Liberty of Seas Thoughts and Recap

[1Texansgo]

We were on LOS 9/15-9/22 and I had every intention of writing a review-but life intervened and I procrastinated. You don't see many reviews about LOS so I will give our synopsis of thoughts and conclusions. First, this is our fourth trip on LOS and we consider it the easiest vacation option we have. We live 30 miles from Galveston and have a second home there so we can drive in the day of or the weekend before and leisurely board. This trip we loaded our luggage about 10:00, dropped it off with the porters shortly thereafter, parked our car at the house and Ubered to the ship around 1:45. We had received notification that there would be a routine Coast Guard inspection and not to arrive before 1:00. It appears we were the only passengers who heeded that request as we literally got out of the Uber, on to the ship and were in our cabin in 15 minutes. Ok, about the ship and cruise LOS doesn't seem to age much. The ship was beautiful, clean and does not feel crowded for the most part.(Windjammer excluded). We never had an issue with chairs by the pool (Solarium or Main) although on this cruise it seemed as if most passengers preferred shaded chairs in the Solarium to chairs in the sun. We were on the Cozumel, GC, Jamaica route. Here is our synopsis:

SHIP:

As stated above the ship is in great condition. I don't look for carpet stains, chipped paint etc. but I saw nothing that would be considered dirty or needing maintenance. We would walk daily on deck four and we would constantly see painters and personnel cleaning painting and varnishing the ship. The MDR and Specialty restaurants were all attractive as were all of the public areas. I like the feel of Liberty as for my wife and I it seems the perfect size. Seas were calm and we had no issues with the condition of the ship.

ENTERTAINMENT:

We do not attend all entertainment offerings so take our thoughts with a grain of salt here. We did go to UP IN THE AIR and the costumes were great but I actually got a little bored with it and we snuck out about 2/3 of the way through the show. (We did sit in the balcony on an aisle so we did not disturb anyone when we left). We went to Schooners every evening after dinner and thoroughly enjoyed it. Jamie Lee was the singer and at first I wasn't sure if I cared for him but as the week progressed we really did come to enjoy him. At least two evenings the Mad Horse Band joined him and together they were quite good. We would also filter in and out of the Hoof and Claw and Timmy Peet was really talented and played great music. It did seem crowded many evenings in there as it is so small but we would sit just outside the venue in the promenade and enjoy the music. The latin band in Bolero was also quite popular. The comedians were good as we saw one main show and two R rated comedy shows. The headliner was a gentleman named Finis Henderson whose godfather is/was Sammy Davis Jr. He played and sang both Big Band tunes as well as more modern songs. I thought he was fantastic and my suggestion would be that if you ever get a chance to see him perform definitely do it. I confess that this is my fourth trip on LOS and I have yet to see Encore! I know I should but just never made it. Have previously seen most of Saturday Night Fever and it just isn't for me so we passed again. At the Top Tier event and also at the street parties the Singers and Dancers performed and I thought they were quite talented.

FOOD and DRINK:

I may be in the minority but I think the food on our last two cruises have improved over what it was a couple of years ago. The menu choices are smaller but it seems to have more taste. We ate in the dining room both formal nights and night two and seven. For me, the beef and lamb dishes seemed better than the fish entrees. I specifically remenber the Almond Crusted Cod being a disappointment but most meat dishes were tasty. We had the three night dining package and ate at Chops, Sabor and Giovannis. I am normally a filet guy but I ventured out of my comfort zone and had a New York Strip at Chops and it was delicious. My wife had the filet and she thought it was great as well. Sabor was good as usual but it is hard to eat there when you are trying to stay semi Keto. The chicken appetizers are really delicious and we had a good meal but telling the waiter not to even show us the dessert platter was a first for us. At Giovannis I had heard great things about their filet so I ordered it and it was superb. We did taste their pasta and while their Bolognese  sauce is different from what we are used to it was quite tasty. Service everywhere was professional and top notch and our MDR wait staff may have been the best we have had. I ate breakfast and had a snack or two in the Windjammer but my wife proudly boasted that she never entered WJ.  Of course we had the drink package and felt as if we received our money's worth.

