Just off the Liberty Aug. 29th sailing

[amistad]

I wanted to post a little info about our recent cruise on the Liberty. I will start with the embarkation, we had 2 category 12 suites and 1 balcony and the embarkation went very good, as soon as we were on the ship we got in line to get a cabana for HMC, had to wait about 45 minutes for the computers to start working, we were 3rd in line and got cabana #5 sky blue. Then off to the buffet for lunch, same as alway's very crowded, got my grilled ruben sandwich and the rest of the family got an assortment of foods. Rooms were then ready so we went and unpacked, then off to the muster drill. Went back to the cabin to get ready for an invited guests casino party, had a cocktail then off to anytime dinner. The anytime worked well for us as we were a family of 9 with different activities some days. The staff was just great, we had Bagus and his team and requested him each night, very friendly and accomadating. I had been keeping up with the dress code threads before the trip and just to let everyone know, we saw all spectrums, some dressed up some casual and some very casual. I can now say do not stress out about what to pack, you will not look out of place. After dinner we went to the casino won a little on slots, enjoyed a few drinks then to bed and watched Bridal Wars on tv. !st stop HMC, we had priority tender due to the cabana and it was a beautiful day. The cabana came with soft drinks, water, chips, guacamole, fruit plate, vegetable tray. They also left us 4 floating mats and 4 sets of snorkel equip., 4 beach towels. Great day, I will mention that we had a problem with people going into our cabana when we were swimming, they used our shower and took 2 of our mats, very rude. A beautiful beach day. Next up sea day, We had rain this day so after breakfast we walked around the shops, used the casino for the slots tournament took a nap and played with the Grandchildren. Dinner was elegant night had the lobster and shrimp and the shrimp were so large I could not finish the plate. Went to the show after dinner and to the casino. Day 3 St. Thomas all 9 of us went to Coral World some did the Sea Lion encounter and then we all went next door to Coki Beach. The Grandchildren and adults had a great day. We took a taxi back around 3:30 and showered and took our afternoon nap. Dinner again in the MDR and then off to the casino. I did watch Quantum Solstice on the outdoor movie screen one night and I can't remember if this was the night. San Juan was our next stop and it was hot and humid, did some shopping and looking around, this a short day 7-3 so felt like we had to hurry, I wish this was a 10-6 stop. We stopped at Senior Frogs before we got back on the ship and at the casino at the Sheraton, We tried to eat La Bombonera, but after we were seated we waited about 20 mins. and never got waited on. I do need to mention my husband did pay for the golf excursions in St Thomas and San Juan and both were cancelled, of course we got reimbursed, but he was really looking forward to golfing. Grand Turk was the next stop and we let the kids play at the beach all day, took pictures and bought a few things at the shops. This is the other elegant night and dinner was good as alway's. For those that ask about spa specials, the morning of Grand Turk I went to deck 5 to get a coffee and they had a special pick 3 for $69, neck, back shoulders massage, facial, scalp massage, foot and ankle massage, hair conditioning, arm and hand massage or eye collagen treatment. This special was not in the Capers and it was good that afternoon or for the last sea day. The last sea day went so fast, we tried to cram to much in and and we went to the MDR for our last night, Panko crusted shrimp and Prime Rib were both good. I forgot to mention we really enjoyed the Hypnotist show on one of the nights. On tv Twilight, Bridal Wars, The Secret Life of Bees, Ice Age 2, were some of the free movies shown. I did use room service 3 times, chicken fajita wrap and blt, cheese cake, vegetable plate very good. Bought some pictures of family packed and had the luggage out by about 10:30. The last morning we ate in the Silver Olympian to avoid the crowds at the buffet. We had the priority disembarkation and we were off in minutes, Miami has the process down to an art. If I had to compare our recent cruise from New Orleans on a 1 to 10 on disembarking, I would give New Orleans a 1 and Miami a 10. I know I jumped around a lot, but if anyone has any questions I will try to answer you. I forgot to mention the ship was alway's clean and it is in good condition.

[kimala]

Do you remember if there was a Martini bar or a Martini tasting for $15.00? Some people had mentioned there was one on the Glory.

