My Review Liberty of The Seas 8/29-9/5

[wild0826]

Let me start by saying WOW :). My family and I had a wonderful and awesome time on the Liberty of the Seas. Let me start with some background information. I was traveling with my husband and son. This was the 5th cruise for myself and son and the third for my husband. Our last cruise was 2 years ago on the Enchantment of the Seas. We enjoy cruising and plan on cruising for a long time to come. I will try to hit all points in my review. If anyone has any questions on anything I may have missed, I will try to answer them. I will talk about each day and then try to talk about individual aspects, like dining room etc. I hope to give everyone an idea of how beautiful this ship was.

[wild0826]

Day 1

 

We flew in the day of the cruise. We were unable to fly in the day before so we took an early flight the day of. We flew into Ft. Lauderdale because it was cheaper and more convenient as opposed to flying into Miami, which is where the ship left from. We arrived at about 8:45am and had our luggage at about 10 after 9. We prearranged transportation through SAS and called when we received our luggage. The van arrived 5 minutes later and we were off to Miami. The ride took about 30 minutes. We unloaded our luggage and dropped them off at a porter and proceeded inside. Everyone was waiting in the terminal to go through security. At about 10:30am they started forming a line for security. They started with suites, diamond plus, and diamonds first. Then platinum, gold, and then everyone else. I am a platinum member, thanks to my mom, and took my place in line. Security was quick and painless. We then proceeded to check in, which was pretty quick. We were then told to go to another waiting area and were given priority boarding tickets. We boarded at about 11:30 am and were off to the windjammer.

To be continued;)

[jjb415]

Good so far..........

[wild0826]

Day 1 continued

 

Well we arrived in the windjammer, and proceeded to have lunch. I sought out the honey stung chicken that I heard so much about. It was ok, but to be honest I do not see what is so coveted. Now don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t horrible. It just seemed that it was something that I could have gotten anywhere. After eating we proceeded to explore a bit until our room was ready. We went to our room at 1pm and it was ready, almost. The beds weren’t put together, but our room steward took care of it when we left for the muster drill. We had an inside room, 6119. My son slept on one of the Pullmans (bunk beds) and my husband and I slept below. We relaxed a bit because we were tired and left for the muster at 4pm. It was quick and painless and then went to the helipad for sail away. They did have a sail away party on the pool deck, but didn’t take part. After we sailed away we went back to the room to get ready for dinner. Our luggage had arrived before the muster, so we were able to change clothes. We had first seating, 6pm. Upon entering the dining room we realized that we didn’t get the table for 4 that I requested. I did this, so we would have a table for ourselves. I then wanted to change tables, but my husband talked me out of it, because the line to change was very, very, very loooong. I really should have just waited, because the week of dinners with our tablemates was like eating while someone scratched their nails on a chalkboard. Will go into detail later on. After dinner we went to sign up for the sports activities for the whole week. We signed up for ice skating, the rock wall, and flowrider. If you do this you do not have to sign up at each event each time. Then my husband and I went back to our room and my son sought out the teen club (The living room). We took a nap while he stayed out. Around 10 pm we went down to the promenade café for some cookies and a glass of milk. We went back to our room for some much needed rest. Our son came in about 12:45am from the teen club. That was the end of day 1.

[wild0826]

Day 2

 

Woke up and almost forgot where I was. Finally realized when I woke up and couldn’t see my hand in front of my face. The only downside to an inside room; you never know what time it is. I turned on a light and looked at the clock; it was 8am. My husband quickly woke up. What a wonderful morning. I turned on the television and found a channel that was set to video of the flowrider. It had just opened for stand up surfing and there were about 4 people out there at the time. My husband suggested we go while it was still early and before the crowd gets there. We woke up our son and changed into our bathing suits. I have to tell you, if you get the chance try it. There were people of all ages there after a while. If you can go early because you have lots of time to practice. By my third time, I was able to get hang of it. By the end my husband and son had gotten really good also. My husband does have a bad back (slight case of scoliosis) and twisted it when he got knocked off the board once. After a while we decided to finish up and go back to shower and change for the meet and mingle. We did this and went up to Olive and Twist. We didn’t stay long because my husband’s back really was hurting and he wanted to lie down for a while. He told me to stay, but I felt bad for him and went back to the room so I could rub his back. So I was there but only for a few minutes. Sorry I missed you guys. I rubbed his back and then after a while he felt a little better. We proceeded to Johnny Rockets for lunch and then my son and I went ice skating, while my husband watched.

