Liberty of the Seas from a first time cruiser 12/15/11

[DCAguy74]

Cozumel!

 

The night before we were sailing along with two other ships, we knew one was a Carnival ship, and the other was a RCL, we just didnt know which ones.

 

I woke quite early and got my coffee (well 3 cups so i didnt have to make multi trips) and sat on the balcony and watch us come to dock. I am amazed at how smooth and graceful these large ships are. I didnt feel a thing. I noticed two ambulances waiting on the dock and saw that they took a lady off in a stretcher. She did not look good, and still hope she is OK.

 

 

 

I was excited to see that Jewel would be joining us in Cozumel today.

 

 

[DCAguy74]

Now, I think Liberty and all the Freedom Class ships are just Beautiful, but something about the lines and size of Jewel seems grand. She looks like a classy lady, and I cant wait to sail on her one day.

 

We had big plans for Cozumel, and HAD is the key word here. My friend had some work stuff come up that needed to be taken care of so we ventured off for some WiFi. We had decided that we didnt really want to do anything too special, so we walked to the downtown area in search of a starbucks. I can still say I saw Cozumel, and it was beautiful. Now, again, I am not a sun or beach person, but I do love open water and Cozumel provided that for me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We walked the two miles down to the down town area, and I can say the walk was very refreshing and quite beautiful if you know how to look at it. I love flowers, and so I managed to take quite a few pictures of the. I wont bore you with all of them, but will add some.

[DCAguy74]

 

My Favorite:

 

 

This is one of the Dolphi encounter parks. I am not a fan, the animals just seem sad to me. So as much as I would want to swim with a dolphin, I wont because these animals should be free, and not penned up in a tiny enclosure.

[DCAguy74]

We did what we needed to at Starbucks, and did some shopping, and made our way back to the ship. It was hot, very hot, but managed to avoid stopping for a beer. Probably a stupid move since I really like a drink or two when on vacation. :) or else a smart move depending on your perspective. Nice views of the ship on the way back.

 

 

 

 

 

Obligatory Pose near the ship.

 

Back on the ship for a quick bit to eat, and a little rest. then watchd sail away from the balcony.

[renech]

Loving your report and all the great pictures. I'm a fairly seasoned cruiser, but your enthusiasm has me smiling away :D, and even more antsy for my upcoming cruise on the Liberty. No cruise is perfect, but for those of us who love cruising, it's always a special event.

 

Looking forward to reading the rest of your report!

 

This is one of the Dolphi encounter parks. I am not a fan, the animals just seem sad to me. So as much as I would want to swim with a dolphin, I wont because these animals should be free, and not penned up in a tiny enclosure.

 

It's not a popular stance, but I feel the same way for very similar reasons.

[DCAguy74]

Pretty quiet evening for the most part. Met back up with some friends, and chatted for a few hours. Actually, the rest of the night is a tad fuzzy. :)

 

The next day was our last day, and a full sea day. Not many pictures were taken this day as it was a pretty low key day. My friend and I were both pretty quiet as we knew the vacation was almost over. pretty much spent the day being lazy. A late lunch was delivered by room service while we watched the Dreamworks channel on the TV. I ordered my first serving of Honey Strung Chicken, and I was not disappointed.

 

Met up with friends again that night since there was supposed to be the white party on the pool deck, but it was moved indoors to The Crypt due to weather. RCL should review the DJ they had. He was pretty ignorant of his demographics, and wanted to be more showy than entertaining. He really just seemed like an ad for a DJ school in Miami.

 

Hung out for a little bit, then went to The Quest. OH. MY. GOSH! I have never laughed so hard. By far the most entertaining 45 minutes I have ever seen. I did notice some people were very "Prepared" for the event which takes away some of the audience participation.

 

Bags packed and set in the hallway for collection, it was time to go to bed.

 

Alarm went off at 6am, and I went for my last cup of coffee.

 

Left the ship at 0930, collected bags and were through customs and in a cab by 1015. Caught a cab to the airport and were in the terminal by 1045. My friend caught his flight to California, but My Father was driving over from Naples to spend the day since my flight to DC wasnt until 6pm.

 

All in all this was by far the best vacation I have ever had. There were very few overall complaints, and the post cruise glow hasnt faded by much.

 

Thanks for reading a somewhat abbreviated review. I am now addicted to cruising, and have one planned (Not RCL) and am looking at some schedules for late summer early fall.