[amistad]

I may have missed it, but the only thing I noticed for martini's was Martini's with Tricky Nikky Premium and Ultra for 7.50 from 5:00 to 9:30 on the Promanade deck 5 Paparazzi bar.

[Irish708]

LOVED IT ! This was our fifth cruise on Carnival, and the best, although we had great times on the other sailings as well ( Imagination, Fascination Valor 2x) We have gone from OV guarantee 2x , balcony 2x and upgraded to a suite on this cruise. We were in Empress 7228, and what an awesome suite it was ! We love Carnival, have never had a reason to book on another line, and always go with a good attitude.

 

Embarkation - got VIP due to Suite, still had quite a wait at the VIP lounge, but good overall.

 

Dining - We were assigned the 6 PM seating at the Silver Olympian, although I had requested open seating. Had some issues getting this resolved, went straight to Maitre D when we got on the ship. "Give me a day, and we'll get back to you". Next day, no response and had to go back to the Maitre D ( different one) , who didn't see any notations, and said they were full. Suffice to say, as of that night, we went to open seating on the upper level of the Golden Olympian. Really glad I fought that battle, it was great. Alex the Maitre D was wonderful , we had Padli as our waiter, he was fantastic. We loved the food on the dinner menu. We also had fish and chips, burrito bar, deli, pizza station, and breakfast in the dining room, as well as room service. Enjoyed all of that as well. We did do Harry's the supper club as well one night, wasn't that impressed, it wasn't consistent in service . We had Lobster tail and a porter house steak, it was ok, but enjoyed Scarletts on the Valor much better, but personal preferences.

 

Entertainment - We enjoyed the shows immensely, we didn't do any daytime activities, but those that did, seem to enjoy themselves .

 

Service - Santolino and Arni our cabin stewards were great! Friendly, the room was immaculate, always took time to say hello to our 10 year old son, just wonderful ! We found that overall, the crew was very pleasant, and strived to go above and beyond.

 

Camp Carnival - our son loved it. They had varied activities, he stayed for some of the night parties, and had a blast.

 

CD - was Noonan, who said he had been there for 8 weeks, filling in for the vacationing CD, and that he had been with Carnival for 10 years . Thought he was very witty , and personable.

 

Ports - Had a great time at them all. Half Moon Cay was great, if you want souvenirs from this stop, they have a Carnival store that closes at 1:00, and a few local stands, so bring cash for these. They weren't cheap and wouldn't bargain.

 

St Thomas - Great. We did Godfrey Tours for the second time, as we were in St Thomas 2 years ago. Shopped ( shopping is great there ), toured the island , and went to Magen's Bay to lounge on the beach, which was also great.

 

San Juan - Had read mixed comments about this port, but really loved it. We walked from the ship to shopping, Coach Outlet, etc, and had to ask directions a million times. Everyone was friendly and helpful. I loved the architecture there, we visited a Cathedral, and walked to a fort, which my son loved. Thanks to CC, I knew there was a free trolley that would take you to the fort and back. So we took this back, and I got off at square that had local vendors selling hand made items.

 

Grand Turk - My DH and DS did the Dune buggy tour, and liked it. I shopped ( expensive ), and we later met up for some beach time. The beach was very rocky, and had read this on CC, so we wore beach shoes, which really helped.

 

Disembarkation - we had priority, so this went smooth.....We were sad as this was such a great vacation. My husband who before the cruise said " We have gone crusing the last 5 years in a row, I'm sick of it and the islands, we need a break" , on the 3rd Day of the cruise was saying. I LOVE THIS SHIP, let's come back next year !

 

Sure I'm forgetting a lot , but it was wonderful !:D

[lele100]

Hello, I do have a question on debarkation in Miami. I have never heard them announce VIP debarkation how does that work? all I have ever heard was self debarkation where you have to carry your own luggage and then they start announcing regular debarkation. when is VIP debarkation announced and how does it work. Thanks

[Irish708]

Forgot, we did make it to the captain's party, but sat in the piano bar. They did serve drinks, but I ordered a Cosmo, and it was sort of a mini Cosmo. Didn't make it to the past guest party, so can't comment on that. I also bought the $100 deposit, on board credit, which I had also done last year on the Valor, and used for this cruise. IMHO well worth it. I didn't see that they had the afternoon Tea, but might have missed it. I had been to that on the Valor and liked it.

