Liberty of the Seas review 5/10-5/17

[tony_touch]

We sailed on the 5/10-5/17 Eastern Caribbean voyage with a group of 14 family members (four parents and 10 young adults). This this was my first cruise on RC and only my second overall. We had a great time and would like to share some feedback on the various aspects of Liberty of the Seas:

The Ship itself: Fantastic and very clean. Other than a constant foul odor on some parts of the Sports Deck, everything looked and seemed spotless. Obviously the ship is huge but it really wasn't a burden at all to get from one side to another. Overall I would say it was easy to navigate and not get lost. There is a very useful ship map on the wall next to every elevator.

Cabin: We stayed in Interior Stateroom #9691. While it was only 152 sq feet, there was enough room for us to unpack and put away all of our toiletries and clothes. The bed was surprisingly spacious and comfortable. We didn't spend much time in the room so having no window wasn't a big deal to us.

Games & Activities: Our family loves games and contests, so we participated in many events- Dodgeball Tournament, Free Throw Contest, Family Feud, Battles of the Sexes, Millionaire, and countless games of trivia in the Schooner Bar. We won quite a few of them as well and ended up with a bunch of RC stuff. Suggestions for other tournaments I wish they had: ping-pong, Three Point Shooting Contest, 3-on-3 basketball.

Flo-rider: Definitely follow advice and wear a lot of clothing! I only watched for 30 min and saw two people lose clothing. One middle-aged woman accidently mooned the crowd. Another person lost her bikini tip. She was an attractive young woman and a few guys in the crowd actually cheered when it happened! Fortunately she didn't seem too upset about the whole incident- she was laughing with her friends a few minutes later.

Casino: A few people in our group are big gamblers so the casino was a fun hang-out (even just to watch them). The casino also had a blackjack tournament and a Texas Hold 'Em tournament. The Hold 'Em was interesting- $100 entry fee and the top two earners from each voyage are invited back for a free cruise in December. The top earner from that cruise wins $100,000. Slots were also a big draw; they had a running tally of slot pay-outs. By the end of the cruise, total pay-outs were over $2M!

Windjammer: Breakfasts were of high quality. I liked that they had made-to-order stations for fried eggs and a separate one for omelets. The biscuits were bad, but everything else was a hit. We ate a few lunches and one dinner at Windjammer, and those were nothing special. They had plenty of variety but quality was average at best.

Main Dinner: The appetizers, salads, and desserts were all excellent. For appetizers, I really enjoyed the cream soups, mushroom puff pastry, and spinach dip. Tip: if you like fruit, order the fruit appetizers. They are of a much higher quality than the fruits in Windjammer. There were plenty of great desserts but my favorite was the chocolate flourless cake. However, the main entrees were mediocre. None of the 14 of us were impressed by the entrees. The meats were not flavorful or juicy, and the pastas were bland. Our waiter was Felix from India; he was entertaining and the service was fantastic.

Johnny Rockets: We ate here a couple of times. Ask for a oceanside table. Fries, onion rings, and sandwiches were all great (but then again, it's hard to screw up fried foods).

Sorrento's Pizza: We ate here late-night almost every day. The pizza was pretty good, comparable to a better frozen pizza. They have great sides such as sundried tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and feta cubes that you can chop up yourself and add as pizza toppings.

Seattle's Best Coffee: I didn't buy any coffee drinks, but you can come here for tasty free sandwiches.

Room service: We ordered it once after hitting the club. The pizza was terrible. Chicken fingers weren't bad.

Nightlife: Catacombs had a pretty decent crowd on most nights. I was impressed by the music they played. I was expecting a low-rent DJ but they were spinning all the latest hip-hop and dance music. The pub in the Promenade was always crowded at night, and Olive or Twist was a chill place to have some strong drinks. I was also impressed by the drink prices- $5.75 for a strong Jack and Coke including tip. The same drink was $14 at Mansion in South Beach (where we partied the night before the cruise).

TV Programming: As a big sports fan, it was tough not having US ESPN anywhere on the ship (only ESPN International). To get free scores, I had to watch the CNN ticker or read the American newspaper.

Entertainment & Shows: We had a fill-in cruise director (John from England). He was very funny. We went to all the nightly entertainment except for the Ever After show and the Farewell Show. All of them were very good, especially the main ice show. Two of the most entertaining and funniest events on the ship were the Love & Marriage Show and The Quest Adult Scavenger Hunt.

San Juan Port: Just shopped for a few hours.

St Maarten Port: Did the Snorkel/Kayaking Excursion for $72. It was fun but the snorkeling was nothing special- they made you swim out to snorkel instead of taking you on a boat. So we didn't see many unique fish.

Labidee Port: It was rainy when we docked and cloudy for a few hours, but it became sunny after the good BBQ lunch. We played beach volleyball for two hours and then shopped and went into the water. This was the only quality beach & ocean time I had during the whole cruise. This was our favorite port.

