12/19 Liberty of the Seas Trip Report - mostly positive!

[nanseev]

Overall, had a fantastic cruise!  Traveling was myself, husband, 18 and 16 year old kids, and my 85-yr old mother.  It was our first time out of Galveston.  We flew from California, my Mom from the Atlanta area.  We had planned our flights to arrive around the same time so we could help her with luggage and transportation to the hotel.  Our first “snafoo” occurred as my Mom thought she booked into Hobby, but flew into IAH.  😳.  Once we figured it out, luckily the wheelchair assist helped her with getting to where Uber picks up - and for the first time ever, she Ubered all by herself! Lol! I had ordered the Uber and PM’d the driver telling them I’d take care of him if he found my Mom, helped her with luggage, and got her to me safely….which he did.  Hopefully the extra $50 made it worth it!  We stayed at the SpringHill Suites and it fit 5 nicely.  Slept with such excited anticipation!  On departure day, I surprised the family with a Limo — they were so excited!  My hubby said he wanted his son to have his first experience in a limo for a happy event and not a funeral.  It was great, although I hate finding “wet” glasses that look like they were used 😞 .  The driver was super nice though. The next “snafoo” was at Galveston port.  The limo pulled up, and the Porter (ie luggage seagulls) were not very helpful.  My Mom had ordered wheelchair assist through her whole cruise, and at least 5 people we asked said she had to wait until she got into the terminal to get a wheelchair.  Never in all of the years of cruising in Florida have we experienced this - it’s either they came to us, or we dropped off at a specific HP area where the wheelchair service would immediately start.  She had to hold onto us and walk across 2 or 3 lanes, then was expected to stand to wait in the line of her designated time (11:30 - the earliest time).  The port workers responses were always “I dont know” or “the wheelchairs don’t come outside” or “yeah, well, that’s just the way it is.”  It wasn’t like we showed up hours earlier than we were supposed to - we were maybe 30 minutes at most, and that’s only because we hit absolutely NO traffic.  We weren’t looking for “special” treatment…just your standard wheelchair assist that we’ve gotten at every other port we’ve traveled. It was really frustrating and not a great way to start our vacation.  I can’t imagine how she would have been able to manage if we weren’t there.  We sat my Mom at a bench while we waited in line, and even when we got inside, they made her walk across to the opposite side of the area/room to the table where the wheelchair check-in people were sitting waiting….as a Special Ed teacher, it really made me frustrated.  Once we got the wheelchair assist, they asked me if the wheelchair we rented from Special Needs at Sea was outside the terminal or in the room - they she proceeded to tell me that sometimes the rentals are left outside and don’t make it on the ship 😳😠🤷🏼‍♀️.  As we are being escorted through the terminal, I’m trying to call the rental company to confirm…all while pulling up my set sail passes on my phone and TSA/Customs checking my ID - it was chaotic.  I finally gave up calling, and just hoped it was in the room. It should be noted that this is Port Authority, not RCCL.  Our check in process was smooth as silk -  pictures, verify Vaxx cards and IDs, purple bands, etc.  And off we went up to the ship.  Total time was probably 20-30 mins at most - easy breezy.  Once on the ship, we went to the 5th floor to the R Bar to start our beverage package….little did we know this bar would become our home away from home for most of the cruise.  Marshall, by far, is the BEST bartender we’ve ever experienced on any cruise.  After a drink, we left the kids and my Mom there and went to book our two Specialty dinners and our My Time Dining. I had previewed the menus and knew what two nights I wanted Specialty.   By the time we got to MTD, the earliest time we could get was 715.  Was hoping for earlier, but in the long run, that time worked out fine - we always seem to want to eat later on cruises.  We then went and got the group and did our Muster station check ins, and by that time the rooms were open.  My mom had her own balcony room on deck 10 and my kids had a nearby interior.  Hubby and I were on Deck 8.  All of us were near the elevator, so it was easy access to all of the rooms.  The room was great,,,but my only complaint was someone on a deck very close to us smoked.  I don’t mind smoking in the casinos, as I know what I’m in for, and I know on the Port side there are smoking areas but I want fresh air in my starboard room….and a number of times I had to close our balcony slider because of the smell 😠.  We went and checked out the windjammer, and my husband decided to make use of his drink package early….he stopped at every bar and ordered some type of 🥤.  There were multiple announcements about how not everyone had completed their muster drill, and I can only imagine how many cruises have been delayed send offs because of that.  We drank the afternoon and early evening away, did some casino time when it opened, then went to MDR for dinner.  We had Allwin and Darwin who were great all week.  They would even come say hello when they saw us in the Windjammer.  I forget if we had tenderloin or prime rib the first night…but food was overall ok - sometimes cold though, including our escargot.  I know they are still getting back into the swing of things, so it really wasn’t a huge deal.  I will say as the week went on, the French onion soup got better and better flavor - night 1 was almost chicken-broth flavor and almost no onions.  After a bit more gambling (smaller casino than I expected), we went back to visit Marshall  and experienced jelly bean shots, nuts and berries shot, Black Forest martinis, and more…..mmmmm.  Went back to the cabin and sat out for just a bit - it was colder than usual and we were approaching a storm…but truly a great way to start our cruise!

