Just off Liberty 11/28 sailing.. Questions?

[poison7fl]

I was not happy on this boring cruise. (No, I am not a serial complainer, I have had 12 other fantastic Carnival cruises! This is the second bad one, the first was the Destiny)

 

Ship Vibrated like crazy... vibrated, not swayed or rocked! From midship all the way back. (Had to change rooms my teeth chattered from the vibes, and my room was directly over the Casino band stage)

 

Food was OK, mostly cold/warm. (Lido deck). The Blue Iguana Burrito's and Taco's were great. Guy's Burgers were very good, but had a healthy amount of seasoning on them and the fries. I prefer the regular fries on other ships)

 

Staff seemed unhappy, except for room stewards. (Room cleaning was unpredictable at best, never knew when he was going to be around, usually pretty late)

 

Cigarette Smoke smell almost everywhere.

 

Entertainment was lame (Especially comedians)

 

Karaoke was only 2 times on an 8 day cruise!

 

Full ship, and people were just milling around with no direction or activities, Although they pushed the gift shop sales hard.

 

Ship was EXTREMELY clean, and someone was always around cleaning.

 

Besides all of that, I did book cruise #15 onboard and got $150 credit. I realize staff has alot to do with the energy of the ship. I personally think they may have been worn out by the week before and all of the kids... This week was most geriatric guests in wheelchairs and walkers... it was crazy at the amount!

Edited December 8, 2014 by poison7fl

[hartsnvt]

Sorry you had such a bad time on your cruise! Who were the CD, comedians and anyone else we shouldn't miss. What cabin were you in? Did you have anytime dining and how was the service? Any great slot machines we should know about? Which ports did you visit? Any good excusrsions you can recommend? Thanks!

[poison7fl]

Sorry you had such a bad time on your cruise! Who were the CD, comedians and anyone else we shouldn't miss. What cabin were you in? Did you have anytime dining and how was the service? Any great slot machines we should know about? Which ports did you visit? Any good excusrsions you can recommend? Thanks!

 

Please don't misunderstand, It was not bad. It had issues, and was boring, but we relaxed and still enjoyed ourselves on our own. I know it sounds like I am a massive complainer, but like I said, I have been on alot better from Carnival, so I know how they normally operate.

 

Don't remember the CD's name, nor do I remember the Comedians names! I wouldn't call them comedians though, they were more like story tellers... The first talked about his flight to the island to meet the ship for 30 minutes, then the second comedian talked about Halloween for 30 minutes... I like good old jokes, not stupid story time.

 

I had booked cabin 6373, but during the second night of AC/DC underneath me, and the vibrating, I had to be moved... Went to 6201, which was much better and quieter, and no vibrating.

 

I no longer do dining room service for dinner, I don't like the production involved. However, I went once for brunch, and the assistant waiter screwed up everything, and the food came out cold. Thus dined on the Lido deck. (pizza was still good, but only one poor guy working his tail off)

 

Played a few slots, but nothing great, small casino, and mostly gimmicky electronic slot now.

 

Missed Grand Turk due to bad weather, no biggie. Visited St. Thomas, San Juan, and St. Martin... I no longer do organized excursions, We do it on our own. But in St Thomas, we went to Trunk Bay in St. John, which was beautiful but rained shortly after arrival. In St Martin we went over to Marigot and got breakfast at Sarafinas bakery, which is always great then went back to Philipsburg to shop. And finally, in San Juan we went to the two forts which was really cool then shopping downtown, but walked nearly 13 miles that day! (Hint take the free shuttles if you don't want to walk, but we did)

Edited December 8, 2014 by poison7fl

[Markanddonna]

I agree with most of what poisonfl7 said. This was our first Carnival Cruise and we had LOW expectations, so we were generally pleased with many aspects of the cruise. The cabin and entire ship was clean.

 

This wasn't a geriatric cruise, if you compare it to other cruises during the school year. There were lots of age groups represented. It was however, the least FUN cruise I have ever experienced. Sea days were pretty boring and the passengers entertained themselves with lots of card games, sun bathing and eating. The other passengers were probably the least engaged group I have ever experienced.

 

I also agree with the vibration on the ship. I felt like a milkshake machine and MANY, many people complained about the vibration. The seas didn't seem that choppy to us so we wonder if the stabalizers are a bit off. I also attribute my queasiness to eating Guy's Burgers as that food corresponded to my nausea. I'm not a red meat eater and so this may be the reason. They were excellent!

 

The casino was packed and so smokey. It spilled out into the promenade deck which was icky. They also placed one of the live bands there each night making another smokey entertainment area. Ick.

