Back from the Carnival Liberty today 7/14

[ahoys]

Just got home from our Liberty cruise. If anyone has questions, I'll be more than happy to try to answer while the memories are fresh!

 

Kathy

[Zeebaby]

Was this Eastern or Western itinerary?

[Macaroni17]

I'm going on that ship soon, so I was just wondering; is it a nice ship?

Was there a lot to do on the ship?

And were there a lot of teens when you went?

Oh, and any classes, shows or activities that would be worth checking out?

[Dalton51]

X2 going on it 7-28-12 counting down the days. What are the must do's and ect. Thanks .

How was getting on the ship and getting off??? We have a early flight down and one back. Hope we. Can get on the ship fast and also get off fast. How was ur experience with it? Have a good time ?? Thanks

[pcrum]

We are doing the Liberty Thanksgiving week. I see you are from Tampa, so I'm assuming you drove to the port. Where did you park? We are driving from Orlando and usually park at the port, but I'm looking for a cheaper alternative to the $20/day parking fee.

 

Thanks. Hope you had a great cruise!

[inlinesick]

How was your cruise??

[KansasK]

Hi Kathy! I hope you had a great cruise.

 

We sail on the Liberty two weeks from today. I was wondering, do people dress up on the formal night?

 

Also, if you noticed, did they show any good movies on the big screen?

 

Thanks!

[ahoys]

We were on the eastern itinerary. Loved having Half Moon Cay as the first day with a day at sea the next.

 

It's a beautiful ship--my favorite "Conquest" class ship--very nice, understated decor.

Lots and lots to do; we never have enough time to do everything. (Must take more cruises to do it all!)

Going in July you'll always encounter a lot of children--of all ages. This sailing had a lot of teens, but we were never really bothered by them.

I'd definitely recommend the comedy shows, Guy's burgers, and the movie on the big screen on the Lido deck. But the most fun was the Alchemy Bar. Anyone who sails on the Liberty MUST do the Alchemy Bar.

 

We had a FANTASTIC, relaxing time.

We arrived at the port around 10:30 and had a short wait in the Concierge lounge. (We're both Platinum). We were on board by noon.

We left the ship around 7:40 and were in the car by 8:00. If you have an early flight, you'll definitely be able to leave the ship early.

[ahoys]

We stayed in Miami for two nights, because my husband Dave had to work in Miami on Friday. We stayed at the Hampton Inn and Suites in downtown Miami, and I definitely recommend that hotel. Not a view of the port, but an awesome downtown view!

 

We parked in the lot at the port, and although pricey, I liked being able to tip the porter to walk our bags to the car and help but them in the trunk. We were on our way and out of Miami by the time most people were able to leave the ship.

 

We went to the Seaside Theatre one night (wanted to do another movie but other things were happening). We saw Cowboys and Aliens. I know they also showed Harry Potter (Deathly Hallows Part 2) as well as a couple of concerts and some older "sports" themed movies. We really enjoyed Cowboys and Aliens.

 

A lot of people dressed up--we saw several tuxedos. People who did not dress up fit in as well--many men with just long sleeved shirts and ties, and many who wore just a button down short sleeved shirt with no tie. Lots of women with nice cocktail dresses and many with pants outfits.

 

The other nights were very casual, and it was not unusual to see men in shorts. However, many people dressed up every night--so really, anything goes. My advice would be to wear whatever you're comfortable in.

 

Karl with a K was our cruise director and he was great. We sailed with Karl on the Victory in 2001 when he was an assistant cd and he has really become a seasoned cruise director. Very professional.

[sturderick]

We're doing the same cruise leaving next Saturday. What movies did they show on the big screen at night and when were the formal nights? Also, how hard was it to get a Guys burger? Were the tenders long for Half Moon Cay?

 

Sorry for all the questions :)

 

Thanks!

[ahoys]

Happy to answer your questions!

 

I remember Deathly Hallows Part 2, Cool Runnings, Cowboys and Aliens, Rod Stewart concert...

 

Formal nights are Monday (day at sea day) and Thursday (Grand Turk day). A lot of people missed the second formal day because they stayed at the beach all day...

 

Guy's burgers are very easy to get, with no waiting. I don't know about peak, really busy times, but Dave had to have a burger every day. We never had a wait. They are terrific!

 

Kathy

[cruzn buckeye]

did you use the Serenity area? Were the hot tubs hot on this ship or just lukewarm like the last time I cruised on the destiny?

[beckymomof2]

We were on the eastern itinerary. Loved having Half Moon Cay as the first day with a day at sea the next.

 

It's a beautiful ship--my favorite "Conquest" class ship--very nice, understated decor.

Lots and lots to do; we never have enough time to do everything. (Must take more cruises to do it all!)

Going in July you'll always encounter a lot of children--of all ages. This sailing had a lot of teens, but we were never really bothered by them.

I'd definitely recommend the comedy shows, Guy's burgers, and the movie on the big screen on the Lido deck. But the most fun was the Alchemy Bar. Anyone who sails on the Liberty MUST do the Alchemy Bar.

 

We had a FANTASTIC, relaxing time.

We arrived at the port around 10:30 and had a short wait in the Concierge lounge. (We're both Platinum). We were on board by noon.

We left the ship around 7:40 and were in the car by 8:00. If you have an early flight, you'll definitely be able to leave the ship early.

 

I just youtube'd the Alchemy Bar because I didn't know what it was... WOW. Interesting. Did the drinks typically cost more in that bar or were they about the same? And what was with the prescription pad? That's weird.

[ahoys]

did you use the Serenity area? Were the hot tubs hot on this ship or just lukewarm like the last time I cruised on the destiny?

 

The Serenity deck was calm and quiet. A little hot, but it's July in the Caribbean!