PORTS:

Been there done that so nothing unusual here. In Coz we got off the ship as soon as she docked and walked over to a pharmacy to pick up Z Paks etc. which we now regularly purchase. It was blisteringly hot  so we went back to the ship, ate breakfast and hung out until lunch when we walked left past Park Royal hotel a few blocks to an open air restaurant named Paprika which I  had read about. The restaurant was crowded and service was rather slow but we had a leisurely lunch (good grilled fish special with Mango sauce) and made our way back to the ship. I had previously made reservations at Nachi but several weeks before the cruise my wife said she would not be upset if we passed on a beach club in Coz this trip. READ: Cancel the DAMN excursion so that is what I did.  We waited until all the tender numbers had been called in GC and then tendered ashore. My wife just had to find some sort of bathing suit cover-up or some such nonsense so I tagged along with her for what seemed to be an eternity until she gave up her shopping and said she was through. We then gladly found an air conditioned bar on the second floor with great views of the water and had a couple of drinks. Then we went to Casanova By The Sea which is very close to the cruise port and had a nice late lunch. The special was a glass of wine, nice salad and Salmon Piccata which was delicious. I think it was $20CI plus gratuity. We love GC and 7Mile beach but it is difficult to enjoy on a cruise stop in our opinion so after lunch we returned to the ship and sunned until cocktail hour. In Jamaica we had a day pass to Royalton White Sands (our second time to do this) and spent about 4-5 hours at the resort. We thoroughly enjoyed our day there and the hotel facilities and food were quite good. Very nice day! We booked through Shoreexcursioneer and two other passengers were all that joined us at the resort. I have climbed the falls, rafted the Bray and done pretty much every activity so now it seems port experiences are getting more sedate.

SERVICE:

As stated Food and Bar service was good. It may take a few minutes to get a drink on Sea days but I am constantly amazed at how quickly they can prepare the frozen and specialty drinks that people love. We enjoyed all the bars but especially enjoyed the solarium and juice bar on the pool deck and R bar, Schooners and the casino bar in the evening. We didn't need Guest Services so cannot comment there. Room steward was the quietest one we have ever had but he did an efficient job and always had ice for us. I know they have to clean more and more cabins so their job is becoming more and more laborious.

CASINO:

Yes the cigarette smoke is omnipresent in the casino although it does seem to dissipate some on port days when it is closed. Yes you do seem to have to walk through the casino often even if not gambling when street parties etc are going on in the Promenade. Although I have never smoked secondary smoke is noticeable to me but doesn't prevent me from enjoying the casino. While I gambled a little I mostly enjoyed watching the action and visiting with the staff and passengers at the casino bar. You could always find some great conversations at the casino bar. A word of caution- if you are a diehard College Football fan you will be dissappointed in the offerings on board. But whatever games they do show will be televised in the Casino bar. It sure would help if LOS got larger TVS in the casino. Studio B was also supposed to show the games but Karaoke waits for no football final. Karaoke seems to be a religion for some people.

CONCLUSIONS:

The passengers on our cruise seemed extremely happy, laid back and were thoroughly enjoying their vacations. Our tablemates in MDR were wonderful people and shared many cruise and other stories with us. In fact we are expecting them to stay in our Galveston home precruise for their next vacation (in the Ben and Jerry's sweet). Lots of football and political talk in the Solarium pool and you just got the impression that everyone was happy and enjoying their cruise. We heard no griping or incidents between passengers and crew members or between passengers. While we stopped cruising for a number of years (I really don't remember why) we have now cruised every year for the past four or five years. We are booked again in March on LOS and in September on Enchantment to Key West and Coco Cay. I keep telling my wife that we should cruise the Vista but we haven't pulled the trigger yet. Years ago we went on several Carnival cruises and always have had a good time. One of these days! However, as you can read we have nothing but positives to say about RCCL. Overall I would rate our cruise experience on LOS as a solid A and would recommend RCCL and LOS to any traveler. I will try to answer any questions.

 

[George C]

Nice review thanks, we also like Liberty. 

[voyager70]

Great review.  We were on Liberty back in March and I agree with your sentiments.  Great cruise and, being from the Northeast, loved hearing all the Texas drawls!

 

 

[vettecruiser1]

About what time was it when you went ashore in GC?  I don't want to fight the tender crowds.

[HBE4]

Thank you for your review. Love reading about Liberty as she is a sentimental favorite of mine. It was our first cruise when she was brand new. Sailed her 4 times now over the past 11 years - twice out of Florida, once out of New Jersey and last year out of Galveston.  Just as good now as she was back in 2008.

 

Funny you mention Karaoke.  The first 3 cruises, that bar was usually deserted. Last year, it was packed every night.  Not sure if karaoke is becoming more popular or if its a regional thing.  But was glad to see it finally getting used.

[The Fun Researcher]

Great no-nonsense report which hit all the key points.  Thanks!  We're also on the LOS again in March. 

 

Loved the ship last time we cruised her.  It was our coldest cruise by far, (Dec 31 2017 - Jan 7 2018) which started with a rainy cold 49 degree day in Galveston and only warmed up to about 79 tops by the time we got to Costa Maya.  Still loved it though due to the solid staff, food, and well maintained ship.  Fellow passengers were great as well.  

 

LOVE Finis by the way.  Saw him on the Independence back in 2014 I believe, and he was awesome.

 

Have you sailed the Enchantment before?  We're considering it for next summer (Key West, Coco Cay, Nassau).  Impressions of the ship, staff and food?