The CD, Gary was a weak link. I'm not sure if he was at fault for the uninspired entertainment or if the Carnival budget was to blame. One of our least favorite CDs.

The Towel Animal Theatre was the best entertainment IMHO. That is probably a sad and somewhat telling observation...

 

We got a fantastic deal on the cruise, but got late seating in the MDR which was not a good choice. We tried to get it changed the first day. The room was filled with tables with just one couple per large table- others not showing up. We like meeting others on cruises.

Edited December 8, 2014 by Markanddonna

[hartsnvt]

I agree with most of what poisonfl7 said. This was our first Carnival Cruise and we had LOW expectations, so we were generally pleased with many aspects of the cruise. The cabin and entire ship was clean.

 

This wasn't a geriatric cruise, if you compare it to other cruises during the school year. There were lots of age groups represented. It was however, the least FUN cruise I have ever experienced. Sea days were pretty boring and the passengers entertained themselves with lots of card games, sun bathing and eating. The other passengers were probably the least engaged group I have ever experienced.

 

I also agree with the vibration on the ship. I felt like a milkshake machine and MANY, many people complained about the vibration. The seas didn't seem that choppy to us so we wonder if the stabalizers are a bit off. I also attribute my queasiness to eating Guy's Burgers as that food corresponded to my nausea. I'm not a red meat eater and so this may be the reason. They were excellent!

 

The casino was packed and so smokey. It spilled out into the promenade deck which was icky. They also placed one of the live bands there each night making another smokey entertainment area. Ick.

The CD, Gary was a weak link. I'm not sure if he was at fault for the uninspired entertainment or if the Carnival budget was to blame. One of our least favorite CDs.

The Towel Animal Theatre was the best entertainment IMHO. That is probably a sad and somewhat telling observation...

 

We got a fantastic deal on the cruise, but got late seating in the MDR which was not a good choice. We tried to get it changed the first day. The room was filled with tables with just one couple per large table- others not showing up. We like meeting others on cruises.

 

The casino smoke from deck five went outside to the outside promenade on deck 3? Wow!

[poison7fl]

The casino smoke from deck five went outside to the outside promenade on deck 3? Wow!

 

The Promenade deck on the Liberty is deck 5.

 

They allow smoking in the Casino, and on the outside starboard side of deck 3 and 10, which most smokers just assumed meant all of deck 3 and 10.

 

The Casino front entrance in right near the atrium, so the smoke went up and down the atrium and spilled onto the other floors.

[poison7fl]

I agree with most of what poisonfl7 said. This was our first Carnival Cruise and we had LOW expectations, so we were generally pleased with many aspects of the cruise. The cabin and entire ship was clean.

 

This wasn't a geriatric cruise, if you compare it to other cruises during the school year. There were lots of age groups represented. It was however, the least FUN cruise I have ever experienced. Sea days were pretty boring and the passengers entertained themselves with lots of card games, sun bathing and eating. The other passengers were probably the least engaged group I have ever experienced.

 

I also agree with the vibration on the ship. I felt like a milkshake machine and MANY, many people complained about the vibration. The seas didn't seem that choppy to us so we wonder if the stabalizers are a bit off. I also attribute my queasiness to eating Guy's Burgers as that food corresponded to my nausea. I'm not a red meat eater and so this may be the reason. They were excellent!

 

The casino was packed and so smokey. It spilled out into the promenade deck which was icky. They also placed one of the live bands there each night making another smokey entertainment area. Ick.

The CD, Gary was a weak link. I'm not sure if he was at fault for the uninspired entertainment or if the Carnival budget was to blame. One of our least favorite CDs.

The Towel Animal Theatre was the best entertainment IMHO. That is probably a sad and somewhat telling observation...

 

We got a fantastic deal on the cruise, but got late seating in the MDR which was not a good choice. We tried to get it changed the first day. The room was filled with tables with just one couple per large table- others not showing up. We like meeting others on cruises.

 

I am 43 and you are right, sadly the best entertainment was the Towel Animal Theater and the Dr. Seuss parade and story time. Crazy..

[newcruiser08820]

Oh, oh.... we just switched from Dream to Liberty in favor of heavy port itinerary and cheaper airfare to San Juan then New Orleans. Boring... whatever... we will be busy at ports 6 days out of 7. But vibration get me worried. Is this on-going issue or just this sailing? I get very seasick . We are on the Main deck under Shore Excursion desk.

[Markanddonna]

Thanks poisonfl7 for the support of the Promenade deck being DECK FIVE not three and being smokey. Critics: check your deck plans before you comment.

