Thoughts on my recent Carnival Liberty cruise

I recently sailed on Carnival Liberty. This cruise was for my daughter, niece and nephew who had a few days off from school, and they wanted a break. They are excellent students, and very busy with extra curricular activities, so when I saw they had a few days off prior to the weekend, I booked this quick getaway for them. Another niece joined us that is older and out of school, so we had two in one balcony cabin and three in a balcony cabin next door.

Because it is hard for them to miss any school, we flew out after school on Wednesday and arrived in Orlando at midnight. We stayed at a Holiday Inn that is very close to the Orlando airport, and we took a shuttle out the next morning to Port Canaveral. We boarded the ship Thursday morning. We arrived at the terminal around 11, and check in was pretty quick. We had to sit in the waiting area for maybe 20 minutes or so, then we were allowed to board. Rooms of course were not ready, so we headed to the Lido. Some of us had a Guy's burger, and some had burritos from the Cantina. After getting a bit of lunch, we began exploring the ship.

This is only my third Carnival cruise, and while I enjoyed the first two, I found both to be garish and tacky from a decor point of view. This ship was a tad bit better, but still fairly tacky. The color schemes and decor of Carnival just isn't pleasing to me. Honestly I don't care what it looks like, but I do notice. I also noticed on this walk around that several areas on this ship could use a good cleaning. I realize outside windows are going to be dirty, it is a cruise ship that sails in salt water all the time. but there are areas I noticed around the lido deck, and in some public areas that need attention in the cleaning department.

We played a round of mini golf, and after that it was time to check out our room. We were in cabin 6388. The cabin layout was fine. We did find a dirty tissue by the bed, and one of the drawers was off the track so when pulled out it fell out, it was broken. Other than that the room was a good size, had enough storage and the bathroom was clean. I had three in my cabin, I expected a pull down but there was not a pull down in this room. I checked out the couch, which had seen better days, and realized it is a pull out, so I assumed that the steward would pull it out and make it up. Wrong. He made it up, but didn't pull it out. I slept on it as a made up couch. Not a big deal, I can roll with it.

What I could NOT roll with however, was the Pac Man game that kept making noises every 3 minutes or so, whether or not it was being used. And you could hear it in our cabin. It drove us nuts. BEWARE of cabin 6388 on Liberty unless you don't hear well, then maybe it would work for you. I noticed it the first night after we settled in, and turned the TV off. At that point, I assumed it was coming from a nearby room, and that it would stop at some point. But it didn't. It wasn't until the next day that I noticed we were somewhat over the arcade and it was a Pac Man game making the noise. The weird part was that there were several noisy games in the arcade. But the only one we could hear was Pac Man. Over, and over, and over again. So I did some investigating, and I found the power switch. So that night I went down before bed, the arcade was empty, so I turned it off. That was about 11. Someone turned it back on around 1, so I put my pillow over my head and did the best I could. The next night I shut it off before bed, and it came back on, so I got up and dressed at 2 am and went down and shut it off again. It was back on at 4 am. Really??? Who the heck needs to play Pac Man between 2 and 4 am?? I probably should have asked Guest Services to turn it off in a way that would keep it off for reasonable hours at night, but I didn't. We suffered through, but never again will I book a cabin near an arcade. That was my mistake.

I should note here, that the room steward introduced himself and asked right away if we wanted AM or PM service for our room. I don't care as long as we have fresh towels so I told him whatever suited him worked for me. So he took care of our room once per day, while we were at dinner. That was fine, I really honestly don't need them to do a thing in my room, we keep it tidy. I just want to be sure to get clean towels. And if we bring back sand with us I do appreciate a quick vacuum, but other than that we are self sufficient.

We ate dinner at the MDR using MTD each night. The first night we sat next to a table of drunk people. Didn't love that, but it is what it is. And the room was LOUD. I don't know why, but I could barely hear over the din in the room. And there is not a thing wrong with my hearing. The atmosphere was chaotic. Food was OK, but dinner took 2 hours. Which normally isn't a big deal to me, but with the noise level, and the table of drunks next to us, it was pretty much torture. The next night was better, the drunks didn't show up, and the last night was the best night, we sat in a different area and it was much better. Often people refer to short cruises as booze cruises. I don't always find that to be true. The table of drunks was the only time we saw out of control drinking/behavior. I have see that on longer cruises as well however.

