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Liberty Review

jeff33436

By jeff33436,
in Carnival Cruise Lines

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jeff33436

jeff33436

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Got back from my 10th cruise yesterday. We (just the wife and me) were on the Carnival Liberty and did the Southern Caribbean with stops at Curacao, Aruba, and Grand Turk. Rather than a minute by minute recounting, I will do this by topic. Please feel free to ask any questions!

 

The Ship: We were on the Liberty a couple of years ago before she was refurbished. The ship is BEAUTIFUL!! They did a great job of making her modern, clean, comfortable, and just nice to look at. All areas were top notch and it was very upscale.

 

Parking at Port Canaveral: We decided to park outside the port with one of those park and cruise places. If you are impatient and don't like waiting, then don't do this! I won't mention the company because the people were very nice and it seemed like a pretty big operation that should have a great system in place. Wrong. Not enough shuttles with poor A/C. We arrived there at around 11 and didn't get to the ship till after noon.

 

Embarkation: No issues whatsoever. It was fast and easy. No, we didn't purchase the Carnival deal that lets you go into a special line. No need!

 

Our Cabin: We were in a balcony room, 6278. Really nice spacious cabin and very comfy, BUT it was right off the lobby near the elevator and the atrium. Convenient location BUT lots of noise in the room. The "bing" of the elevator could be heard all night in our room. The loung singers could be heard in the room, etc. On the positive, lots of storage space, nice bathroom, and of course, the balcony was great. We did complain (nicely, of course) about what we felt was less than cold A/C in the room. They sent some maintenance guys over right away and told us that it might take some time to get cooler, but that the A/C was fine. It wasn't. Not that it was hot in the cabin, but it just wasn't cool enough for me. Our Steward was fantastic and attentive all week! His name was Ron.

 

Pools: The main pool was always very crowded and had a real college town atmosphere. We called it "people soup". Not very appealing, BUT, in the rear of the ship, past the buffet restaurant, was an adults only pool and 2 hottubs. While it was crowded, it was so much nicer than the main pool. By the way, we are in our early 50s, and pretty "cool", but I have to admit, it was just nicer to get away from all the drunk 20 year olds at the main pool. At times, however, the main pool area and deck were a lot of fun during various activities.

 

Cruise Director: Cory was our CD and after 10 cruises, we figured they are all pretty much the same. WRONG!!! This guy was so involved in every aspect of the cruise and he genuinely wanted to make sure that every passenger had a great time. He really got us to want to be involved in so many more activities than we ever had before and as a result we had the best time ever! He was funny, talented (singer, dancer, comedian, etc.) and just awesome.

 

Buffet: We ate most meals in Emile's (the buffet). All in all, it was pretty good with a nice assortment of everything.

 

Deli: within Emile's was the Deli line. Nice sandwiches, never too bad of a line. Tuna, turkey, corned beef, grilled cheese, hot dogs, etc. The grilled cheese was pretty good as was the tuna on white bread (I know...)

 

Guy Fieri's Burgers: Surprisingly fantastic! I envisioned long lines for this, but it was always easy to step right up to get a great burger. Great toppings bar!!

 

Burrito/Taco area: made to order tacos and burritos that were really good. Also a great toppings bar. This was for breakfast and lunch, not open at dinner.

 

Pizza: The 24 hour pizza was the best cruise pizza I have encountered! It wasn't pre-make frozen style pizza, but more like thin crust pizzeria pizza. Delicious!

 

Ice cream: Self serve ice cream was available all day and night.

 

Dining Room: We did "your time" dining which worked out just fine for us. We ate in the Dining Room on both "elegant" nights. One night was lobster tail, and the other was filet mignon. Pretty good food! Great service, nice surroundings, etc.

 

Punchline Comedy Club: this is in a lounge at the very back of the ship and it was just like a real comedy club! Different comics did family oriented shows and then later in the night, did an adults only show. One of the comics was Happy Cole- if he is on during your cruise, DON'T MISS HIM! He was funnier and better than anything on T.V. Hysterical, especially the adult show. He even did one show that was only about sex.

 

Soda Card: I am a soda freak and did the card and it was great. I happen to like fountain soda better, but they did cans. Oh well...