 

To Be Continued…..

[nanseev]

That night, the boat was rocking - because of the impending storm :-).  The morning report had Katie, our cruise director, informing us that our ports were changing as they were trying to go around the storm.  They showed the radar and captain explaining our new route.  Basically instead of Cozumel, costa maya and Roatan, we would now go to Roatan, costa Maya and Cozumel.  They were very open with suggestions for sea sickness. I really liked Katie and thought the was very communicative during her Morning Show and at events. 
 

We did go to the Headliner family show on night #1 that I forgot to mention…an older comedian.  Let’s just say it’s better forgotten than trying to recall that time of my life I will never get back.  Been to many shows and comedians on ships…many are cheesy for sure….but this was just drown right bad.  

We also did the Ice Skating show which was great.  I should note that they had vaxx and un-vaxx in separate sections….we had no issues getting into shows.
 

I am an exception to most…I usually don’t like getting off the ship.  I enjoy the quiet time, and always end up spending too much $$ on excursions or food/drinks when I do leave the ship - I take the philosophy of I’ve already paid for drinks and food…why leave…lol.  So, I can’t speak to the ports at all.

 

My 16 year old son went the first night to the Teen club, met some friends, and never really went back.  He had a great week and was out til curfew every night.  
 

My 18 year old daughter had her first experience in the casino….and all I can say is beginner’s luck!!!  She kept winning and winning.  She ended up getting more points than hubby and I did after the week - he and I got $100 off offers….she got a free interior room 😂.  
 

We did breakfast in both Windjammer and MDR towards end of week…and lunch in either Serranos or WJ.  You scan your card now entering and exiting windjammer.  I thought things flowed very well in WJ and were clean - same with MDR.  Truly the service was fabulous all week.

 

I did struggle with the elevator passenger limits, as many times we were waiting many minutes to get an elevator with the acceptable number.  Most people didn’t care if the number went over by a few people (we didn’t either), but there were a few that were extremely rude about it.

 

Room Service coffee was not good, as usual.  Tried it the first two mornings, and then didn’t order coffee again and just waited to go to the Cade Promenade

 

We had ordered 100 pictures on the Black Friday sale, so I tried getting as many pics as I could.  With my mom’s health issues (she was using a walker instead of a wheelchair), I couldn’t ask her to walk the ship for additional pics.  
 

I really felt like the service was impeccable this trip - they were really trying.  I didn’t see many issues with no masks - I thought as a whole it was fine. There were some isolated incidents, but nothing serious worth noting. 

They did stop smoking in the casino half way through the cruise.

 

The flowrider line was out of control all week, unfortunately.  Kids enjoy it, but it seemed the stand-up time was more limited, so they had less opportunities to flowride.

 

Our Specialty Dinners were good….service at Chops was a bit “forced” but food was plentiful.  My daughter is still talking about that crab cake.  Service at Giovanni’s much better.  I really enjoyed the risotto, and the filet at Giovanni’s was better than the one at Chops.  My son ordered the Osso Bucco and was in Heaven!
 

Our MDR food was overall good, but some things were a miss.  I had remembered enjoying the lasagna on past cruises, and this one was no bueno. The tenderloin and prime rib were great.  I had Turkey for Christmas Eve which was excellent.  As I said earlier, I swear the French onion soup got better as the week went on.  
 

We did trivia only a few times because the host was hard to understand and mispronounced many words.  I wish they would have had someone with English as their primary language.  
 

I loved watching the lifeguards in the solarium, and when they switched posts. They were so focused on the water and scanning, and giving thumbs up to communicate as one left - I was impressed. 
 

