the ways the Victory ships were used after World War II. 6. Why are there so few Liberty and Victory ships today?
Determining the Facts Reading 3: Selected Ships' Histories
As the years went by, age took its toll on the Liberty and Victory ships. Many ships became too expensive to operate; insurance companies did not want to cover these old merchant ships. In most cases, they were sold for scrap. The reserve fleet was also being sold for scrap. What was once a proud fleet was now down to a precious few vessels. Some historic preservation and veterans organizations became interested in these ships and a handful were saved from the ship breakers. The following are the histories of five of these ships that have been preserved as floating museums to honor their service to the United States and to honor the mariners who sailed upon them. The Liberty Ship SS Jeremiah O'Brien The SS Jeremiah O'Brien is a World War II cargo ship and the product of a standardized design. The ship was named for Jeremiah O'Brien, a Revolutionary War hero who lived in Machias, Maine. In 1775, O'Brien led other residents of Machias in the capture of two British merchant ships. Using these captured ships, O'Brien captured the British armed schooner HMS Margaretta. This was the first naval action of the American Revolution. The keel (the bottom beam or plate juncture that runs the length of a ship) for the SS Jeremiah O'Brien was laid at the New England Shipbuilding Corporation, in South Portland, Maine on May 6, 1943. She was launched on June 19, 1943. The ship was owned by the federal government and operated by Grace Line, Inc. For the next year, the ship carried ammunition and grain, as well as other dry cargo. In June 1944, the Jeremiah O'Brien supported the D-Day invasions by ferrying supplies between Great Britain and Normandy, France 11 times. After the war, plans were made to transfer the ship to the U.S. Army for conversion to a hospital ship. The conversion never occurred and the ship was "mothballed" at the reserve fleet near San Francisco. In 1966, the U.S. Maritime Administration wanted to preserve a Liberty ship and chose the Jeremiah O'Brien. The ship was designated a National Historic Landmark (NHL) in 1986. NHLs are nationally significant historic places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they illustrate the heritage of the United States. Over the years, the ship was restored and is now a museum in San Francisco, CA. She is only one of two Liberty ships still operational. The ship participated in the 50th anniversary of the D-day landings in 1994. The Liberty Ship SS John W. Brown The SS John W. Brown is a World War II cargo ship built by the U.S. Maritime Commission. In 1942, she was built in 41 days at the Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard in Baltimore, Maryland. She was launched on Labor Day, September 7, 1942. The ship was named after an American labor leader who organized workers in shipyards. After being launched, the ship sailed to New York and departed on its maiden voyage on September 29, 1942 carrying supplies to the Middle East. In 1943, the ship was converted to carry troops as well as cargo. Later, the John W. Brown supported combat operations in the Mediterranean Sea. The ship was involved in the Allied landings at Sicily and Anzio in Italy, and southern France. After the war ended in Europe, the John W. Brown carried U.S. military personnel home. In 1947, the Maritime Commission loaned the ship to New York City to use as a training vessel for high school students interested in maritime jobs. However, it became too expensive to run the school, and the ship was returned to the Maritime Commission and put into storage with the reserve fleet on the James River in Virginia. Historic preservation groups, including Project Liberty Ship and the Baltimore Museum of History (MD), wanted to protect the ship and it was transferred to them to turn into a museum in Baltimore, MD. She is one of only two Liberty ships still operational. The Victory Ship SS American Victory The SS American Victory was launched on June 20, 1945 at the California Shipbuilding Corporation yards in Los Angeles, California. The ship was named after American University in Washington, D.C. in honor of the school's contribution to war training and weapons research in both World War I and World War II. The ship's first voyage was in July 1945 carrying military supplies to Manila, Philippines. After the war, the ship was used by the American Export Lines carrying cargo in support of the Marshall Plan, a U.S. economic diplomacy plan to help rebuild Western Europe after the war. On one of its many voyages, the American Victory was caught by ice in Odessa, Russia. Rather than wait for an ice breaker to clear the shipping lanes, the captain of the American Victory used her to break the ice! In 1947, the American Victory was put into the reserve fleet. In 1952, the ship was brought out of "mothballs" to carry military supplies in support of the Korean conflict. After the Korean War, she was again sent to the reserve fleet. In 1963, the Navy planned to convert 15 Victory ships, among them the American Victory, as forward depot ships. These ships would be loaded with supplies and ammunition and placed around the world to support American troops if needed. However, the Navy canceled the plan in 1966 and that same year, the American Victory was again brought out of "mothballs" to support the Vietnam War. She carried military vehicles, telephone poles, explosives, and bombs. In 