 

The Ports: I'll post some stuff on each one of the port boards, but overall, the ports were great. Our first time in Aruba and loved it! We did the day pass at the Occidental Hotel and it was the best day ever! Curacao was so-so. Grand Turk was gorgeous and we just snorkeled and laid on the beach right near the ship all day. Paradise!

 

Days at Sea: There were quite a few days at sea on this cruise and it so relaxing and wonderful, I wish there were more! Getting a lounge chair in the sun or shade was not a problem. We scoped out some nice shady spots and never had an issue getting chairs.

 

Gym: We used the gym everyday and it was a bit crowded at 8 a.m. So we went a bit later and it was much better. A couple of days we went in the afternoon and it was empty. Nice amount of cardio machines. Weight machines were kind of limited, but it was fine. It was fun seeing the dancers in there working out alongside us!

 

The Shows: Top notch, first rate!! Really! Compared to other cruises, these were among the best shows and this is one of the few ships that has a live orchestra.

 

Disembarking: Our luggage got very heavy, so we decided to NOT do the self assist and let the bags go the night before. When we got our luggage tags, we had a ''high'' number, meaning we would be off the ship a bit later. I like to get off early, so I went to Guest Services, and they easily switched us to an earlier number. Getting off was easy, we picked up our luggage and breezed through customs. Getting back to the car was not pleasant, with the same issues with the shuttle company. It took us a long time from getting off the ship to getting to our car. Not happy. But once we were in the car and driving home, we reflected on the amazing vacation we had just taken.

 

We were a tiny bit worried about the length of an 8 day cruise. Would we get bored? Would it be too long? By the end, we laughed at such a stupid thought and wished we had a few more days.

 

I know sometimes its easy to find little things to complain about on these boards. But when you look at the big picture, this was an amazing cruise.

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ThuviaRN

ThuviaRN

Posted
Posted

Thank you for the review! Sounds like fun! My husband and I are sailing the same itinerary August 9th! So excited!

 

I do have a question about parking I can't find an answer to. Which terminal does Liberty go out of? My understanding is either 6 or 10? Is 10 the only terminal that can use the parking garage? Thank you!

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092306

092306

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Thanks for the review! We had Cory on another ship and thought he did a really good job too. Glad you had a great cruise!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

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Lovefuninthesun

Lovefuninthesun

Posted
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OP, thanks for your review! We are on the Liberty in October -- different itinerary, but enjoyed reading your thoughts on the ship. (We are doing that itinerary on Conquest in 2015, so I am filing away your comments on the ports)

 

Interested in what you said about your room being too hot -- yours is the 3rd or 4th comment I have read about the same issue on board Liberty -- wonder why the rooms are so warm?

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AmberTeka

AmberTeka

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We were on the same cruise. Agree with you on about everything. Our cabin..7273 could feel like the North Pole when the AC was turned up high. It was a very nice cabin. Totally agree with you about Corey. We have sailed fifteen cruises on Carnival. My husband says we have more sea days than some sailors in the Navy.

 

COREY is the BEST Cruise Director I have ever seen on Carnival. He worked at the job non stop. He was in the auditorium shaking hands. On the Lido deck whooping it up with guests. I never talked to him........but he was everywhere..smiling...laughing...shaking hands...Great Job Corey.

And to the Unflappable lady from Canada Miss Liz, who did the Trivia contests for the most part.........Just the right amount of no nonsense allowed or you do the chicken dance and a lot of fun and laughs. She handled small groups and huge groups with poise and humor. I admired her. That is a tough job and she did it well. And to Danny, the best ever Cabin Steward on any line.....who is home in the Philippines with his family for a few months......Thank you.

I did not care that much for the Guy's burger. The Pizza was addictive. Food was pretty good I thought. I certainly ate enough to put on four pounds and I walked my fanny off too. I would have gained ten without that. Future cruisers.......Prepare to have a great time on the Liberty.

