Back from the Liberty. Quick hits. First-time Cheers too

[Joebucks]

I definitely wasn't expecting this cruise. I've been trying forever to convince some friends to try one. They just didn't want to. Finally, I don't know what was said that convinced them, but we booked it less than 2 months ago.

 

We stayed with some of my friend's family in Orlando. They had a guest house, which was great. Stopped by City Walk to do the City Walk stuff. Also went to downtown Orlando at night time. Never been there before. It was a good time. We were going to Uber to the port and then take the shuttle back. Gocanaveral site has $15 transfer one-way. Tough to beat! However, we were offered a free ride by his family.

 

The "4-day Carnival Bahamas cruise" has so many negative connotations around it on the internet that I almost hate talking about it as people shrug it off as some vomit-filled, frat-boy party, at a motel, in a third-world, war-ridden country. Honestly, all of that stuff is overplayed. I was actually hoping for a little more of a party cruise than normal, but it was not that way. The crowd was no different than my 7 day cruise crowd IMO. The people were having a good time, as always, but it was never like what you hear.

 

This was my third trip to Nassau. Another thing people love to hate. For my last two trips, we went to Sandals, and loved it. Wanted to mix it up this time. Stopped at Atlantis to check it out and go to the casino. Weren't there too long. However, it was nice to finally see instead of just in the distance. It's huge! Then we went to Cabbage Beach and had a blast! The $20 all you can drink coconuts w/rum were a huge hit and everyone around us was having a great time. I've had a great time every time I have been to Nassau. The beaches are beautiful too. 

 

First trip to Princess Cays. I'm not here to compare it to another well-known private island, except for saying the setup is much of the same. Other than that, it's its own island! I was there to enjoy what it has. We relaxed heavily there. I always enjoy the island BBQ Carnival does. This was the first time I've snorkeled in a few cruises, and I'm glad I did. From the beach, it didn't look like you would see much. Once I finally ventured out, I saw all kinds of corals and beautiful fish. Someone nearby claimed to have seen a big spiny lobster too. 

 

Food was great, as always. Did not eat anything I didn't like. Guys and Blue Iguana are staples for me. I'd say the unsung hero is the Deli, even with its newer menu. The internet was quick to point out how it is "premade" and therefore a "cutback". However, don't get confused with prepackaged and prepared minutes before. The Buffalo chicken and truffle fries are my fav that weren't there before. I also got around to trying the meatball. Outstanding. I also went a bit outside of my comfort zone and ordered the Indian vegetarian dish in the MDR. Never having eaten much Indian food, nor being a vegetarian, it never sounded good to me. That is one I will definitely order again in the future! Also went with the tried and true flat iron. I usually order my steaks medium, but know to get this medium rare. It came out great!

 

So we finally tried Cheers. We certainly more than "broke even." However, I don't think we will do that again (possibly on another shorter cruise, but still doubtful) We felt like had to over-drink so we did. Never getting out of control drunk, just bloated and sluggish. It's just too much sugar. I always visit Alchemy, and did so more this time. Tried a few new things, which was fun. The Alchemy staff was fun. We made it a point to stop by there every night. I tried the famous Grey Goose VX in the casino, which is not on display. They obviously don't want the Cheers people to drink it all. I don't care for vodka, and can't see myself craving that one anymore. Honestly, the best combo for me is a bottle of Whisky/Bourbon, bring wine, bring soda, and buy a few a la carte.

 

For another first, I did the late dining. I didn't want it, but was out-voted. I survived by pushing up my late night snack to when I returned on the boat lol. It worked out better than I had expected, however, it still got in the way of night life plans a few times. I really prefer the early dining. The staff was great. Our main server was a little quiet, but did not miss a beat. The other two brought great energy. We've always loved our dining team and the fixed dining time is just part of the experience for me.

 

Service was good all around. My room steward was much better than my last few. Definitely didn't avoid us, and would even come up to me if he saw me at the end of the hall. Even though I never need anything else than a once a day servicing. 

 

Edited May 3, 2019 by Joebucks

[bury me at sea]

What a nice, comprehensive, upbeat review.  Thanks!

 

We enjoy Cabbage Beach too.  Uncrowded and beautiful.

[ray98]

Looks like a good time.

[CruizCuz]

Thank you for the honest and thorough review.  I too, have enjoyed the Liberty, both 3 and 4 day cruises.  I seldom have written a review, because somehow people have felt the need to argue and dispel anything positive I've written.  I'll be honest here....I have been on the Liberty 5 times and have 2 more planned.  I have NEVER had a bad cruise on her.  I have had some better than others, but all good.

 

[momof4girls]

Thank you for your review! I took a 4 day Bahamas cruise back in September, and I agree with you...it was not at all like I had thought it'd be or had heard it'd be (party cruise). Maybe it depends on where you cruise from???

[Wolfshair]

11 minutes ago, momof4girls said:

Thank you for your review! I took a 4 day Bahamas cruise back in September, and I agree with you...it was not at all like I had thought it'd be or had heard it'd be (party cruise). Maybe it depends on where you cruise from???

I also think it depends on when you cruise. I'm sure that most times are fine. 😎

[KimPossible1]

Thanks for taking the time to write a review.  

[Joebucks]

1 hour ago, CruizCuz said:

Thank you for the honest and thorough review.  I too, have enjoyed the Liberty, both 3 and 4 day cruises.  I seldom have written a review, because somehow people have felt the need to argue and dispel anything positive I've written.  I'll be honest here....I have been on the Liberty 5 times and have 2 more planned.  I have NEVER had a bad cruise on her.  I have had some better than others, but all good.

 

 

I don't believe I mentioned it, but this was my 2nd trip on the Liberty. While a 4 day cruise isn't my favorite length, partnered with a short stay in Orlando, it is a vacation I know I'll do again! It's a shame that it's almost embarrassing to say you're going on a 4 day Carnival Bahamas cruise, meanwhile it's such a blast.

 

I'd like to return once the Freeport project is done

[tony_g51181]

I leave for my Liberty cruise in 6 days I can't wait.....I was wondering what to expect i did the same cruise on the victory last year out of Miami and it was a BIG party cruise but I enjoyed that.....Did you happen to take any pics of any shops onboard? curious to what they carry?