1969, she was again put in the reserve fleet. In 1999, the American Victory was acquired by a preservation group and turned into a museum in Tampa, FL. The Victory Ship SS Lane Victory The SS Lane Victory was built by the California Shipbuilding Corporation in Los Angeles. She was launched on May 31, 1945. The ship was named for Lane College, which was established as a high school for black youths in 1882 by Isaac Lane, a bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Jackson, Tennessee. The school grew into a prominent liberal arts college. On her first voyage, June 27, 1945, the ship carried supplies in the Pacific. She was operated by American President Lines. In 1950, the Lane Victory was used to evacuate Korean civilians and U.N. personnel at Wonsan, South Korea during the Korean War. The ship also saw duty during the Vietnam War. In 1970, the ship was placed in the reserve fleet. Because of her excellent condition, the Maritime Administration decided to set aside the Lane Victory for preservation. In 1988, the Lane Victory was acquired by the U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II and turned into a museum in San Pedro, CA. In 1990, the ship was designated a National Historic Landmark. The Victory Ship SS Red Oak Victory The SS Red Oak Victory was built by the Permanente Metals Corporation, Shipbuilding Division Yard 1 in Richmond, California, across the bay from San Francisco. Her keel was laid August 15, 1944 and she was launched November 9, 1944. She is one of the last ships built by the Richmond Shipyard during World War II. The ship was named after the community of Red Oak, Iowa, which suffered the highest per capita casualty rate of any American community during World War II. On December 5, 1944, she was commissioned as the USS Red Oak Victory (AK-235) for the the U.S. Navy to be used as an ammunition carrier. In January 1945, after sea trials, she loaded over 10,000 tons of ammunition from the Port Chicago Ammunition Depot, Concord, California and departed for Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In February 1945, she steamed to a remote area of the South Pacific called Ulithi Atoll where the worlds largest formation of Allied forces had amassed for the invasion of Japan. From March to May 1945, the USS Red Oak Victory (AK-235) replenished numerous vessels of the Pacific fleet. From June to October 1945, she supported the liberation of the Philippine Islands. In November 1945, she headed home to Seattle, Washington were she was decommissioned on May 21, 1946 and returned back to the U.S. Maritime Commission. In May 1947, she was leased to the Luckenbach Gulf Steamship Company, Seattle, Washington. She made several voyages, most notably supporting the UN forces engaged in the Korean War with military cargo. From 1957 to 1965 she was in storage by the U.S. Maritime Commission. In December 1965, she was leased to the American Mail Lines and until December 1968, supported U.S. forces engaged in the Vietnam War. She was placed back into storage until September 1998, where she was obtained by the Richmond Museum Association to be restored back to her original operational launch condition. Today, the Red Oak Victory is an integral part of the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park. Questions for Reading 3 1. What was some of the cargo these ships carried? 2. Looking at a world map or atlas, locate some of the places to which each of these ships carried cargo. Does this give you a better appreciation for the mission of the seamen who served in the Merchant Marine? Why or why not? 3. Unlike the Liberty ships, which were built to be expendable, the Victory ships were designed to last for at least 20 years after being built. What examples can you find in the reading to support this? 4. Of the thousands of Liberty and Victory ships built, only a few remain. Why do you think it is important to preserve these ships? Reading 3 was compiled from John Gorley Bunker, Liberty Ships: The Ugly Ducklings of World War II (Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1972); Harry Butowsky, "SS Jeremiah O'Brien " (San Francisco County, California) National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form (Washington, DC: Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1985); James P. Delgado, "Lane Victory" (Los Angeles County, California) National Historic Landmark Nomination Form (Washington DC: Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1990); Curtis P. Junker, revised by Peter E. Kurtze, "SS John W. Brown " (Baltimore City, Maryland) National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (Washington, DC: Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1996); Shelby Sampson, "SS Red Oak Victory " (Contra Costa County, California) National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (Washington, DC: Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 2000); L.A. Sawyer and W.H. Mitchell, Victory Ships and Tankers (Newton Abbot, England: David and Charles Publishers, 1974); and Timothy J. Teahan and Barbara E. Mattick, "SS American Victory " (Hillsborough County, Florida) National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (Washington, DC: Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 2001).
Visual Evidence
Photo 1: "your merchant marine has grown.".
(Courtesy U.S. Maritime Administration) Press release from the War Shipping Administration, May 20, 1945.
War Shipping Administration Washington, D.C.
News Foto Release No. 76, (#2 of 5). For Release May 20, 1945.
