With a dramatic smash of the champagne bottle against its brand new hull, Royal Caribbean International’s 21st cruise ship, Liberty of the Seas, was officially named by travel agent godmother Donnalea Madeley at the Port of Miami. The naming ceremony included performances by the Miami Children’s Chorus, blessings by Rabbi Terry Bookman and Pastor Sverre Tofte, as well as remarks and a tribute by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman and CEO, Richard Fain.
Holding the dual-title of
world’s largest cruise ship along with sister ship, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty is the first Royal Caribbean ship to showcase the line’s enhanced onboard programming in the wellness, family and teen, and weddings arenas – implemented to give all guests more onboard options and activities.
At 160,000 gross registered tons, and a capacity of 3,634 guests (double-occupancy), Liberty of the Seas was built by Aker Yards, Finland, over the course of two years. Having just completed preview sailings from Southampton, England, Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey, and the Port of Miami, she
sets sail on her maiden Caribbean voyage tomorrow from Miami, and will continue to depart on Saturdays, with her sister ship, Freedom of the Seas, departing on Sundays. The two sister ships will alternate between 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Both itineraries include a call at Royal Caribbean’s private destination Labadee, Haiti. Liberty’s Western Caribbean itinerary calls in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Cayman Islands; and Montego Bay, Jamaica. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary calls in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, allowing for a third day at sea to take advantage of all the ship has to offer.