Overall, we had a really fun time. I'm a beach bum so personally I would have preferred a vacation with more relaxing beach & ocean time (especially if it were just my wife and I). However, this cruise was an excellent choice for our big group. The large amount of activities available ensured that everyone in our group had something to do. Everyone could do their own thing during the day, and still meet up for dinner. Our group had a mix of young and old, married and single, and everyone had a blast. Also, I highly recommend the Sat-Sat sailings. Having an entire day to relax and recover before going back to work was a life-saver.

[Wild Bill]

Thanks for the review! I am enjoying reading about the Liberty, while we wait for our turn in September!

[djandnic]

Thanks for the review. Which nights were formal nights? We are doing this cruise in October, and want to make reservation at Chops one night, but don;t want to do it on formals nights.

[djandnic]

Also wondered where you stayed in Miami before the crusie? Looking for a South Beach location, so if you stayed there, I would like to hear about it, thanks.

[tony_touch]

djandnic- Formal nights were Sun and Wed. We didn't stay in South Beach- we were at the Holiday Inn next to Bayside ($20 cab ride to the port).

 

If anyone else has any questions, ask away.

[Barbiegator]

Also wondered where you stayed in Miami before the crusie? Looking for a South Beach location, so if you stayed there, I would like to hear about it, thanks.

 

Have been to South Beach and going again before our cruise. Ocean Drive around the 700 block has older hotels-small rooms but many are modernized. Beach is across the street from rooms.Many outdoor cafes and bars in this area.Famous News Cafe is close by.

Avalon is old with small bathrooms. Check on parking before you reserve.We are staying at Beacon this time. Looks a bit more updated.

[Float&Bloat]

Thanks for the review. We have the same cruise in 32 days with 13 family members. I assume from your review that you were aall adults. We will be from 5 to 65. What did you shop eor? Any good buyes? Did you try Portofino's or Chops'?

[tony_touch]

Thanks for the review. We have the same cruise in 32 days with 13 family members. I assume from your review that you were aall adults. We will be from 5 to 65. What did you shop eor? Any good buyes? Did you try Portofino's or Chops'?

 

Unfortunately I didn't get to try the premium restaurants. I wanted to but there wasn't much interest from the rest of the group.

For shopping- in San Juan, it was jewelry and souveneirs. In Labidee, it was mostly wooden sculptures and paintings. You can negotiate a ton! One guy in our group got a 3-D huge wooden sculpture for $10 (the seller started at $60).

[cruisersnorkler]

We stayed at the Sheraton 4 points. It is a little up from South Beach but it is right on the beach which was wonderful.

[MA cruisers]

How was the Holiday Inn? We are looking for somewhere to stay one night precruise in October? What was the nightly rate if you don't mind me asking? Was there breakfast available in the morning? Thanks.

[tony_touch]

How was the Holiday Inn? We are looking for somewhere to stay one night precruise in October? What was the nightly rate if you don't mind me asking? Was there breakfast available in the morning? Thanks.

 

Honestly, it wasn't a great Holiday Inn. The rooms were old and not in great condition (though they were a good size). As every other full-service Holiday Inn, there is a restaurant on-site but it is not free. The location is good though- you have the Bayside Shopping Center across the street, and there is a Walgreens nearby if you need last minute stuff for the cruise. I can't comment on the room rate as my in-laws own a Holiday Inn Express, so we always stay for free.

[Keryel]

Thank you for your review! I'm counting down the hours until our 7/12/08 Liberty cruise!:D

[Momofshan]

Thanks for the review. We have the same cruise in 32 days with 13 family members. I assume from your review that you were aall adults. We will be from 5 to 65. What did you shop eor? Any good buyes? Did you try Portofino's or Chops'?

 

Float & Boat - we're on your cruise, too! A group of 12 from ages 9 thru 69!!! Check out the Roll Call, if you haven't already!:)

 

Jen

[beachbumforever]

djandnic- Formal nights were Sun and Wed. We didn't stay in South Beach- we were at the Holiday Inn next to Bayside ($20 cab ride to the port).

 

If anyone else has any questions, ask away.

 

Did you have lobster on a formal night or ever in the dining room? We are also trying to figure out which nights to book Chops and Portofino's. Thanks for your help.

[tony_touch]

Did you have lobster on a formal night or ever in the dining room? We are also trying to figure out which nights to book Chops and Portofino's. Thanks for your help.

 

No, I didn't get to try it. I've read other people say it's good though!

[drb_2000]

TV Programming: As a big sports fan, it was tough not having US ESPN anywhere on the ship (only ESPN International). To get free scores, I had to watch the CNN ticker or read the American newspaper.

 

 

Entertainment & Shows: We had a fill-in cruise director (John from England).

Thanks for the review. Very informative.

 

My family and I are also big sports fans. The lack of a Sports Bar on the Freedom class ships disappointing. We were on the Freedom last year during the NBA Conference Basketball Championships. They use Kareoke location to show the games if there is no conflict. Sometimes they don't show it period. I hope Liberty is a little more considerate. We'll be sailing her on Saturday. I found it interesting that the On Air Club was just about deserted and when they did show a game the crowds flocked to the venue and the liquor was flowing freely and friendly banter. Wake up RCCL.... you're missing out on the $$$$$s. I hope Genesis brings back a deidcated Sports Bar.;) They are a great venue on the Voyager class ships for sports nuts like us.