[wild0826]

Day 2 continued

 

After skating, my son decided he wanted to go back to the flowrider. We told him we would meet him up there later on. We explored the ship some more, and then went back to our room. Since it was a day at sea we had time to do lots of things, so after resting we went up to the sports deck to watch the adult volleyball competition. We watched for a while, grabbed a drink and then watched our son on the flowrider. We had planned to go to the matinee ice show at 5pm. The show was called ENCORE!! Since it was 50min. long we had to get ready for dinner before the ice show. It was the first formal night and we all planned on getting dressed up. I still enjoy doing this and don’t mind at all. We left the flowrider at 3:45 so we could all get ready and get down to Studio B for the show. They were not giving out ice show tickets at all on this sailing. It was first come, first served and doors opens at 4:30. When we got there it was 4:45. Most seats were filled except the seats reserved for suite guests. At about 5 minutes to 5 they opened up the reserved seating and we sat down. The ice show was great. Don’t miss it. After the show we went to dinner and had a great meal. After dinner we went back to our room and changed. Our son went to the teen club and we relaxed for a while. If we didn’t relax we would need a vacation after our vacation. Can’t do that because back to work the day after Labor Day. My husband and I went to the production show that evening at 9pm. It was called EVER AFTER!! It was classic fairy tales done over. We thought it was great. After the show we hit the casino and played the slots and blackjack. We did win some. It wasn’t an extreme amount but we left in the black instead of the red. That is ALWAYS a great thing. At about midnight we went to the café promenade for a midnight snack and was off to our room. My son returned at 1am and we called it a night. Labadee would be the next day and our first port of call. If I get finished I will post Day 3 tonight, if not I will get back to you all tomorrow.

[mlfallis]

and then went to the helipad for sail away.

 

Great so far. I am wondering how you get to go onto the helipad. I had no idea you could do this but is sounds great. Can you tell me more about how you get onto it?

[wild0826]

Great so far. I am wondering how you get to go onto the helipad. I had no idea you could do this but is sounds great. Can you tell me more about how you get onto it?

 

 

If I remember correctly I went out onto deck 4 forward starbord side. All the way forward there are some stairs. I went up the stairs and there was the helipad. It was a great view.

[wild0826]

Day 3 Labadee

 

Our first port of call was Royal Caribbean’s private island of Labadee. The shipped arrived at 8am and the gangway was open by 8:30. We woke up, showered and were off to the windjammer for breakfast about 10:30am. After breakfast we headed on the island. Music filled the air as we got off the ship. The temperature was hot and there was another ship in port. It was the Enchantment. Apparently they were diverted to Labadee because they had to skip St. Thomas due to hurricane Earle. After Labadee I heard one of the passengers say they would have the next 3 days at sea. I read an article this morning confirming this. Apparently The Freedom and Oasis was also diverted to Western stops due to the hurricane. After getting on the island we proceeded to the tram because we were headed to Columbus Cove. This beach had calmer waters and our son wanted to do the aqua park. We went to sign up, but they were booked until 2pm. We all didn’t want to wait so we just swam in the water. It was a good thing we decided against it because lots of people came back complaining of being stung by jellyfish way out there. After about an hour we took a break from the water and picked up some food from the BBQ lunch on the island. It was very good. We got a couple of Labadoozies, the island drink of the day. They were ok, but kind of watery. Maybe they were a bad batch because they are usually very good. Then it was back to the water for a while and then we packed up because we wanted to try the dragon coaster. We walked to the coaster and passed the island shops along the way. Now if you have never been to Labadee, be prepared for someone to try to stop you every few feet. Everyone wants a sale. Now I am from New York, so I have heard it all. PLEASE I beg you do no be afraid to say NO THANK YOU. If you really want to buy something by all means go ahead, but bargain. Now I am all for helping the economy in Haiti, but do not get taken advantage of. The people are very nice and it was nice to visit there. My father is originally from Haiti and up until now I had never visited. We picked up a couple of things at a good price and went on to the coaster.

[tomko2]

Great review; looking forward to reading more.:D

Liberty is one of our favourite ships (lots of photos in the link below); we are booked again for 8 nights next March.

