Liberty of the Seas July 11-16, 2015 Bermuda in a GS

[verandalover]

.? On the breakfast in chops......is there n extra charge for this? Do you need reservations? We are in a family suite. Thanks

[Clarea]

.? On the breakfast in chops......is there n extra charge for this? Do you need reservations? We are in a family suite. Thanks

No extra charge, and no reservations needed.

[verandalover]

Thank you for the info on Chops. Sounds like something I would really like to do...and would never have know about it if I hadn't read your review. Thanks again.

 

Another question if I may.. On the first day where else can you eat besides Windjammer? Hate the thought of so many people.

[Clarea]

Thank you for the info on Chops. Sounds like something I would really like to do...and would never have know about it if I hadn't read your review. Thanks again.

 

Another question if I may.. On the first day where else can you eat besides Windjammer? Hate the thought of so many people.

Cafe Promenade and Sorrento's.

[verandalover]

Thanks

[sauvichick]

Thank you for the info on Chops. Sounds like something I would really like to do...and would never have know about it if I hadn't read your review. Thanks again.

 

Another question if I may.. On the first day where else can you eat besides Windjammer? Hate the thought of so many people.

 

You are welcome, verandalover. Of course you can ask!!!! We did go to Sorrento's and Cafe Promenade the first day. I also do not like crowds and despise seeing people with their plates piled up high like they never ate before. Shall I share how I really feel;) ?

 

The entire Royal Promenade was empty when we got on board and after we finished eating. Even though there is some variety I found it lacking. 3 varieties of pizza, some breads, fruit and dessert were available. The cafe had about 4 different sandwiches, fruit and even more desserts were available. I kept hearing about the cheesecake lollipops which I never tried. The reason why I said it was lacking was that I want to see salads in these venues. I did have the opportunity to speak to Ron Kane the food and beverage director at the cocktail party hosted by the Hotel director. This reminds me that I forgot to review that.

Edited July 21, 2015 by sauvichick

[George C]

You can also eat in Chops for lunch, waiter service is just on sea days but other days you still can get food from lido and sit there waiters will get water etc for you.

[sauvichick]

COCKTAIL PARTY HOSTED by the HOTEL DIRECTOR-We received an invite the evening before in our stateroom for the party which was held on Day 4 from 7:45pm-8:15pm in Cloud Nine. Carlos was hoping Captain James would be there, but we all know he is a very busy man. We arrived promptly at 7:45 and were greeted by Carlos and a number of officers outside Cloud Nine. Inside the guitarist Manoelito played beautiful music. We were offered a choice of champagne or a mimosa, but I asked for a glass of white wine. Nonalcoholic beverages were also available. A variety of canapes were passed that I thought were delicious. Chocolate covered strawberries were passed towards the end of the half hour. The only officer that greeted guests inside was Ron Kane, the food and beverage director. We told him that we were enjoying our meals in the specialty restaurants, but the only thing I wished to see was the availability of salads in Sorrento's or Cafe Promenade. Yes there are salads in the Windjammer daily and in the MDR on sea days, but I wish that option could be offered elsewhere. He explained that it would be difficult to do so. From what I understood, Royal wants to keep the integrity of each of the food venues. The Oasis class ships have the Solarium and Park Cafe where salad is offered, but not on Freedom class ships.

Edited July 21, 2015 by sauvichick

[Retiredprofessor]

Ok, Here is the rest...FINALLY.

 

BREAKFAST in CHOPS GRILLE One of my favorite perks was the breakfast that was served daily from 8-10AM except on debarkation day. We did not miss a single breakfast! We requested Erkan (from Turkey) daily after he waited on us the first night in Chops. We were told that the $10.95 steak and eggs breakfast was now complimentary for suite guests. Note that the steak and eggs option is available for anyone on the ship. As we were seated we had the option of ordering from the menu and helping ourselves to an upscale buffet. I am not a fan of buffets, but because this was going to be accessible to a few I was OK with it.

 

On the regular menu there were eggs any style, made to order omelettes with cheese, veggies, herbs and ham, pancakes, eggs benedict, an egg sandwich and not the deli kind, steak and eggs. The orange juice was freshly squeezed and there was no fee for it. Other juices were also available. There were sides such as bacon, turkey or pork sausage, hash browns, toast, and grilled tomato.