We played list of cards and cribbage on the cruise (it’s a relaxing cruise-activity for me).  Gambled too much, but loved Roatan because the casino could open at 1pm.  The casino was NOT busy during our trip - not sure if it was the particular crowd or what.  Some of the drinks in the casino were *yuck!* - asked for top shelf vodka and god only knows what I was given…..the good news is that Marshall in the R bar was always the perfect ending!

 

I had checked Cruise Critic when I had internet and saw the post of the man on Symphony who tested positive and his experience.  The previous night I had seen two security people standing at the entry of the hallway…and a few hours before that, saw a RCCL medic getting into an elevator….so wondering if that was a positive tester.  But I could also just be speculating and it was just coincidence.

 

Can’t think of much else…hubby had internet and no issues. Disembark was easy, and I actually prefer how they do it now where you wait in your room.  I did have to ask where to get wheelchair assist for my mom going off (Schooner Bar), but it went fine and they wheeled her all the way out to a bench outside.  Luggage was waiting for us, and we only had to do facial recognition to leave through customs..:.easy!

 

I loved Liberty, and thought the staff was excellent.  I’m not sure if I’d travel out of Galveston again, and now that Navigator is out of LA, that may end up to be our ship of choice unless we decide an Oasis class in FL again.

 

Happy to answer any questions…and hopefully it did come across as the positive experience that it was - except for the wheelchair assist at the Port!

[wildwanderer]

Thanks so much, we are joining Liberty on Sunday.  I appreciate you sharing your experiences. 

[Merion_Mom]

@nanseev - that was a great review.  Thank you for taking the time and effort to post it.

 

Just thought I'd provide a little education  -  because that's what I do.  😄  

 

The word is "snafu".  It is an acronym for Situation Normal All F#@&ed Up.  😄  😄  😄  

 

Oh, and I'm very very very surprised that RC let you book the kids on a different deck!!!! 😮 

 

[nanseev]

@Merion_Mom - we booked separately, but just got some extra keys.  Hubby and son were “officially” in the interior room, and myself and my daughter in the balcony.  Originally we were all on the 8th floor, but when my Mom decided to join us, we moved the interior room near her in case she needed help.  We’ve done this for many years without any issues.  I swear, the room attendants always seem to love the kids rooms….every year my kids make a point to say how awesome their room attendant was!

[firefly333]

I missed the comedian and was planning on making sure I heard him next time. Sorry to hear he was lame. I wonder if I will have a new comedian next cruise jan 30th and if they rotate out.

 

I had any time dining and the earliest time I could reserve was 730. Booked the show for 8. I told my waiter when i sat down i was in a hurry. Ignored. Told him again .. and again. Didnt order a entree trying to get to the show. At 8 pm he is slowly raking off crumbs and said oh you want to get to a show. I admit i was kinda fuming at him by then. 

 

Wasnt real happy with anytime dining. One thing carnival does much better. 

[satxdiver]

We were on the Liberty the end of November (after Thanksgiving).  The one comedian was awful and most likely was the same one the OP saw.  We use early TD these days and like it better.  We had switched to MTD when it was first introduced but a few years ago went back to TD.  We ate all meals in the MDR and in Sorrento's only when in port.  We also like to stay on the ship when in port or if we do get off it is just to walk around the port area so I can understand the OP wanting to stay on the ship.  We can drive to Galveston so have been many times over the years and now enjoy the comfort of the ship and everyone off in ports.  We will be back on the Liberty in January.  Thanks for the report. 

[Kathscof]

9 hours ago, Merion_Mom said:

@nanseev - that was a great review.  Thank you for taking the time and effort to post it.

 

Just thought I'd provide a little education  -  because that's what I do.  😄  

 

The word is "snafu".  It is an acronym for Situation Normal All F#@&ed Up.  😄  😄  😄  

 

Oh, and I'm very very very surprised that RC let you book the kids on a different deck!!!! 😮 

 

I'm glad their cruise wasn't FUBAR 😉 hahaha

[cruisnfool]

What time were the shows?

what is the drinking age? 18 or 21

[nanseev]

4 minutes ago, cruisnfool said:

What time were the shows?

what is the drinking age? 18 or 21

The shows had varied times, so I didn’t feel like I couldn’t get into anything because of our dinner time or being full, like previous cruises.  Afternoon shows were 2pm.  Evening were usually 530 and 8pm, but I know there were some at 1015 too.  I actually felt like they did a great job of offering the shows at varied times, and even Katie the CD said they were scheduled to ensure everyone could go.  Our MDR staff actually mentioned at the beginning of the week that if we had reservations to let them know and they would rush dinner.  Was really easy to book online, and they checked reservations and wristbands as you went in.  There were others who showed up without reservations that just needed to go through a separate line.
 