[wild0826]

Day 3 continued

 

The coaster is a two seater. Now usually there are 3 price points for it. $15 for 1 ride, $25 for 2 rides, and $40 for all day. With each of these price points you can take someone with you for free. Now this day they were only offering single rides when we got there. Don’t know if any other prices were offered earlier or not. Well we all wanted to ride so I paid for 2 single rides. That cost us $30. My husband rode alone and my son and I rode together. Now the coaster is man powered. That means that after the cable pulls you to the top, you get to control how fast you go. There are 2 handles and you push forward to go and pull back to slow down. I made my son “drive” the coaster. We had a ball. We liked it so much; we paid another $30 to go again. After the rides it was pretty empty by the coasters so the staff took a few pictures of us on the coasters with our camera. They were really nice. By this time it was 3 pm and we had to be back on board by 3:30. We left Labadee for the ship and hung out by the pool on board until 5. We then went back to the room to shower and change for dinner. Dinner was great as usual. My husband and I went back to the room after dinner, which was about 8, and our son went to his teen club as usual. We rested for an hour and then went to the production show that evening. It was a tribute to the Temptations. It was great. The singers were awesome. After the show we hung out a bit in the promenade and then went back to our room a bit. That night they had the 70’s dancing in the promenade. We watched a bit but didn’t stay that long. Then we went to the adult comedy show at 11:45. After the show we called it a night and our son arrived as usual at 1am. Now I am really tired so tomorrow day 4. Good Night all

[wild0826]

Great review; looking forward to reading more.:D

Liberty is one of our favourite ships (lots of photos in the link below); we are booked again for 8 nights next March.

 

Thanks. I finished day 3 and tomorrow will move on to 4. Hope you check back in for the rest.

[tomko2]

Thanks. I finished day 3 and tomorrow will move on to 4. Hope you check back in for the rest.

 

I will definitely keep checking back. Thanks. :)

[loverofpv]

Loved your report so far, can't wait for more. We (family and friends) will be on LOS January 9th!:)

[gyork0206]

great review so far, can't wait for the rest !!

[Hiraga]

Thx, nice review so far. We're going Sept. 26th with the LOS :)

 

Arjen

Netherlands

[wild0826]

Day 4 Ocho Rios

 

Woke up this morning and we were in Jamaica mon. The ship arrived at 9am ships time. Jamaica was one hour behind us, but we stayed on ship’s time. At about 9:30 the ship was cleared for departure to Jamaica. It was a usual day in windjammer. Had breakfast about 10:00am and then headed to the island. Every morning my husband complains about me because I always head to the omelet line to get an egg beaters omelet with mushrooms, peppers, onions, and cheese. He complains that his breakfast gets cold by the time I am done, and he is tired of waiting for me to eat. Well guess what too bad. Lol. Anyway the omelet line is very organized. You place your order and are given a number. It takes about 5-6 minutes for your omelet to be ready. Sometimes they had pre-made general omelets like ham and cheese or vegetable for those who are not picky. Anyway after breakfast we headed to the island. We did not have any pre-made plans, and wanted to take a tour of the island. They had vans taking people all over. We approached one of the people operating the vans. The name of the company was Juta tours. We asked the price and he wanted to charge us $25 per person. My husband got him to charge only $10 for our 13year old son. This way we only paid $60 instead of $75. We boarded the van and it was full of others. Most of the others were going to Dunn’s River Falls. We were not up to climbing the falls, even though this is one of the great attractions. The driver’s assistant indicated to those climbing the falls that it was required that they wear aqua socks a.k.a water shoes. They would not be allowed to climb the falls without them. Some people didn’t have them and the van made a stop where you could either rent them or buy them. I heard someone say that the rentals were disgusting so it is better to buy. I believe it was about $11 to buy them. So if you plan on climbing the falls don’t forget your water shoes. We went on to the falls and I believe the driver collected $15 for adults and $12 for children to pay for their entrance fee. About ¾ of the van left for the falls and the driver told them what time to return. We then headed to the botanical garden to drop off 3 others. They were also given a time to return. After this it was my family and one other family that was left to take the tour of the island. I will be back with the rest of day 4 in a few minutes.