The buffet had a hot cereal with an assortment of nuts, jumbo shrimp served with a lime in a champagne glass, yogurt layered with fresh fruit, a whipped dessert that we initially thought was yogurt, smoked salmon, assorted meats and cheeses, a fresh fruit or cubed fresh fruit served in martini glass, pastries and breads. I may have missed a couple of items, and there are small changes in the buffet daily.

 

SUN SUITE AREA

Its found above the Sky bar and on the first 2 days it was empty. It holds about 24 or so cushioned loungers and it's ideal for watching any of the activities that take place in the main pool area. The weather was not ideal for sunning so we preferred our own balcony. The whole area can get very noisy because it faces the main pool area. In the back of the sun suite area is the solarium.

 

Reserved Seating for Gold Card in the Theater-

We went to 3 shows and we never had a problem getting seats in that area even when we were late. The two ice shows were cancelled on the last sea day so I do not know where the reserved seating was located.

 

DEEMBARKATION

Carlos had said we could come to the CL between 8 and 9:30 and he would personally escort us downstairs. There was an elevator forward from the CL and on the starboard side. I believe this was the same elevator that was used to bring luggage to the staterooms. We took the elevator down at 8:30 AM and disembarked on a gangway separate from the other passengers. We grabbed our luggage in the terminal (Group 1 for suites and Pinnacles) and got on line for customs for the shortest wait ever. Not because we were in a suite, but because the lines were so short. We were at our car in less than 15 minutes once we went left the CL. That was the fastest I have ever gone through the process.

 

I found that there are many differences between the Oasis class and Freedom Class ships and what is specifically available for suites. I preferred some on the Liberty and I preferred others on the Allure.

 

If you have any additional questions please ask.

 

Looks like you left Bayone to head home to LI around 9:00 am. We are also from LI and I was thinking that the traffic on a Thurday morning would be crazy. We are on Liberty in Sept to Bermuda and thinking I would try and get off a little later. Any advice would be appreciated, Thanks.

[Mjoellnir]

Great news that fresh oj is included in chops for breakfast! I am going to downgrade my ultimate to premium now :)

[pearlie]

Is this for suites only, can pinnacle / diamond plus go also?

[sauvichick]

Looks like you left Bayone to head home to LI around 9:00 am. We are also from LI and I was thinking that the traffic on a Thurday morning would be crazy. We are on Liberty in Sept to Bermuda and thinking I would try and get off a little later. Any advice would be appreciated, Thanks.

 

It was worse on Saturday than on Thursday. The Bayonne Bridge was closed and we had to go more north to come back south. It took us an extra 20 minutes. We were off the ship very quickly and on our way home at about 8:40. It also helped that the Bayonne Bridge was open. Check to make sure before you leave because I didn't. We also used the Verrazano Bridge both ways.

Edited July 22, 2015 by sauvichick

[sauvichick]

You can also eat in Chops for lunch, waiter service is just on sea days but other days you still can get food from lido and sit there waiters will get water etc for you.

 

True. The Windjammer was empty when we sat near the Jade section so we saw no need to go to the Chops. Now if it was crowded that would have been a different story.

[sauvichick]

Is this for suites only, can pinnacle / diamond plus go also?

 

I believe suites only, but anyone verify? Clarea?

 

 

 

 

 

Great news that fresh oj is included in chops for breakfast! I am going to downgrade my ultimate to premium now :)

 

It was so good and I'm not a fan of fruit juice. We were able to get a nice size too.

[karmacats]

A couple of quick questions, if you don't mind:

 

1. Since Saturday Night Fever was moved to night 2, did they move In the Air to night 5? or did they choose a different night for it? (I hope it's still there!)

 

2. On some Bermuda sailings earlier this season, a couple people reported Chops specials - if you booked onboard it was $20 rather than $35, and was not limited to the first night like the specials sometimes are. Did you notice anything like this?

 

Thanks! DH and I have been on Liberty before but never to Bermuda, and this will be my mom's first cruise, so I'm trying to make sure she doesn't miss anything major like the shows or Chops. :)

[sauvichick]

Don't mind at all karmacats! I will look at the Daily Compasses in the morning because shows were moved. I didn't see the specials advertised, but it doesn't mean they didn't exist. I heard about them too. Edited July 22, 2015 by sauvichick

[sauvichick]

[quote name='karmacats']A couple of quick questions, if you don't mind:

1. Since Saturday Night Fever was moved to night 2, did they move In the Air to night 5? or did they choose a different night for it? (I hope it's still there!)

