Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me ...
FORT LAUDERDALE SNAGS LIBERTY FULL-TIME: Well, there's no point in going to extremes, but odes to Patrick Henry aside, Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Liberty will depart year-round from Port Everglades on six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises, starting in November. Chalk it up as another Carnival first, and the only program of its kind from Fort Lauderdale. Now in Europe, Carnival Liberty launches year-round service from the Venice of America on Nov. 19, following a 16-day transatlantic. For year-round adventure, six-day cruises depart Sundays for Freeport, George Town, and Costa Maya, while eight-day voyages depart Saturdays to the eastern and western Caribbean. The ship's previous six- and eight-day cruises from Fort Lauderdale have been a huge success, says Carnival's Bob Dickinson, president and CEO. Both eight-day cruises offer ports usually available only on longer durations. Plus, Saturday departures and Sunday returns fit one week vacations. Carnival Liberty's slew of amenities include a health club, four swimming pools – one with a 214-foot-long water slide – as well as 22 lounges and bars, and a three-deck theater. Dining includes a poolside eatery and a reservations-only supper club, with all venues featuring “Georges Blanc Signature Selections” by the French master chef. Fares start at $459 per person for six days, $629 per person for eight days, double. For details, call 1-800-CARNIVAL.