Your Merchant Marine Has Grown
American merchant shipyards have built four ships for every prewar ship we had. Our fleet of Liberty, Victory, C-type and other vessels reached an all-time high of more than 3,500 dry cargo vessels, and more than 900 high-speed tankers. This huge fleet, in 1944, moved out of the United States more than 72 percent of 78,500,000 tons of cargo shipped. Three percent were carried by the U.S. armed forces and 24 percent by the combined tonnage of other United Nations. Transfer of troops and supplies from Europe to the far Pacific, over sea lanes ranging from 12,000 to 18,000 miles, will demand maximum efficiency in the use of our huge fleet under control of the War Shipping Administration and the United Nation's pool. --WSA photo 4235 (Courtesy U.S. Maritime Administration) Questions for Photo 1 1. A press release is a statement or an article that the government and other organizations give to newspapers to announce news and information. Why would the War Shipping Administration think it was important for newspapers to print this article and photograph? 2. Look at the chart in the above photograph. What statistical information does this chart present? By how much has the amount of cargo carried grown between 1942 and 1945? 3. How does this photograph of the shipyard help you in answering Question 2? Explain. 4. Photo 1 shows both Victory ships and Liberty ships under construction. Can you find the Liberty ship in Photo 1? What clues did you use to determine the difference between the Victory ships and Liberty ships?
Photo 2: "Salute Your Merchant Marine on Maritime Day--May
U.S. Maritime Commission Washington, D.C. News Foto Release No. 74, (#2 of 12) Watch Your Release Date - Not before May 13, 1945.
Salute Your Merchant Marine on Maritime Day--May 22
Not done with mirrors: Victory ships almost as far as the eye can reach line up at a West Coast shipyard for final outfitting before joining our vast merchant fleet. On Maritime Day, May 22, we shall have nearly 300 of these crack cargo type in service, and 300 more will be delivered before the year is out. --Maritime Commission photo 4236 (Courtesy U.S. Maritime Administration) Questions for Photo 2 1. This photo and caption was sent to local newspapers by the Maritime Commission to announce the upcoming Maritime Day. What do you think Maritime Day was about? Would Maritime Day be something worth celebrating? Explain. 2. What artistic elements did the photographer include in this Photo 2? 3. On the docks in front of the ships are lengths of chain. How might the chain be used on these ships?
Photo 3: North Atlantic Convoy, 1941.
Photo 3 shows a convoy of ships in the North Atlantic. Some of the ships in the convoy are Liberty ships. In 1941, The United States established the forward military base in Argentia, Newfoundland to support convoy escorts and patrol aircraft. The photograph was taken from an airplane assigned to the USS Albemarle (AV-5), a seaplane tender (a ship built to house and support seaplanes), in October 1941. At the time the photo was made, the Albemarle was based at Argentia. In the early years of World War II, German submarines, also known as U-Boats, threatened ships traveling across the Atlantic Ocean. Many cargo ships were sunk by the U-Boats. The United States and the Allies developed many ways to protect ships carrying supplies to Great Britain and the Soviet Union. Some of the many innovations that came out of World War II to locate submarines include radar, sonar, and high frequency direction finding. Because ships traveling alone were almost certain targets for submarines, the U.S. and her Allies grouped the ships together in huge convoys. The Navy and Coast Guard escorted the convoys with destroyers. Unlike modern submarines, which can stay submerged for months at a time, the submarines in World War II spent most of their time on the surface and submerged only when attacking ships or evading detection. In areas that were close to land, airplanes were used to scout for submarines. Many of these scouting planes also carried bombs so they could attack detected enemy submarines. Questions for Photo 3 1. Using an atlas, locate Newfoundland, Canada. Look at Map 2. Where is Newfoundland located, in relationship to the line between New York and Great Britain? Why did it make sense to base convoy escorts and patrol aircraft, such as the seaplanes from the USS Albemarle, in Newfoundland? 2. Why would grouping ships together in convoys help protect ships from submarines? 3. Photo 3 shows part of the wing of the patrol aircraft. In what ways did the patrol aircraft help protect ships carrying supplies?
Illustration 1: U.S. Merchant Marine Commemorative Stamp.
This stamp was issued by the U.S. Post Office Department on February 26, 1946 to honor the achievement of the United States Merchant Marine in World War II. The stamp depicts a Liberty ship unloading cargo. Questions for Illustration 1 1. Look up the word "commemorate" in the dictionary. What does it mean? 2. What is a "merchant marine"? Why do you think it was important to honor the Merchant Marine with a postage stamp? 3. The words "Peace and War" are placed at the top of the stamp. Why do you think these words were put on the stamp? Why is the word "peace" placed first?
Photo 4: Liberty Ship, 1941.
(Library of Congress) Photo 4 shows the first Liberty ship, SS Patrick Henry, shortly after its launch in September 1941. Questions for Photo 4 1. The ship was launched September 27, 1941. Considering the year it was built, what might be one reason why this Liberty ship doesn't have any weapons? If needed, refer to Setting the Stage. 2. Note the faint white markings on the bow of the ship. Those are numbers. What do you think the numbers are for? Based on your answer, can you determine if this ship is loaded or unloaded? How did you come to your conclusion? 3. The ship has three masts. What could they be used for? If needed, compare Photo 4 with Illustration 1.