 

I LOVE walking on the outside promenade deck but this isn't a ship that really is designed for that. I don't like direct sunlight because of migraines and really missed my walking routine. That is a big problem for me; maybe not for others. The workout room was warm the first day I tried it so that didn't help the nausea.

 

I have been on transatlantics and in Alaska three times and never experienced the vibrations like I did on the Liberty. I didn't think the seas were all that rough, but the ship's stabalizers didn't agree with my observation. I really was surprised at the number of people complaining on how rough the seas were. There were too many negative comments to discount their opinions. Frequent Carnival cruisers did not seem impressed with this sailing.

 

Plan on having options to make your own fun. I am just surprised since Carnival markets itself as the Fun Ships, but they did little to help unless you like trivia or shopping talks.

[hartsnvt]

Thanks poisonfl7 for the support of the Promenade deck being DECK FIVE not three and being smokey. Critics: check your deck plans before you comment.

 

I LOVE walking on the outside promenade deck but this isn't a ship that really is designed for that. I don't like direct sunlight because of migraines and really missed my walking routine. That is a big problem for me; maybe not for others. The workout room was warm the first day I tried it so that didn't help the nausea.

 

I have been on transatlantics and in Alaska three times and never experienced the vibrations like I did on the Liberty. I didn't think the seas were all that rough, but the ship's stabalizers didn't agree with my observation. I really was surprised at the number of people complaining on how rough the seas were. There were too many negative comments to discount their opinions. Frequent Carnival cruisers did not seem impressed with this sailing.

 

Plan on having options to make your own fun. I am just surprised since Carnival markets itself as the Fun Ships, but they did little to help unless you like trivia or shopping talks.

 

I am not sure why you are calling me critical. My wow comment was because that would be awful if it went through the atrium down to 3. I am an old timer and the Promenade was always the deck that had the outdoor promenade where you could walk outside around the ship. I am also sorry that I was lapse in not checking the names of the decks and see that they have an inside promenade which is basically in the casino and obviously gets very smoky. Your snarky comment was not very nice.

[BeachLoverstoo]

We were on the same cruise and DH, who served in the Navy and never before noticed anything like this, mentioned he thought the vibration caused his upset stomach. On the last night the vibration wasn't as noticeable. We were aft and always book there so this vibration was a first for us.

There were 500 platinum guests on this cruise, which might have led to the number of older passengers. Last year on the Legend though there were more scooters than I saw this time.

I didn't think it was a boring cruise and every staff member we met seemed upbeat and happy. Maybe because the 1,200 kids from the previous cruise were gone! Our cabin steward was less than the best. She did her job, but nothing beyond the basics and certainly at her leisure.

After a bad start, we changed to a different wait staff in YTD and they were great. We requested them every night and didn't mind waiting. Suggestions about what was good, requests for things, whatever we asked, was taken care of.

[poison7fl]

Oh, oh.... we just switched from Dream to Liberty in favor of heavy port itinerary and cheaper airfare to San Juan then New Orleans. Boring... whatever... we will be busy at ports 6 days out of 7. But vibration get me worried. Is this on-going issue or just this sailing? I get very seasick . We are on the Main deck under Shore Excursion desk.

 

I don't know if the vibration is an ongoing issue on the Liberty. This was my 14th cruise on Carnival, and the first of this. It was extreme in some areas. It was so bad in my first stateroom that I didn't need to move my toothbrush to brush my teeth, no kidding. I am willing to bet you are at the center of the vibration. I was midship as well over the casino and it vibrated midship all the way back to the aft. I personally think it partly triggered my girlfriends migraine and put her down for a couple of days.

 

I loved the Dream WAY more... EVERYTHING about the Dream was awesome! But, I hope things are fixed by the time you get on the Liberty.

 

While I agree that you make what you want of the cruise, I feel that there should have been more activity options. On the plus side, I did get to relax and people watch. I was not exhausted at the end of the cruise like previously heavier activity schedules. Clearly the "Friends of Dorothy, Bill, and Jimmy" were always meeting, so I guess they lived it up.

Edited December 8, 2014 by poison7fl

[hartsnvt]

We were on the same cruise and DH, who served in the Navy and never before noticed anything like this, mentioned he thought the vibration caused his upset stomach. On the last night the vibration wasn't as noticeable. We were aft and always book there so this vibration was a first for us.

There were 500 platinum guests on this cruise, which might have led to the number of older passengers. Last year on the Legend though there were more scooters than I saw this time.

I didn't think it was a boring cruise and every staff member we met seemed upbeat and happy. Maybe because the 1,200 kids from the previous cruise were gone! Our cabin steward was less than the best. She did her job, but nothing beyond the basics and certainly at her leisure.