On the Sea day we had brunch in the dining room. Again, it was a bit chaotic, but the food was fine, and it was enjoyable to have brunch.

Our only stop was Nassau, and we spent the day at the Colonial Hilton. I would do that again. The pool area and beach was nice. Not big, but nice, and I liked that we could easily walk to the hotel.

We didn't attend any of the comedy shows. Dinner took too long, and the later shows were for ages 18+. I had kids with me, so I didn't go. I did go to the casino a few times, made my usual donation. My daughter and my niece got a massage and said that was a good experience. On the final night we attended a show, the title was something about Rock music. We got there early, and I was excited because the music they were playing prior to the show to get the audience excited was right up my alley, classic rock. But then, the show started. And the singers were likely too young to know the music, let's just say I really did not enjoy this show. And the outfits and the way they danced, I felt like this should probably should be rated 18+. Pretty suggestive. Not a big deal, we could have just left, but I was dissappointed. Usually I enjoy the shows.

I realize from this overview, it sounds like we did not have a good time, but that isn't the case. I spent time reading on the balcony, I love that, and this was the very first cruise for my nephew and he wants to go again already, so he enjoyed it. All in all it was fine. There are always postivies, and hey, any day on a cruise is better than a day at work!

Appreciate the feedback! The noise from the arcade must have been really annoying. I would have likewise turned it off.

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Thanks for reviewing your cruise.

Thanks for your thoughts.

I was on the Liberty 4 day this past week and was surprised at the lack of the “booze cruise” vibe. Since school is in session there were barely any kids and I figured it would be chaos but this was probably the most laid back group of fellow passengers I’ve ever had which was shocking.

Enjoyed your review/report.

Keith

Thanks a honest review. I will be on the Liberty in December. I’m so excited.

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We are on the Liberty next spring, so you have the fun times you could share ?

Thanks for the review. Loved the Liberty when I sailed her in 2013. I always review deck layouts before booking a room. Hate the arcade was loud for you though :-(

I was on the Liberty 4 day this past week and was surprised at the lack of the “booze cruise” vibe. Since school is in session there were barely any kids and I figured it would be chaos but this was probably the most laid back group of fellow passengers I’ve ever had which was shocking.

I agree, I thought it was pretty quiet for a “booze cruise”. We had a great time. The staff was fantastic.

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I wonder if taking away all the tablecloths in the dining room is contributing to the sound levels increasing....kind of like when carpeting insulates sound in a room over bare floors.

I know it was frustrating for you, but the way you told the Pac Man story made me LOL.

I'm on LIberty in 35 days and can't wait!!

We returned from a cruise on Liberty a couple of weeks ago. This just might be our favorite ship thus far. We really like the decor and layout. We thought the ship was clean and well kept. If they are still on board, do not miss the violin trio in the atrium. They are there a lot and they are tremendously talented. I never thought much of violin music being a rock & roll child of the 60's but these young people changed my mind. Until you have heard the Rolling Stones "Angie" and the legendary Led Zepplin "Stairway to Heaven" on violin you are culturally deprived :D.

Guys was great as usual and we never waited for a burger. Pizza is always a wait. Find the barbecue joint above the buffet. Breakfast burritos are great as is the omelette station. Deli was never very crowded. Beware the fried seafood baskets at Seafood Shack but the steamed seafood is very good. We did not have good luck in the MDR with food or service (surprising) but talked to others who found it to be just fine. If you want to go to the steakhouse book early since it books up fast.

We were always able to find a good spot on Serenity. On port days you can have a hot tub to yourself or use the water slide with no wait. Comedy club was great but get there early as most shows become standing room only. We sprung for the hot stones massages and they were awesome. They were different than any we ever had and were pricey but worth it. Go to the Motown night in the atrium; it's a hoot. Try out the two chaise lounges about half way down the promenade. At alchemy bar find a drink on the menu and ask the bartender to make it special. Let them do their magic and enjoy.

Thanks for the report and a reminder to always check the deck plans before I book.

Thanks a honest review. I will be on the Liberty in December. I’m so excited.

 

 

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You will enjoy it! Overall, the staff was great, there is always something to do, and no cleaning or cooking, it is all good! :)

We are on the Liberty next spring, so you have the fun times you could share ?