2. On some Bermuda sailings earlier this season, a couple people reported Chops specials - if you booked onboard it was $20 rather than $35, and was not limited to the first night like the specials sometimes are. Did you notice anything like this?

Thanks! DH and I have been on Liberty before but never to Bermuda, and this will be my mom's first cruise, so I'm trying to make sure she doesn't miss anything major like the shows or Chops. :)[/QUOTE]

1. DAY 1-7:15 Welcome aboard show which consisted of a sample from a comedian and a performer from "In the Air."

DAY 2-"Saturday Night Fever" 6pm & 8:30.

DAY 3 - Headliner 7pm-Jason Bishop illusionist

DAY 4-7pm & 8:45. In the Air

Day 5-7pm & 8:45 Headliner Action Comedy of Rick Novell

2. The $20 offer was available and on The Day 1 cruise compass.
"For only $20 per day/per person, dine with for the entire cruise in Portofino & Chops Grille. Lunch included when available. May not be combined with any other offers. Beverages not included. Reservation as per availability. Dial 3055 to book yours now.
I don't understand all the negative reviews with Chops. We went twice and thought it was great. The filet mignon was perfect. You should definitely go to Portofino.

[sauvichick]

I hope this works. And despite rotating it, it's not staying in portrait mode

[Laney219]

[quote name='sauvichick']I hope this works. And despite rotating it, it's not staying in portrait mode[/QUOTE]

Very helpful. 3 days!!!

[karmacats]

[quote name='sauvichick']
1. DAY 1-7:15 Welcome aboard show which consisted of a sample from a comedian and a performer from "In the Air."
DAY 2-"Saturday Night Fever" 6pm & 8:30.

DAY 4-7pm & 8:45. In the Air

2. The $20 offer was available and on The Day 1 cruise compass.

I don't understand all the negative reviews with Chops. We went twice and thought it was great. The filet mignon was perfect. You should definitely go to Portofino.[/QUOTE]

Thank you so, so much for this and the compass! We were planning on Chops for night 4 figuring it wouldn't matter so much to miss a headliner, so it's very very helpful to know that "in the air" is that night so we can schedule dinner accordingly.

I've almost always had good luck at Chops, too. 3 out of 4 visits on various ships (including Liberty) have been great; the other so-so and that was many years ago (2008). I showed my mom menus for chops and portofino and she said she'd rather do chops, so as of now, chops it is. with such a short cruise, i don't know if we really have the time (or stomach space!) for two specialty restaurants, but we shall see.... :p

Thanks again! You've really made my planning a lot easier. :)

[sauvichick]

If you go to a specialty restaurant the 1st night you get 20% OBC of the cover.

[karmacats]

[quote name='sauvichick']If you go to a specialty restaurant the 1st night you get 20% OBC of the cover.[/QUOTE]

i'd heard that, but i hate missing the MDR the first night. i like meeting our servers and settling in. i'm also concerned my mom might be too exhausted to really enjoy it - this is her first cruise, she has some major health issues and doesn't travel much, and has mobility issues to boot, so i think just travel to port, muster drill, mandatory meeting for her dialysis-at-sea group, getting comfortable on the scooter we rented her, etc will be enough for her on day 1. she is very excited to go, but i think she can't picture how big the ship actually is and how much there is to do! she did fine at disney a couple of years ago with a scooter and copious rest breaks, but arrival day is always tiring.

i will look into the $20 thing, though - probably stick with day 4 for chops, but work it around "in the air" times. the way the announcement is worded makes it sound like you have to eat there every night to get the $20, but others made it out to sound like you could eat there once for $20. i guess i'll find out. :)

thanks again!

[cincicruisers]

Hi

Did you take advantage of ordering MDR food for in suite dining?

Can you share specialty dining options?

Did grand suite have coffee maker?

Thanks!

[Missus Makkem]

Breakfast in Chops is for Gold card members so that means suites and Pinnacles.

[venuti82413]

What is the Sun Suite you are referring to above the Sky Bar? Sounds relaxing :)

(Sorry - first time RC cruiser in September!)