Liberty of the Seas arrives in the U.S.

The 21st ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet and one of the largest ships in the world arrived in the U.S. on Monday. The Liberty of the Seas is spending some time in New York City before it repositions to its new homeport of Miami, where it will be christened and then set sail on its maiden voyage to the Caribbean.

A twin to the Freedom of the Seas (the other world’s largest cruise ship), Liberty can carry 3,634 guests. Like its sister, it features onboard surfing, cantilevered whirlpools, a water park for kids, and the Presidential Family Suite, which sleeps up to 14 people. The ship has more than 20 restaurants and lounges and a long shopping boulevard.

The Liberty of the Seas will also introduce innovative programming to the Royal Caribbean fleet. Its Vitality wellness program promotes healthy lifestyles through a combination of fitness, spa, excursion, and culinary offerings. Explorer Weddings gives couples a chance to get married while doing adventurous activities, like surfing, and new activities for kids include acting workshops, DJ classes, and a loyalty program just for young cruisers.

You can sail the Liberty of the Seas on alternating seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries. I, however, will be sailing the ship come Monday on a two-night preview sailing out of the Cape Liberty cruise port in Bayonne, New Jersey (the Caribbean sounds nicer, doesn’t it?). If you have any questions about the Liberty or want me to check out something particular on the ship, email me this weekend at cruise@smartertravel.com.