 

The hot tubs were warmer than lukewarm, but I wouldn't call them hot.

[ahoys]

I just youtube'd the Alchemy Bar because I didn't know what it was... WOW. Interesting. Did the drinks typically cost more in that bar or were they about the same? And what was with the prescription pad? That's weird.

 

We didn't use, nor did we even see the prescription pad. I think the drinks were about the same as the other drinks on the ship. The mixologist will make a full sized drink, shake with ice, and then pour your drink into a martini glass. The leftover drink in the mixing glass will sit on the counter near you and the mixologist will refill your martini glass until the full-sized mixing glass is empty. Because the drinks are made with premium liquor, I think it's a good value.

 

Unless the bar is packed, the mixologist will ask you if you like sweet or sour, whether you like berries or spice, and if you like champagne. Then he/she will go to work on mixing some liquor, some liqueur, some syrups, and some extras, like mint or basil. Usually the drink ends up being unique, and won't even have a name. But you'll like it, and you'll want to come back and try for new flavors.

 

It's an awesome atmosphere, and everyone gets to know everyone else at the bar. We exchanged a lot of email/facebook info with people at the Alchemy. Adri and Dorian are the current mixologists, and they are fabulous!

[beckymomof2]

We didn't use, nor did we even see the prescription pad. I think the drinks were about the same as the other drinks on the ship. The mixologist will make a full sized drink, shake with ice, and then pour your drink into a martini glass. The leftover drink in the mixing glass will sit on the counter near you and the mixologist will refill your martini glass until the full-sized mixing glass is empty. Because the drinks are made with premium liquor, I think it's a good value.

 

Unless the bar is packed, the mixologist will ask you if you like sweet or sour, whether you like berries or spice, and if you like champagne. Then he/she will go to work on mixing some liquor, some liqueur, some syrups, and some extras, like mint or basil. Usually the drink ends up being unique, and won't even have a name. But you'll like it, and you'll want to come back and try for new flavors.

 

It's an awesome atmosphere, and everyone gets to know everyone else at the bar. We exchanged a lot of email/facebook info with people at the Alchemy. Adri and Dorian are the current mixologists, and they are fabulous!

 

Cool. So the Carnival employees are allowed to exchange contact info with guests? I assumed they weren't allowed to... don't know why I assumed that, just did.

[mommyz]

We're going in October!

 

How's MDR food and how's the nightlife (clubs esp). We love to dance. Also are there any fun classes onboard at sea days (cooking, art....).

 

Heard embarkation can be a nightmare is it really that bad????

 

Thanks a bunch :)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Congrats on your Milestone sailing -- I'll bet they asked you to stand up at the past guest party!

 

We were on the sailing prior to yours - had a great time as well (loved the burgers too)!!

 

Tom

[vivavegas]

Welcome Back! Glad you had a great cruise!:)

[ahoys]

Cool. So the Carnival employees are allowed to exchange contact info with guests? I assumed they weren't allowed to... don't know why I assumed that, just did.

 

I actually meant that we exchanged contact info with other passengers who frequented the bar, but we also exchanged facebook and email info with the mixologists as well. We have gotten email info from waiters on other cruises, so I don't think it's ever been against the policy.

[ahoys]

We're going in October!

 

How's MDR food and how's the nightlife (clubs esp). We love to dance. Also are there any fun classes onboard at sea days (cooking, art....).

 

Heard embarkation can be a nightmare is it really that bad????

 

Thanks a bunch :)

 

We never had a bad meal in the MDR, and there was always something on the menu that we like. The dance club is open for just adults in the late evening, so it was terrific. However, there were always people dancing everywhere...the casino bar, the atrium, the lido....Between the live bands and the djs there were lots of opportunities to dance.

 

The mixology class at the Alchemy was terrific. They had a steakhouse demo (not really a class), and a wine pairing class at the steakhouse (that one had a fee).

 

Embarkation was very smooth. We got a phone call the week of the cruise advising us to get there after 1:00, so they are trying to get people to arrive at different times to stagger the crowds. However, we got there really early and were on the ship by noon.

[pcrum]

How were the Guys burgers? In my head, I think they are like a 5 Guys burger...is this on the mark? I plan to try one topped with mushrooms, but without the bun (low carb).

 

I know my DH will love the Alchemy Bar. When it was the Paparazzi bar, there was a bartender (Tommy) who made the best tiramisu martini. We will have to watch the bar bill, because those cocktails sound right up DH's ally!

 

[ahoys]

How were the Guys burgers? In my head, I think they are like a 5 Guys burger...is this on the mark? I plan to try one topped with mushrooms, but without the bun (low carb).

 

I know my DH will love the Alchemy Bar. When it was the Paparazzi bar, there was a bartender (Tommy) who made the best tiramisu martini. We will have to watch the bar bill, because those cocktails sound right up DH's ally!

 

They are better than 5 Guys in my opinion, but with a similar taste. They have a toppings bar and you can add whatever you want on them.

 

If you guys like the tiramisu martini, you must try the "Deal Closer." It's chocolate-y goodness!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

They are better than 5 Guys in my opinion, but with a similar taste. They have a toppings bar and you can add whatever you want on them.

 

If you guys like the tiramisu martini, you must try the "Deal Closer." It's chocolate-y goodness!

 

I liked them a bit more than 5 Guys --- and you can't beat the price!!

 

Tom

[pcrum]

I liked them a bit more than 5 Guys --- and you can't beat the price!!

 

Tom

 

Tom-n-Cheryl, I see you cruise a lot (probably an understatement since you're milestone) and are from FL. Where do you park in Miami? We usually park at the port, but would love to find a cheaper, but safe alternative.

 

Thanks.