 

You mention a stand-in CD. Do you know if that will still be the case for the 5/24 sailing?

 

Thanks again.

 

DrB

[hawaii6o]

We are booked on LOS in July. We are in 9687 two doors down from 9691. How was that area of the ship. How was your room steward? I dont mind interior rooms. Just wondering about noise. Is it a quiet low traffic area? Was it easy to get around from that area of the ship?

 

Jeanne

[FMZ]

Thanks for the review, I cant wait to go on her in September!

[acc82]

thanks for that, we're going on the exact same cruise this weekend!!!!

 

what was yoru favorite bar/night life spot? i've always liked boleros. did you hit it on this ship?

[tony_touch]

Thanks for the review. Very informative.

 

My family and I are also big sports fans. The lack of a Sports Bar on the Freedom class ships disappointing. We were on the Freedom last year during the NBA Conference Basketball Championships. They use Kareoke location to show the games if there is no conflict. Sometimes they don't show it period. I hope Liberty is a little more considerate. We'll be sailing her on Saturday. I found it interesting that the On Air Club was just about deserted and when they did show a game the crowds flocked to the venue and the liquor was flowing freely and friendly banter. Wake up RCCL.... you're missing out on the $$$$$s. I hope Genesis brings back a deidcated Sports Bar.;) They are a great venue on the Voyager class ships for sports nuts like us.

 

You mention a stand-in CD. Do you know if that will still be the case for the 5/24 sailing?

 

Thanks again.

 

DrB

 

 

Yes, the Karoake location (On-Air Club) has plasma TVs that constantly show ESPN International. ESPN Intl sometimes showed live NBA playoff games last week, but mostly they showed tennis and soccer. So I really don't think RCCL makes the decision to show a game or not- it depends on what ESPN Intl is showing. I agree with you though; if US ESPN is easy to acquire thru the ship's satellite, they should try to get it. I assume it's a cost licensing issue.

 

We had a fill-in CD because the normal one had a family emergency. I didn't hear any other details but hopefully it is not serious.

[tony_touch]

We are booked on LOS in July. We are in 9687 two doors down from 9691. How was that area of the ship. How was your room steward? I dont mind interior rooms. Just wondering about noise. Is it a quiet low traffic area? Was it easy to get around from that area of the ship?

 

Jeanne

 

I really liked that part of the ship because you can easily take stairs to get to the popular places. It was also a very quiet and low-traffic area. The room steward was great (though she has a really strong accent and it's not that easy to understand her).

[tony_touch]

thanks for that, we're going on the exact same cruise this weekend!!!!

 

what was yoru favorite bar/night life spot? i've always liked boleros. did you hit it on this ship?

 

Boleros was actually pretty dead every time I walked by it. My favorite was Catacombs because they had a 20something crowd and really good music (and the decor of the place is cool too- 2 levels). Hoof and Claw also seemed like a great place for pub fans. And Olive or Twist was ideal for listening to relaxing live music.

[LynnAB]

Thanks for the review. Very informative.

 

My family and I are also big sports fans. The lack of a Sports Bar on the Freedom class ships disappointing. We were on the Freedom last year during the NBA Conference Basketball Championships. They use Kareoke location to show the games if there is no conflict. Sometimes they don't show it period. I hope Liberty is a little more considerate. We'll be sailing her on Saturday. I found it interesting that the On Air Club was just about deserted and when they did show a game the crowds flocked to the venue and the liquor was flowing freely and friendly banter. Wake up RCCL.... you're missing out on the $$$$$s. I hope Genesis brings back a deidcated Sports Bar.;) They are a great venue on the Voyager class ships for sports nuts like us.

 

You mention a stand-in CD. Do you know if that will still be the case for the 5/24 sailing?

 

Thanks again.

 

DrB

 

 

 

Hi!

 

I was on a back-to-back cruise May 10, 2008 and May 17, 2008. What a blast!

 

To answer your question, Joff Eaton was a substitute CD for the 5/10 cruise because the regular CD, Allan Brooks, was on compassionate leave. Allan came back for the 17th cruise and was FABULOUS!!!

 

Lynn

[LynnAB]

Yes, the Karoake location (On-Air Club) has plasma TVs that constantly show ESPN International. ESPN Intl sometimes showed live NBA playoff games last week, but mostly they showed tennis and soccer. So I really don't think RCCL makes the decision to show a game or not- it depends on what ESPN Intl is showing. I agree with you though; if US ESPN is easy to acquire thru the ship's satellite, they should try to get it. I assume it's a cost licensing issue.

 

We had a fill-in CD because the normal one had a family emergency. I didn't hear any other details but hopefully it is not serious.

 

 

Just as a follow up, when Allan Brooks came back, I spoke with him quite often. The emergency was with his father apparently, but his dad is fine now, thank God.

 

Lynn

[joem1211]

Just wanted to say thanks to all who came up to me and my wife after the winning the Love and Marriage game. You all helped make our first cruise memorable. this "British Oak" will now be hitting the gym:) maybe becoming a "Redwood"

 

To me the funniest couple were the ones married 53 years. Those may have been the funniest and honest answers I ever heard. If your out here great job!!!!