After a bad start, we changed to a different wait staff in YTD and they were great. We requested them every night and didn't mind waiting. Suggestions about what was good, requests for things, whatever we asked, was taken care of.

 

Who were your waitstaff at your time dining? I love the concept but in the past had to change a few times until we found a great staff. We are going Sat and look forward to a wonderful cruise! We are also under guest services on the main deck and it will be interesting to see if the vibrations are still there. We usually are aft watching the wake and feeling vibrations from the engines.

[newcruiser08820]

I don't know if the vibration is an ongoing issue on the Liberty. This was my 14th cruise on Carnival, and the first of this. It was extreme in some areas. It was so bad in my first stateroom that I didn't need to move my toothbrush to brush my teeth, no kidding. I am willing to bet you are at the center of the vibration. I was midship as well over the casino and it vibrated midship all the way back to the aft. I personally think it partly triggered my girlfriends migraine and put her down for a couple of days.

 

I loved the Dream WAY more... EVERYTHING about the Dream was awesome! But, I hope things are fixed by the time you get on the Liberty.

 

While I agree that you make what you want of the cruise, I feel that there should have been more activity options. On the plus side, I did get to relax and people watch. I was not exhausted at the end of the cruise like previously heavier activity schedules. Clearly the "Friends of Dorothy, Bill, and Jimmy" were always meeting, so I guess they lived it up.

I read Members reviews going back at least few months. Nobody mentioned vibration. I never book before reading reviews. Possibly one-time thing and will be resolve soon. Will see what cruisers after you will tell us.

[SHayesShip]

I was on this cruise on deck 7 forward next to front elevators. Had a large balcony and I can personally advise that the seas were rough a large portion of our cruise. IMHO it was not the stabilizers but the speed going through large swells. We had 4 other cabins located on Deck 2 and deck 7. My friends in an outside cabin on deck 2 advised it was really cool seeing the wave/water action covering there picture window several nights. The reason we missed Grand Turk was because of high winds/rain and turbulent seas.

[poison7fl]

I was on this cruise on deck 7 forward next to front elevators. Had a large balcony and I can personally advise that the seas were rough a large portion of our cruise. IMHO it was not the stabilizers but the speed going through large swells. We had 4 other cabins located on Deck 2 and deck 7. My friends in an outside cabin on deck 2 advised it was really cool seeing the wave/water action covering there picture window several nights. The reason we missed Grand Turk was because of high winds/rain and turbulent seas.

 

It was rough, but that is not what was causing the vibration in the ship.

 

Bad shaft or prop will cause vibrations, but not speed, rough seas, or that combination.

 

The vibrations were noticeable while transiting the ports and milder while idling in port...

[GTO-Girl]

We were on this cruise too and I agree with everything that's been said. We were bored and had a hard time finding something to do that didn't start at 10:45 at night or wasn't in the smoky promanade area...UGH!!!

 

But what put me over the edge was the morning of debarkation. We were Platinum, doing self-assist so we were in the Venetian Palace along with a lot of others including elderly and families with young children. They dropped the movies screens down and starting playing a "R" rated movie that was dropping the "F" bomb every other word. It took them almost 15 min to take it off!! So not good!!

 

And on top of all that my husband and I both are now deathly sick. He tested positive for the flu (yes he had the flu shot) and I have a horrible upper resp infection.......UGH!!!!

[SkyMaster]

I've sailed "Liberty" a bunch of times, the last time being a month ago (Nov 7th sailing) and I've NEVER noticed excessive vibration aboard this ship, so it must be something that's relatively new. Sure hope they can fix it without having to dry dock her!

I do "karaoke" a lot, and every time I've sailed "Liberty" they've had karaoke every day/evening except the last sea day. I do know, however, that they've started using members of the regular entertainment staff as the karaoke host/hostess, instead of a regular karaoke host/hostess. Perhaps they've decided that it's not worth the hassle?????:mad: Sure hope not, as karaoke is one of my favorite things to do when cruising!

In closing, I've always regarded "Liberty" as one of my absolute favorite Carnival cruises, primarily because of the live band, shows, and karaoke. Hope that doesn't change!!!!! :confused:

 

"SKY"

[poison7fl]

We were on this cruise too and I agree with everything that's been said. We were bored and had a hard time finding something to do that didn't start at 10:45 at night or wasn't in the smoky promanade area...UGH!!!

 

But what put me over the edge was the morning of debarkation. We were Platinum, doing self-assist so we were in the Venetian Palace along with a lot of others including elderly and families with young children. They dropped the movies screens down and starting playing a "R" rated movie that was dropping the "F" bomb every other word. It took them almost 15 min to take it off!! So not good!!