Dan

[wolfganghowell]

Thanks for the review. We too have been on Liberty 4 times as well (I think) and are booked again on 3/29.  I agree - the ship always seems in great condition and we generally have wonderful service.  I've also thought the food has improved although we seldom eat in MDR anymore.  We only did once last time.  Would love to have someone other than Phil Anderson in the Schooner Bar - no offense to him but after about 15 years of Galveston cruises, we'd love someone with a little bit more energy and a new playlist.

[1Texansgo]

We tendered in GC around 10:45 to 11:00.And Wolfgang we will be on 3/29 cruise also.

[Jam0610]

Great reading. I 100% agree with you on ship and fellow cruisers. We just got off last Sunday. Our second cruise on the Liberty. Ready to go again in March 2020.

Do want to add this was the first time we had ever been on a cruise during Halloween. Costumes were amazing. Great fun for all. Ice show well worth your time.

 

No complaints on food, service, or RC staff.

 

[wsbond]

What was the price on the Z Pack and from where? Will be doing the same itin next month and this is for sure a thing I need to pick up

[Gatorspuck]

Great review ! Quick question do they have the coke free style machines on liberty of the seas ? 

[Clarea]

3 minutes ago, Gatorspuck said:

Great review ! Quick question do they have the coke free style machines on liberty of the seas ? 

 

No Coke Freestyle on Liberty.

[frank808]

I have to agree with this post.  Just got back from 2 weeks on Liberty.  This was the most friendly group of cruisers from any port I have sailed from.  Must be a Texas thing.  First week on board, people let you off the elevators before getting on.  That in itself is amazing and people holding doors and letting those with scooters on first.  

 

Also for a ship that is going into her 5 year drydock next year, she looks amazing.  We were next to the Vista in one port and that ship had rust showing on the hull (believe she is only 2 or 3 years new).  

 

Would love to cruise from Galveston again as we had a great time and met so many nice people.  Also most welcome group of Pin I have cruised with.  During the 2 weeks there were 4 newly minted Pinnacles.  

[Aquahound]

LOS is one of my favorite ships.  Glad to hear she's still delivering.  😊

[lovescats5]

Great to hear all the good positive comments.  We will be on Liberty in March in the 4 bedroom suite.  Looking forward to it.

 

[ATG]

7 hours ago, lovescats5 said:

Great to hear all the good positive comments.  We will be on Liberty in March in the 4 bedroom suite.  Looking forward to it.

 

I look forward to hearing about it since we have that cabin in May.

[bobmacliberty]

Thanks for the review.  Liberty was our first Royal ship (2010) and she hooked us!

[#55worktoplay]

Great to hear Liberty is still great. It is my favourite ship and have been on the big girls.

 

What is a Z pack?

[Clarea]

5 minutes ago, #55worktoplay said:

 ...

What is a Z pack?

 

Antibiotic.

[#55worktoplay]

Thanks Bob

[1Texansgo]

Z pak was $60.00 US for three multi day doses. They only sold a three pack so in essence the mult-day z-paks were $20 a piece. There is a farmacia in the port but we exited and turned right at the street and there were multiple farmacias across the street from the Carnival port.

[Doug S]

On ‎11‎/‎7‎/‎2019 at 7:19 AM, #55worktoplay said:

What is a Z pack?

As has been said, antibiotic. Zithromax. Usually a 5 day RX in my experience.  So I assume a 3 pack would have three 5 day doses.

[SRQbeachgirl]

On 11/6/2019 at 1:44 PM, wolfganghowell said:

Thanks for the review. We too have been on Liberty 4 times as well (I think) and are booked again on 3/29.  I agree - the ship always seems in great condition and we generally have wonderful service.  I've also thought the food has improved although we seldom eat in MDR anymore.  We only did once last time.  Would love to have someone other than Phil Anderson in the Schooner Bar - no offense to him but after about 15 years of Galveston cruises, we'd love someone with a little bit more energy and a new playlist.

 

We'll be on the 3/29 sailing too - our first time on Liberty! Trying to decide if we're going to buy a dining package or stick with the MDR. 

[George C]

20 minutes ago, SRQbeachgirl said:

 

We'll be on the 3/29 sailing too - our first time on Liberty! Trying to decide if we're going to buy a dining package or stick with the MDR. 

We always get package, normally do 5 nights specialty and two mdr. Chops was excellent on our last couple of cruises.

[The Fun Researcher]

37 minutes ago, SRQbeachgirl said:

 

We'll be on the 3/29 sailing too - our first time on Liberty! Trying to decide if we're going to buy a dining package or stick with the MDR. 

 

We’ve never had the need for specialty dining.  I’ve thought about it many times but then I remember that I can find entrees and appetizers that I really enjoy on every MDR menu.  One of our cruises we’ll give it a try.

 

Dan