Sorry, I don't! I used to keep them, but as I approach 20 ish cruises, I just don't keep them anymore. I should think to snap a pic for these boards, but I didn't do that. Enjoy your cruise in the spring!

I wonder if taking away all the tablecloths in the dining room is contributing to the sound levels increasing....kind of like when carpeting insulates sound in a room over bare floors.

 

I know it was frustrating for you, but the way you told the Pac Man story made me LOL.

 

I'm on LIberty in 35 days and can't wait!!

Glad you got a chuckle! In almost 20 cruises, it was my first experience with a cabin noise issue, so I feel lucky! And it we were out of the cabin most of the time, so it was just a problem at night, and with my pillow over my head it was workable! LOL!

If they are still on board, do not miss the violin trio in the atrium. They are there a lot and they are tremendously talented. I never thought much of violin music being a rock & roll child of the 60's but these young people changed my mind. Until you have heard the Rolling Stones "Angie" and the legendary Led Zepplin "Stairway to Heaven" on violin you are culturally deprived :D.

 

We were always able to find a good spot on Serenity. On port days you can have a hot tub to yourself or use the water slide with no wait.

I can't believe I forgot, yes, the violin trio!! AWESOME!! My daughter and I LOVED them! I did notice Serenity looked very nice and inviting, but I had kids with me so I didn't partake on this voyage. Next time I hope!

Can you tell me how much the shuttle to port canaveral costs and how you booked that? We have family in Daytona that can drive us to port if we fly into Daytona. But usually flights into Orlando are cheaper. Just trying to compare the two costs with adding transportation to the port. Thanks!

Can you tell me how much the shuttle to port canaveral costs and how you booked that? We have family in Daytona that can drive us to port if we fly into Daytona. But usually flights into Orlando are cheaper. Just trying to compare the two costs with adding transportation to the port. Thanks!

I booked online with a shuttle company called "Go Port Canaveral". They would have picked us up at the hotel, or at the airport. The hotel pick up I believe was $40 pp. From the airport it was I think $17.00 pp. Or maybe $20.00 pp but no more than that. Since we were a mile from the airport, we took the free hotel shuttle back to the airport the next morning, and hopped on the shuttle, which was a large bus. Very comfortable. They played a movie from the airport to the port about the area and about cruising to keep people entertained.

There are other shuttle services, in the past I used a company called "Cortrans", they were good too. They picked us up at our hotel, and I think that was $27.00 or so pp. Their pick up time that I wanted was booked this time around, so I went with Go Port Canaveral. I had good experiences with both.

Regarding the shows, how early did you arrive, and when did it really start filling up? 15 minutes? 30 minutes? 5 minutes? Thanks!

What are the shows that they have on a 4 day?

Regarding the shows, how early did you arrive, and when did it really start filling up? 15 minutes? 30 minutes? 5 minutes? Thanks!

You could walk in as they’re starting if you don’t mind sitting upstairs. The lower level started to get crowded maybe 5-10 minutes before the show. Liberty has a three deck high theater and the upper level was pretty much empty for both shows.

What are the shows that they have on a 4 day?

Flick and America Rocks.

Thanks a honest review. I will be on the Liberty in December. I’m so excited.

 

 

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Same..we are going to be on Cookies 2nd cruise as CD we are pumped.

Regarding the shows, how early did you arrive, and when did it really start filling up? 15 minutes? 30 minutes? 5 minutes? Thanks!

We arrived about 15 minutes early, but honestly the show never reached more than half full at any point. Not sure if it is because on three day sailings folks are not as into the shows? No idea, big reach there on my part, but I was surprised that the one show I did attend, was not at all well attended.

Thank you for the information!!

I booked online with a shuttle company called "Go Port Canaveral". They would have picked us up at the hotel, or at the airport. The hotel pick up I believe was $40 pp. From the airport it was I think $17.00 pp. Or maybe $20.00 pp but no more than that. Since we were a mile from the airport, we took the free hotel shuttle back to the airport the next morning, and hopped on the shuttle, which was a large bus. Very comfortable. They played a movie from the airport to the port about the area and about cruising to keep people entertained.

 

There are other shuttle services, in the past I used a company called "Cortrans", they were good too. They picked us up at our hotel, and I think that was $27.00 or so pp. Their pick up time that I wanted was booked this time around, so I went with Go Port Canaveral. I had good experiences with both.