 

Have a great New Year Y'all!

[IBookHePays]

Thanks for taking the time to write your review...sounds like you are hooked!:D

[DCAguy74]

It's not a popular stance, but I feel the same way for very similar reasons.

 

 

I know its not a popular stance, and I know that they are very well taken care of for the most part, but they just seem sad to me.

[renech]

I know its not a popular stance, and I know that they are very well taken care of for the most part, but they just seem sad to me.

 

That's debatable, at least according to a good friend of mine who is involved with marine mammals as an occupation. But back to the topic at hand....

 

Thank you again for the report. Glad you had such a great time. Yes, the people who "prep" for the Quest game are spoil-sports, but it still manages to be a fun time. I don't get why anyone takes it that seriously. Then again, I'm just there to laugh. :D

 

Very glad to hear your debarkation wasn't a nightmare. There have been recent reports of it being a little harrowing for some people. Maybe they've worked out the kinks?

[smeck]

Loving your report and all the great pictures. I'm a fairly seasoned cruiser, but your enthusiasm has me smiling away :D, and even more antsy for my upcoming cruise on the Liberty. No cruise is perfect, but for those of us who love cruising, it's always a special event.

 

Looking forward to reading the rest of your report!

 

 

 

It's not a popular stance, but I feel the same way for very similar reasons.

 

Couldn't agree more

[tjebme]

Can you tell me if there is a deck where you can walk all the way around the ship outside? Not the jogging track, but on the promenade level. Or do you have to do a U shaped walk?

 

Thanks!

[Bosjoe]

Can you tell me if there is a deck where you can walk all the way around the ship outside? Not the jogging track, but on the promenade level. Or do you have to do a U shaped walk?

 

Thanks!

 

Yes on Deck 4. You basically can walk around the whole ship, when you get to the front you go up a flight of stairs that brings you to the Helipad, then back down the other side and it will bring you all around.

[OhioCruiserDude]

OOOOO I am getting so ancy for our cruise in April its DWs first and my sixth I hope everything goes smooth for her

[cruise pup]

I ordered my first serving of Honey Strung Chicken, and I was not disappointed.

 

It's been my experience that the Honey Stung Chicken is much better from room service than from the Windjammer. Also, I've ordered the steak sandwich "naked" with fries and that comes out better than the steak in the main dining room. So you are learning quick!

 

I really enjoyed your report. I was on the Liberty a year ago for a 7 day cruise I loved it. I'm booked for the trans-atlantic in April. Can't wait.

 

Also wanted to mention I was on the Jewel last month. It is a lovely ship. Much different than LOS. Not chock full of bells and whistles. Instead of the Royal Promenade there is the Centrum which is a circular atrium that goes up to the VCL. There are lots of windows in the Centrum on the various levels so you can lots of ocean views, something lacking on the LOS. Also, the solarium on the Jewel has a dome so the pool inside can be used in bad weather. It also has a cafe but I never got to eat there. Don't know if I'd do a long cruise on it. It was perfect for a 5-day cruise.

 

Anyway, thanks again for your fun post.

[BillOh]

It's not a popular stance, but I feel the same way for very similar reasons.

 

I'm with you, I never wanted to do this, especially after seeing the movie THE COVE.

 

Nice to read a review from a first timer, I do look fondly back on my first cruise.

[DCAguy74]

Thanks for the replies.

 

My coworkers have decided I must take a cruise every 3 months now :) they think I was body-snatched while I was gone. I returned a much calmer and different person. I am trying to convince my Father and Step Mom into a cruise, but they seem a bit hesitant. I may have to go with them. :)

 

Again, Thank you for reading. It was fun, but alot of work for an ADD type of person like me.

[dres40]

Really great review, thanks for posting it!!!

[mermaidgal]

I was also on that cruise, so I am looking for myself in your pictures! Glad you enjoyed it and I hope you will become a frequent floater like me!

[DCAguy74]

I was also on that cruise, so I am looking for myself in your pictures! Glad you enjoyed it and I hope you will become a frequent floater like me!

 

I have to say it was the perfect "First Timers" cruise. I Cant wait for my TA now.

[tahoemc]

For a first time reviewer, a most excellent job sharing your experience. We just did our first TA, which coincidentally, was on Liberty this past October. It will be a different experience, but given your mild mannered disposition, I predict you will it enjoy it very much.