Drinking age was 21….gambling age 18.  The Chops server actually commented when my daughter was carrying my Moms drink that he saw her age and she was too young…I was surprised, honestly, because other servers were willing to serve my daughter a drink with our permission.  Probably good to note - my daughter had the Soda package and ordered a Shirley Temple in the casino….she got charged for a Virgin Cocktail.  Once we realized that, Shirley Temples were off the table.  Too bad because if there was a freestyle machine, she could have made herself a Sprite with cherry flavor.  Oh well.  Not a huge deal, but just in case anyone comes across that in the future.

 

They also didn’t let me order coffee back-to-back at the Cafe Promenade.  I asked, as I knew my morning coffee intake and the first cup would be gone in 2.2 seconds…but could only order one, then go to the back of the line an order another.  Again, no biggie….but just info. I understand they do it so people don’t share. 

[DCPIV]

Thanks for the report!  We are on Liberty very soon (I hope), and we're looking forward to it!  I expect the atmosphere will be rather different since it's after the holidays, but I like hearing how good things were.  We're often regulars at the R Bar, as well, so we'll look for Marshall!

 

I hate to ask, but do you recall the comedian's name?  I'd just as soon spend time at R Bar or Schooner or just on the balcony than see a bad one.  Shoot, I'd just as soon swab the deck, peel potatoes, and scrub the latrine with a toothbrush than see a bad comedian.  Please don't feel a need to answer if it makes you feel uncomfortable to do so.

 

2 hours ago, cruisnfool said:

what is the drinking age? 18 or 21

 

It's 21 on all US sailings.

[nanseev]

1 hour ago, DCPIV said:

 

I hate to ask, but do you recall the comedian's name?  I'd just as soon spend time at R Bar or Schooner or just on the balcony than see a bad one.  Shoot, I'd just as soon swab the deck, peel potatoes, and scrub the latrine with a toothbrush than see a bad comedian.  Please don't feel a need to answer if it makes you feel uncomfortable to do so.

I believe it was Don Gavin - he was advertised as the “Godfather of Boston Comedy.”  As a former Bostonian…..I was hoping for something better.  I get that it was an all-ages show, but his act was old and non-relevant.  We all had the same thoughts, so it want just me.  My son did see some of his “adult only” show at the end of the cruise and said us was a tiny bit better, but still not good.  I had made the conscious choice to not even try the adult version - wasn’t worth it, and the casino was doing well for me that night anyhow.

[Mrbp1]

I was the Dec 19 cruise and I will never cruise over the holidays again. Communication was lacking in several areas. Events were cancelled or the time changed but the Royal App was not updated.

 

Some teenagers were running around in packs till our hours of the night. They would take over all the hot tubs that were open at night. Any venue they came into shortly turned into a bunch of teenagers rough housing and horsing playing. Very rarely did they wear masks and when the crew did ask them they did not comply. One example the 70's party in Studio B....the cruise director asked them at least 6 times to put their masks on or the party would be shut down. Well, finally, she did kick 1 teen out and the rest followed. What a great time was had after they all left. Parents nowhere to be found.

 

I was even knocked into by 3 teens and when I asked where the parents were they said the opposite end of the ship. No apology no hey we will be more careful.

 

One of the slide rides had a 15 minute wait but the teens keep on cutting in front of us and even climbed over a railing. I finally said something and only 3 teens got out of line. The 1 teen behind me agreed that what that group did was unacceptable even though he was part of the group.  

 

Now go try watching a movie as one threw up and the rest kept on getting up leaving On Air and coming back, again with no masks on.

 

Keep in mind that not all teens were misbehaving as there were a lot that were with their family members and were acting like adults. It was the group of 25 - 30 teens that really made it tough for anyone to enjoy parts of their cruise. Again, no parental supervision at all!

 

Mask policy was a joke. Sometimes it was enforced and sometimes not at all. 

 

Now for the good....food was always fresh and tasty in the MDR and Windjammer. The servers for us were on point every single night. What a pleasure to interact with them. Also, cabin attendant, was outstanding. 

 

Embarkation and disembarkation was the easiest I have experienced with Royal.

 

Would I cruise again during the pandemic? Absolutely NOT! 