[Irish708]

Hello, I do have a question on debarkation in Miami. I have never heard them announce VIP debarkation how does that work? all I have ever heard was self debarkation where you have to carry your own luggage and then they start announcing regular debarkation. when is VIP debarkation announced and how does it work. Thanks

 

 

They give you numbered luggage tags, and ours was one, and they called it by zones.

[amistad]

Irish708, I'm glad you had a good experience too. I love to cruise and I am not just loyal to Carnival, but I do think they offer a great value and a wonderful crew.

[yogimax]

Love that Reuben sandwich!

[amistad]

Hello, I do have a question on debarkation in Miami. I have never heard them announce VIP debarkation how does that work? all I have ever heard was self debarkation where you have to carry your own luggage and then they start announcing regular debarkation. when is VIP debarkation announced and how does it work. Thanks

We also had luggage tag one so we were announced early, I can't say enough about how easy the Port of Miami is compared to some of the others I have been to.

[mizLORInj]

Where in San Juan did the ship dock? Across from the Sheraton hotel in Old San Juan??

[amistad]

Yes it is very close to the Sheraton.

[MzOhioLady]

Thank you Amistad and Irish708 for you Reviews. I'll be on that ship sailing on the same itinerary as you. I cannot wait!! I do have a question. I've read mixed times and days but do they play a game called Quest? Can you tell me specifically what day and time do they do that. I think its late at night at either 11:00pm or Midnight. Can you confirm for me thanks!

[Irish708]

Quest was on Tuesday at 11 PM , the Cabinet Deck 4

[Irish708]

Forgot, we did make it to the captain's party, but sat in the piano bar. They did serve drinks, but I ordered a Cosmo, and it was sort of a mini Cosmo. Didn't make it to the past guest party, so can't comment on that. I also bought the $100 deposit, on board credit, which I had also done last year on the Valor, and used for this cruise. IMHO well worth it. I didn't see that they had the afternoon Tea, but might have missed it. I had been to that on the Valor and liked it.

 

 

Correction, they did have the afternoon tea , must have just missed it :)

[MzOhioLady]

Thanks Irish!

[wesail4fun]

What night was the midnight Mexican Buffet on deck that I have read about?

 

Thanks

[BRC]

Love that Reuben sandwich!

 

Almost as good as the chocolate melting cake.:rolleyes:

[amistad]

What night was the midnight Mexican Buffet on deck that I have read about?

 

Thanks

There was a late night mexican buffet the night of the San Juan stop from 11:30 to 1:00 a.m.

[amistad]

Yogimax and BRC, I now have a new found favorite, the chateaubriand was really good, much better the the beef wellington they used to serve.

[amistad]

Almost as good as the chocolate melting cake.:rolleyes:

Just thought I would mention for the chocolate melting cake lovers, they offered it in the buffet on the nights I stopped in with my grandsons, so if you still have a craving after dinner you can alway's get a double dose and stop in the buffet later.

[Jeafl]

Just thought I would mention for the chocolate melting cake lovers, they offered it in the buffet on the nights I stopped in with my grandsons, so if you still have a craving after dinner you can alway's get a double dose and stop in the buffet later.

 

I wish you hadn't mentioned that!!!! Could be dangerous...

 

Thanks for your great reviews, both of you!

[Cint19987]

Okay 8/29 was my first cruise and after hearing soooo much about WCMC i had to try it.. so the first night in the MDR i order it... It came to the table and it looked wonderful i stuck my spoon in and what a disappointment, it was like hershey's chocolate syrup under a thin layer of cooked "cake" ? lol i was like omg what is this... it was chocolate syrup. Me and the BF re ordered and got the Creme Burlee (sp?) delishh might i add..

 

second night in the MDR (which the BF missed due to the Blackjack tourney) i said ill give it another go... and OMG it was cooked and it was soooo delish!! I ordered it as a side dessert every night except the last 2 nights which were birthday cake nights.