[wild0826]

Day 4 continued

 

On our tour we were shown houses owned by some celebrities. I think one was Shawn Penn if I am not mistaken. We were shown local schools and taken up to some very high points where we could look out and see the ships. The Emerald Princess was in port with us also. We were then taken to a stop where we were given a little science lesson. We were shown plants and trees that are local and used for spices and different herbal medicines. We were given samples to smell and even taste. We were given a leaf and when tasted I knew the taste but couldn’t pinpoint it. Finally we were told it was used to make allspice. Then the flavor clicked. It was amazing to see things that we use everyday and things that the locals use when modern medicine is unavailable. Towards the end of the tour we were given the option of what we wanted to do. I wanted to go to get some local Jerk. That is a food, not an inconsiderate fool, for those who do not know. It is a food that is made with a local spice combination. It is usually prepared on the grill. You can get it mild or spicy. The flavors are wonderful. I can get it in NY, but knew that it would have a whole different taste in Jamaica. I was right. We were taken to the Jerk Center, while the other family wanted to go to the beach. I got jerk wings and festivals. Festivals are a type of fried dumpling. My son got jerk pork and my husband jerk chicken. I was adventurous and got my wings spicy. It was great, but my mouth burned by the end. By the time we finished the van returned for us. They had finished picking up the others from the falls and the botanical garden and dropped them back at the ship. We then said we wanted to go see the local shopping. We were taken to a spot with many shops and that was the end of our tour. We were told we could walk back to the ship if we wanted to and we decided that we would. We looked around, but saw nothing I wanted. My husband did however buy a Cuban cigar. He smoked it on our walk back to the ship, since it is not allowed in the US. The walk was about 15-20min. We did stroll slowly though, so my husband could finish his cigar. On our walk about 3 people tried to sell my husband pot. :eek: So if you are walking be prepared. Just tell them no thank you and continue on your way. By the time we reached the pier my husband had finished his cigar. It was 3:30pm. We did not have to be back onboard until 4:30, but our day was done. As we were walking on the pier there were some locals that had swam to the pier. They were begging for money. How they swam out there I do not know. :confused: It is deep water and there is a fence that blocks them. I did not see anyone throw them money in the water. We boarded the ship and was off to our room. The rest of day 4 on the ship to come.

[bobert]

Keep up the good work I am enjoying your account tremendously. Have not been able to cruise for a while and now that I have finally booked something I am enjoying others eloquent experiences with great delight. Both reliving and preliving the cruise experience through someone else's eyes.

[wild0826]

End of Day 4

 

We returned to the ship and my son was off to the flowrider. We did not have anything planned for Grand Cayman the next day so we wanted to do an excursion. After deliberating we decided to swim with the stingrays. The cost was $47 each and we ordered the tickets right on the TV. My husband and I rested about a half an hour and then went up to the pool deck to get air brushed tattoos. We watched our son for a while and then went down to our room to get ready for dinner at 6. Dinner was great and our son was off to the teen club afterwards and we headed back to the room. When we got there our excursion tickets were on our bed. We had decided for the 11am time and had to meet on the island for 10:45am. We watched a movie in our room. I think Julie and Julia was on. I enjoyed it. After the movie it was Bingo time and I wanted to play. My husband and I bought 6 cards each for $22 each. The prize was $500. I was one number away when someone else called Bingo. Oh well can’t win them all. Right after bingo the Love and Marriage game show began. It was in the same theater so we did not have to move. My husband and I ordered a beer each and waited for the laughs that would come. You wouldn’t believe what people will do to participate. The show was hilarious and the couple that was married the longest won. After the show we made our usual trip to the promenade. This time we stopped at Sorrento’s pizza first and then to café promenade for some cookies. Then it was back to the room. Our son arrived his usual time and then we went to bed. The next day would be Grand Cayman and our stingray excursion.

[wild0826]

Keep up the good work I am enjoying your account tremendously. Have not been able to cruise for a while and now that I have finally booked something I am enjoying others eloquent experiences with great delight. Both reliving and preliving the cruise experience through someone else's eyes.

 

Thanks for the compliment. I hope I am not too long winded. It seems that as I am writing there is so much I want to tell all of you. I will try to finish by today because I am back to work tomorrow.:(

[wild0826]

Day 5 Grand Cayman

 