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AmberTeka

AmberTeka

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Posted

Very Important TIP.......If you like Chocolate, as I do, show up for the chocolate buffet early. it is on the last sea day. Starts at noon. Ends at 2:30. If you dawdle and drag in late, as I did, some of the yummiest stuff will be gone. what is left is certainly edible... ,but the drop dead delicious glazed cakes were gone. Ditto some of the cookies. they put on a very nice spread.....so get there early..........if you love chocolate.

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AmberTeka

AmberTeka

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Again...Kudos to Corey the Cruise Director who is charge of getting almost 3,000 people on the ship and off the ship in an orderly, quick, safe manner.

 

"A+++". Getting on was a breeze. We are Platinum. but I looked at the regular line ( it was noon time) and that line was short and moving fast also. We did not even sit down. We got our S&S cards, went to our cabin, put down our carry on's and went to the Lido Deck. Fast.

 

"Double A++++" getting off was a safe, quick, well organized routine. Carry Off's had carry off luggage. No one was pushing suitcases as big as twin bed mattresses. they were first to get off. No issues. They came. They went. Plats and Diamonds were told to be in the Persian Room at 8:15. At about 8:15, they came. We went. big suitcases went on the elevator. Wheelchairs etc. Passengers on escalator were spaced apart and went down one by one. Worked faster than crowds. Very safe. Luggage was ready. We did have to be shuttled to the parking garage but that too worked well. FTTF was in the room across from the Persian room I think. They used the other escalator. They were also spaced and moved very quickly down the escalator. If you have mobility issues.......this is the ship for you. It worked so well. And because of that......it was very fast. Not one incident of pushing. FTTF and Plats and Diamonds....not together but close and both got off at about the same time. Everyone was happy I think.

 

KUDOS to COREY. He should write a manual for the other ships. AND he was there. Everywhere I think. He must have energy to burn.

AND Lots and lots of kids on the ship. NEVER noticed them. So well behaved. parents were watching them.........the ones we saw...and talked to...just a few in the elevator and such...Nice, well mannered kids. All races. All genders. All ages. Very nice kids. gives me hope for humanity.

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Terre Great Review Rare

Terre

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Posted

Thanks for your opinions. I love the Liberty and always like to see others' opinions and feedback. Cory is a really good CD. He was great at helping us get our Roll Call M&G set up and going, even stopped in to meet us.

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golfadj

golfadj

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Any one on recent Liberty cruise know the name of the lounge band?

Thanks!

 

Mike

 

Didnt get name but a phillipino bunch of guys who have been there for awhile. Unfortunately they stick them right by casino in a loud and smoky area with no eroom to sit or dance.

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kelly.campbell

kelly.campbell

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We were on the same cruise. Agree with you on about everything. Our cabin..7273 could feel like the North Pole when the AC was turned up high. It was a very nice cabin. Totally agree with you about Corey. We have sailed fifteen cruises on Carnival. My husband says we have more sea days than some sailors in the Navy.

 

 

 

COREY is the BEST Cruise Director I have ever seen on Carnival. He worked at the job non stop. He was in the auditorium shaking hands. On the Lido deck whooping it up with guests. I never talked to him........but he was everywhere..smiling...laughing...shaking hands...Great Job Corey.

 

And to the Unflappable lady from Canada Miss Liz, who did the Trivia contests for the most part.........Just the right amount of no nonsense allowed or you do the chicken dance and a lot of fun and laughs. She handled small groups and huge groups with poise and humor. I admired her. That is a tough job and she did it well. And to Danny, the best ever Cabin Steward on any line.....who is home in the Philippines with his family for a few months......Thank you.

 

I did not care that much for the Guy's burger. The Pizza was addictive. Food was pretty good I thought. I certainly ate enough to put on four pounds and I walked my fanny off too. I would have gained ten without that. Future cruisers.......Prepare to have a great time on the Liberty.

 

 

 

 

 

Ecstasy December 2004

Triumph December 2011

Magic March 2012

Magic December 2012

Liberty August 2014

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Terre Great Review Rare

Terre

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Posted
Didnt get name but a phillipino bunch of guys who have been there for awhile. Unfortunately they stick them right by casino in a loud and smoky area with no eroom to sit or dance.

 

That's Music Broadway. I loved those guys, especially the one who dances around and makes funny faces. I could sit and listen to them all night.

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