Putting It All Together
The Liberty ships and Victory ships were built in order to move troops and supplies during World War II. They were built in great numbers to counter the threat from submarines and to ensure that the flow of men and material was unhindered. The following activities will help students discover more about Liberty and Victory ships and the role their community and its residents played during World War II. Activity 1: Pay Tribute to Local History Have students design a postage stamp depicting an important event that happened in your community. Encourage students to be creative with designs and color. Students should share their "stamps" in class and hold a class discussion on why they chose to commemorate that particular event. Activity 2: Serving the War Effort By using simple designs, perfecting mass-production techniques and building the necessary shipyards, the U.S. was able to produce the massive fleet of merchant ships needed to win World War II. However, there were not enough workers for all the new shipyards. Many men who could have built ships were serving in the armed forces. As a result of this labor shortage, many factories and shipyards hired women, minorities, and men unable to go to war to work on the assembly lines and in the shipyards to manufacture the products needed to prosecute the war. The women were given the nickname "Rosie the Riveter" after a worker in a popular song. Ask students to locate persons in the community or their families who worked in the farms, factories and shipyards during World War II. Students may find that local organizations that serve veterans and senior citizens are a good resource for locating these individuals in their communities. Organize a class project to participate in the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress by interviewing these persons and donating the interviews to the Library of Congress. See the Library of Congress Veterans History Project website at [http://www.loc.gov/folklife/vets/], or write to The Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20540 for more information. The project website offers sample interview questions for civilians who worked in support of the United States during the war. A free "Field Kit" is also available with tips for interviewing. You can download the kit for free on the project's website [http://www.loc.gov/vets/kitmenu.html]. Activity 3: Carrying the Supplies The Liberty ships and Victory ships carried many different types of important supplies in support of the war including food, fuel, vehicles, ammunition, and spare parts. Ask students to locate farms or factories in your community that supplied the war effort. Have them research how they supported the war. The local historical society or library's local history section is a good place for students to start their research. Students may need to look at old phone books, city directories, or newspapers to determine which businesses were active in their community during the war and whether they were involved in war production. Students should share the information they have discovered in the form of papers, project boards, computer slideshows, skits, or oral presentations.
Liberty Ships and Victory Ships, America's Lifeline in War-- Supplementary Resources
Liberty Ships and Victory Ships, America's Lifeline in War will help students in understanding how the United States mobilized a massive construction effort to build a large merchant fleet to serve in war and peace. Of the thousands of ships built during World War II, only a small number remain. Those interested in learning more will find that the Internet offers a variety of materials about the people, vessels, and organizations associated with this great accomplishment.
Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park is operated as a partnership between the National Park Service, the City of Richmond, the Rosie the Riveter Trust and the Richmond Museum of History. The park opened in 2000 and is still in development. The park preserves and interprets the history of the men and women who worked at the factories and shipyards in and around Richmond, California in support of World War II. Among the many units of the park is the site of the Richmond Shipyard (which built many of the Liberty and Victory ships), the automotive plant (which produced military vehicles), the Rosie the Riveter Memorial, the Liberty Ship Memorial and the SS Red Oak Victory (a World War II era Victory ship). The SS Red Oak Victory is currently undergoing restoration, please check the website for updates.
United States Maritime Administration This agency under the Department of Transportation oversees the merchant marine of the United States. Visit their website , for more information on the merchant marine, including an Education page.
United States Merchant Marine Academy Visit the website of the school in Kings Point, New York, that trains future officers of the merchant marine. The site also contains links to the Maritime Museum, which includes artifacts and historic pictures.
Naval Historical Foundation A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the Navy's proud heritage. The Foundation supports the activities of the Naval Historical Center. Their website has information on primary sources including oral histories, memoirs and personal paper collections.
U.S. Maritime Service Veterans Veterans of the merchant marine and U.S. Naval Armed Guard operate this extensive website . This is a comprehensive site about the history and traditions of the merchant marine. There are extensive histories of the merchant marine in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
American Rosie the Riveter Association This is a national organization made up of the women who worked in the factories and shipyards during World War II. The website includes a newsletter and links to related sites.
Historic Naval Ship Visitors Guide This website , maintained by the Historic Naval Ships Association, is a worldwide listing of historic ships that are open to the public, including ships' histories and contact information.
NOVA: Hitler's Lost Sub The PBS series NOVA aired an episode on the discovery of a sunken German submarine off the coast of New Jersey. The website includes a history of this U-Boat, a virtual tour and a transcript of the show that includes a detailed account of the Battle of the Atlantic during the early years of World War II, when the submarine threat to shipping was at its height. The website also has a Teacher Resources page.
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