Well it was an early morning. Woke up at 8am showered, changed and was out the door by 9:15. We went to the windjammer for breakfast, and guess what. My husband decided to get an omelet this time. He claims he will get one so we can sit down at the table the same time and HIS food will not get cold waiting for me. After breakfast we walked to the pool towel checkout and checked out 3 towels. We then headed down to the tenders. There was a 5 minute wait and then the tender was ready. We boarded and arrived on the island about 5 minutes later. We were early for our excursion and waited around about 30 minutes before we left. Our tour bus driver showed up and we got on a bus. It was a 15-20 min. bus ride to the boat. The bus driver talked about what we were seeing on our way to the boat. We arrived to the boat and quickly took our seats. The boat operator told us that the ride would take 30 minutes and he had complimentary fruit punch and water if we wanted it. We arrived at stingray city and were given quick instructions on how to pet them. We couldn’t wear anything on our feet because shoes or water shoes could hurt the stingrays. Snorkels were available to those who wanted them, but we had our own. The water was only about 3-4 feet deep. We got to feed the stingrays and even hold one. We had 45 minutes to swim with them. It was fun and the time seemed to fly by. Before we knew it. It was time to re board the boat. There was a photographer taking pictures and they were available for sale. We however didn’t buy any. We were snorkeling so much we didn’t get any pictures taken, except when my husband went back on the boat to grab the camera to snap a few of my son and I. It was another 30 min boat ride back to the dock, and a 15-20 min bus ride back to the tender area. We enjoyed our tour and we were happy we did it. Then it was back to the tenders and back to the ship. We then headed straight for the pool deck. I got a frozen yogurt cone from the pool deck and we found 3 lounge chairs. My husband sat for a while as our son quickly went in the pool. My husband then joined him and I took a well needed nap. I woke up and watched the line dancing on deck. At 5 pm we turned in the pool towels, went back to shower and change for dinner. It was formal night #2. Lobster night was great as usual. I had 2 lobster tails. Shhhhhh don’t tell anyone. Lol. Anyway after dinner, it was back to the room to change. Then what do you think was next?:rolleyes:

[lovecruzing]

Day 5 Grand Cayman

 

It was formal night #2. Lobster night was great as usual. I had 2 lobster tails. Shhhhhh don’t tell anyone. Lol. Anyway after dinner, it was back to the room to change. Then what do you think was next?:rolleyes:

 

 

Really enjoying your review... we will be on the Liberty on Sept 26th so counting down the days.

 

So the lobster is on the second formal night?? I was hoping to do the speciality restaurant that night but might have to change it up. I too plan on enjoying some local food in Jamaica -- some fried jerk fish with festival would be delish.

 

How was the water on Columbus cove?? I heard that is the calmer side of the island.

[wild0826]

Day 5 continued

 

Our son then went to his teen club after dinner and we stayed in our room for the next 2 hours. We then went to the "Finish that lyric" game show in the Sphinx lounge at 10pm. It was great to watch. Right after karaoke began and we stayed to watch that while we grabbed a drink. That ended a little after midnight and there was an adult nightclub happening at the Solarium. We went there for a bit. The music was great. We went back to our room at about a quarter to 1 and got changed for bed. We then waited for our son’s arrival. At 1 am we looked at the door for our son to arrive. That didn’t happen. At 10 after 1 I felt anxious. By 25 after I was panicking. He is usually very diligent. I then got dressed in search to find him. I first went to the living room, which is the teen club. Of course they said all the kids had gone. I then walked the 12th deck, but he wasn’t there. I called the room where my husband stayed to see if he was back as yet. He said no. By this time it was 12:40. I then decided to check the arcade. I searched but didn’t see him and my heart seemed to skip a beat. The worst just ran through my mind. I knew that all children had to be clear of all areas by 1am and I wondered where he could be. I went back to the room and my husband tried to keep me sane. He said we could go back together. Right as he was getting dressed, my son walked in at about 1:50am.:eek: I asked where he was and he wondered why we were upset. I asked where he was and he said the arcade. We probably just missed each other. I asked why he wasn’t on time and he was confused. He showed me his cell phone and it said 12:50 instead of 1:50. You see the ship stays on ship time, which is East coast time, but his phone automatically changed time as we sailed to an hour behind. This was the time in the Western Caribbean at the time. He apologized but I knew it wasn’t his fault. I informed him that for my sanity find a ship clock instead. He agreed and my meltdown was over. It was off to bed and get ready for Cozumel our last stop.

[wild0826]

Really enjoying your review... we will be on the Liberty on Sept 26th so counting down the days.

 

So the lobster is on the second formal night?? I was hoping to do the speciality restaurant that night but might have to change it up. I too plan on enjoying some local food in Jamaica -- some fried jerk fish with festival would be delish.

 

How was the water on Columbus cove?? I heard that is the calmer side of the island.

 

They served escargot on the first formal night, but the lobster was not until formal night #2. I do not know if they ever change it up, so just check the menu early on so you do not miss what you want in the dining room.

 

The water on Columbus Cove was the calmer side. I did not see anyone in the water in the first beach when we got there. The water was really rough. But when you got to Columbus Cove it seemed like a different island. Just be careful of jellyfish if you go way out. But they weren't a problem for us at all. They only seemed to be out by the aqua park.