Edited December 31, 2021 by Mrbp1
Correct spelling mistake

[satxdiver]

We were on the 11/28 Liberty cruise.  The comedians were Heath Harmison (truly forgettable) and  Louis Ramey (really funny).  They appeared the first nigh and then again the last night for an R+ show.  The show the first night was at 8:00 and 10:15 and was for general audiences.  The last night R+ show was at 10:15.  

 

We quickly learned never but never go on a cruise on school breaks or in the summer.  All we have ever heard is roving gangs of teenagers unsupervised and the havoc they can create.  

[Rancher Dave]

On 12/31/2021 at 2:13 PM, Mrbp1 said:

I was the Dec 19 cruise and I will never cruise over the holidays again. Communication was lacking in several areas. Events were cancelled or the time changed but the Royal App was not updated.

 

Some teenagers were running around in packs till our hours of the night. They would take over all the hot tubs that were open at night. Any venue they came into shortly turned into a bunch of teenagers rough housing and horsing playing. Very rarely did they wear masks and when the crew did ask them they did not comply. One example the 70's party in Studio B....the cruise director asked them at least 6 times to put their masks on or the party would be shut down. Well, finally, she did kick 1 teen out and the rest followed. What a great time was had after they all left. Parents nowhere to be found.

 

I was even knocked into by 3 teens and when I asked where the parents were they said the opposite end of the ship. No apology no hey we will be more careful.

 

One of the slide rides had a 15 minute wait but the teens keep on cutting in front of us and even climbed over a railing. I finally said something and only 3 teens got out of line. The 1 teen behind me agreed that what that group did was unacceptable even though he was part of the group.  

 

Now go try watching a movie as one threw up and the rest kept on getting up leaving On Air and coming back, again with no masks on.

 

Keep in mind that not all teens were misbehaving as there were a lot that were with their family members and were acting like adults. It was the group of 25 - 30 teens that really made it tough for anyone to enjoy parts of their cruise. Again, no parental supervision at all!

 

Mask policy was a joke. Sometimes it was enforced and sometimes not at all. 

 

Now for the good....food was always fresh and tasty in the MDR and Windjammer. The servers for us were on point every single night. What a pleasure to interact with them. Also, cabin attendant, was outstanding. 

 

Embarkation and disembarkation was the easiest I have experienced with Royal.

 

Would I cruise again during the pandemic? Absolutely NOT! 

oh yeah!!! Some of the teen groups were quite out of control.  I saw one group playing a game near JRs where they were spitting soda all over the deck...oh gosh it must clean itself up... I did like though the sparse population in the Diamond Lounge.     There are some folks posting from current cruise on LOTS that their cabin attendant said last cruise had a covid outbreak and as a result one now as well.  If true no shock given lack of mast enforcement. Few crew actually seemed to take a stand with guests on wearing maskst.

 

[cruzinisgood]

Wow, thanks for the great report. We are cruising on her in April. 

I do have a question if they still do a lobster night in the MDR?

We want to do the Chef's Table and Govanni's but want to make sure it's not on Lobster night:)

[caribill]

On 12/29/2021 at 10:16 PM, nanseev said:

We also did the Ice Skating show which was great.  I should note that they had vaxx and un-vaxx in separate sections….

 

Any idea why there were unvaccinated people on board?  About how many?

[firefly333]

8 hours ago, cruzinisgood said:

Wow, thanks for the great report. We are cruising on her in April. 

I do have a question if they still do a lobster night in the MDR?

We want to do the Chef's Table and Govanni's but want to make sure it's not on Lobster night:)

Yes there was a lobster night. It was the night before the last sea day. We also had a seafood buffet the next day in the WJ. Some got the left over lobster. I missed it but will look harder next time. They also did shrimp, crabs, mussels and other seafood. Nice. My friend got half a lobster. They cut them down the middle and handed them out. It was where they usually do the salad they make. 

[firefly333]

3 hours ago, caribill said:

 

Any idea why there were unvaccinated people on board?  About how many?

What do you mean why? Kids under 12 are allowed unvaccinated. It's always been allowed. They have their own area in the Mdr and theater and seems the ice rink.

[John&LaLa]

Nice review

 

Based on Title, I assumed 'mostly positive' referred to the amount of Covid cases😉

[Biker19]

1 minute ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Based on Title, I assumed 'mostly positive' referred to the amount of Covid cases😉

Shhhh, @Jimbo doesn't like folks providing thread title "feedback".

[John&LaLa]

1 minute ago, Biker19 said:

Shhhh, @Jimbo doesn't like folks providing thread title "feedback".

 

But I used a winky face😇