Liberty vs. Vision for Christmas cruise

Hi All,

DH and I are looking for a cruise for Christmas this year. We could get to both Galveston and New Orleans ports easily. We don't have a preference in ports of call - we just want some sunshine and relaxation time. We've been on the Majesty and the Empress - the fleets smallest and oldest boats - and had a great time on both. Have you been on either the Liberty or Vision? What are your pros/cons for the boat(s)? Thanks!!

More guests and bells & whistles on Liberty. Covered Solarium and Park Cafe on Vision. My choice would be Vision.

My choice would be Vision.

Thanks Bob! I've been leaning that way just because it's a smaller ship than the Liberty.

Thanks Bob! I've been leaning that way just because it's a smaller ship than the Liberty.

If you are flying to the port, you will also find New Orleans much easier for the fly-in cruiser than Galveston.

I was on Liberty for the past Christmas and it was wonderful. However we were a family and there were a lot of kids. The ship didn't seem too big for us either, but that would vary widely from person to person. If I had to base it off which port is more interesting or fun pre-cruise, I would go with New Orleans. Galveston is nice but in winter it doesn't beat New Orleans. I can say the Galveston port needs a better system for navigating passengers in vehicles. That part was a mess. I have never sailed from New Orleans though.

I was on Liberty for the past Christmas and it was wonderful. However we were a family and there were a lot of kids. The ship didn't seem too big for us either, but that would vary widely from person to person. If I had to base it off which port is more interesting or fun pre-cruise, I would go with New Orleans. Galveston is nice but in winter it doesn't beat New Orleans. I can say the Galveston port needs a better system for navigating passengers in vehicles. That part was a mess. I have never sailed from New Orleans though.

Thanks! I appreciate your insight.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We've sailed Liberty twice. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Thank you for the the response scubaslayer. We love NOLA and know there would definitely be more things to do pre- or post-cruise than Galveston.

Agree New Orleans is a much nicer place to leave from some much to do and great restaurants casino etc, but I do prefer larger and newer ships , Love ice skating show , also liked the play Saturday night fever .

Agree New Orleans is a much nicer place to leave from some much to do and great restaurants casino etc, but I do prefer larger and newer ships , Love ice skating show , also liked the play Saturday night fever .

Thanks for your reply George. DH and I have only been on the Empress and Majesty - the smallest ships in the fleet - so both the Vision and the Liberty will be big to us!

Thanks for your reply George. DH and I have only been on the Empress and Majesty - the smallest ships in the fleet - so both the Vision and the Liberty will be big to us!

Living in Texas, we have cruised Liberty a couple of times. We like the ship, the Flowrider, the water slides, ice show, royal promenade, etc. This past January we cruised Vision out of Galveston before she moved to NOLA. We loved Vision! Granted, we cruise mostly for R&R and do not participate in a lot of daytime activities. We like to find a nice spot in the solarium to read and doze, with a little dip in the pool from time to time.

Where Vision shined for us was in the presence and attitude of the staff/crew. We met or passed by several officers each day, and the hotel director was very visible and approachable. We loved the location of the Schooner bar, and enjoyed the piano player each evening. IMO, the food on Vision was far better than on our two Liberty cruises, but that is subject to the leadership of the executive chef on board at the time.

We, too are planning a Christmas cruise this year. We looked at both Liberty and Vision, and chose Vision based on our wonderful experience last January.

-Annette

We've been on both Liberty and Vision. I love them both but I found the Vision to be a lot more relaxing. :hearteyes:

Have seen posts here on CC recently that the itinerary has been changed for the Vision to include Miami for upcoming cruises. Many were bemoaning that fact. Just an FYI.

The Vision class is the class we started cruising on many years ago when the Rhapsody was in Galveston. This class has a special place in our hear. We're not terribly picky about ships. It's a cruise, we're there!!

Hi,

Liberty for holidays. Ship is decorated. You will see

Saturday Night Fever.. a broadway style show, and

an awesome Ice skating show. Promenade on deck

5 is interesting.

The only reason I haven’t sailed Liberty recently is

she is in Galveston...but if you are OK flying there

...best of the two in my opinion.

Try Liberty...a Freedom class ship...you can always

do Vision later.

The Fredom class is a huge step up from the others

you mentioned.

Have fun.

BTW, I have 30 Liberty cruises....a couple of Vision cruises...

says something there.. :-).