 

And on top of all that my husband and I both are now deathly sick. He tested positive for the flu (yes he had the flu shot) and I have a horrible upper resp infection.......UGH!!!!

 

Jeez, that isn't right. I am Platinum as well, and saw that a movie was playing, but it was so chaotic in there I couldn't figure out what was going on. They still cannot figure out how to disembark Platinum cruisers. They don't check ID cards when entering and when they do call Platinum, EVERYONE just lines up and blocks everything.

[poison7fl]

I've sailed "Liberty" a bunch of times, the last time being a month ago (Nov 7th sailing) and I've NEVER noticed excessive vibration aboard this ship, so it must be something that's relatively new. Sure hope they can fix it without having to dry dock her!

I do "karaoke" a lot, and every time I've sailed "Liberty" they've had karaoke every day/evening except the last sea day. I do know, however, that they've started using members of the regular entertainment staff as the karaoke host/hostess, instead of a regular karaoke host/hostess. Perhaps they've decided that it's not worth the hassle?????:mad: Sure hope not, as karaoke is one of my favorite things to do when cruising!

In closing, I've always regarded "Liberty" as one of my absolute favorite Carnival cruises, primarily because of the live band, shows, and karaoke. Hope that doesn't change!!!!! :confused:

 

"SKY"

 

We are big fans of Karaoke, but only as observers. We love to go, but this cruise lacked that activity big time.. I was on the Dream last year and they had it like 3 times per day! It wasted alot of down time and was always entertaining. I hope it was an off week for the staff and it improves.

 

But, I do have to say, the ship was beautiful and clean.

[hartsnvt]

I was on this cruise on deck 7 forward next to front elevators. Had a large balcony and I can personally advise that the seas were rough a large portion of our cruise. IMHO it was not the stabilizers but the speed going through large swells. We had 4 other cabins located on Deck 2 and deck 7. My friends in an outside cabin on deck 2 advised it was really cool seeing the wave/water action covering there picture window several nights. The reason we missed Grand Turk was because of high winds/rain and turbulent seas.

 

Thanks Steve! OP never mentioned that the seas were rough and that may contribute to vibrations from stabilizers doing their job to keep the ship on an even keel. Jeez, the missing information explains a lot! Nice to get some factual information from someone else on that cruise!:rolleyes:

[poison7fl]

Thanks Steve! OP never mentioned that the seas were rough and that may contribute to vibrations from stabilizers doing their job to keep the ship on an even keel. Jeez, the missing information explains a lot! Nice to get some factual information from someone else on that cruise!:rolleyes:

 

Yeah, I'm not stupid... It was not the rough seas, nor the stabilizers that caused this for ALL 8 days... Been on alot of cruises in rough seas and on Naval ships in rougher and in my experience, this was a engineering issue. :rolleyes:

 

Clearly, when the vibration occurs in port at idle as well, it is not rough seas... jeez.

 

That is the facts, and did you read others that were on it? and still chose to cherry pick your facts from one post?

 

I am a Carnival fan too, but can't always defend them.

Edited December 9, 2014 by poison7fl

[Crusin Karen]

This has me a little worried! We always cruise from Manhattan as we live 20 minutes away and have to sail on whatever CCL ship they happen to have there. I have been DREAMING of sailing on the Liberty after reading so many reviews over the years and we finally got a GREAT RATE on the Liberty out of Port Canaveral in January. Price was so good that we are doing a B2B. Now I read this....:eek::eek::eek: Sure hope we don't have the problems with the vibration and are bored for 16 days! :(:mad::( Thanks for your honest review.

[hartsnvt]

Well, a cruise is what you make of it. We are going on Liberty this week. We have a great group going along so we will be able to have a variety of opinions and will be able to report back about the entire experience. I have been on cruises that had a lot of motion and some that were almost motionless. I have enjoyed them all because I went with an open mind. I have missed ports due to high seas and wind. I have had so so service and exceptional service. But I was not home working, cooking & cleaning and that is why I have never had a terrible cruise.

[Crusin Karen]

Well, a cruise is what you make of it. We are going on Liberty this week. We have a great group going along so we will be able to have a variety of opinions and will be able to report back about the entire experience. I have been on cruises that had a lot of motion and some that were almost motionless. I have enjoyed them all because I went with an open mind. I have missed ports due to high seas and wind. I have had so so service and exceptional service. But I was not home working, cooking & cleaning and that is why I have never had a terrible cruise.

Great attitude and I agree with your thoughts, BUT I don't want to be on a vibrating ship for 16 days and there's nothing I can do about vibrations! :eek::confused: BON VOYAGE and will look forward to reading your thoughts when you return. :)