Liberty 9/13/2008 Review--western Caribbean!

[valancy1]

Hey everyone!

 

Just got back from our cruise this week aboard the Carnival Liberty. I will be posting my review over the course of the next few days (starting tomorrow).

 

We had a blast. We *love* this ship and itinerary. Can't wait to share it all with you! Come back here (or subscribe if interested) and I'll give you our rendition in pretty full detail of our experiences on the Liberty!

 

More tomorrow,

[Payd]

Rest up...we will be looking forward to your review tomorrow!

[Wags67]

Can't wait for your review, Debra!

Don't forget to show us lots of pictures!

[valancy1]

Can't wait for your review, Debra!

Don't forget to show us lots of pictures!

 

I got pictures--over 300 of them :D :D

 

And yes, I took pictures of almost everything we ate, so food pictures are a'comin'!!!

[KenMo]

Can't wait to read your review, Debra!!

 

I want to hear all about the ship, the ports and everything you did..lol!!

[poptart]

what a tease!! :D Looking forward to the review--tell lots about the ports.

[DGP1111]

Debra (er, um, I mean Art Queen). . . .

Glad to read that you and Barry made it home safe and sound. A real pleasure to meet you both. Will look forward to seeing/reading your take on what I thought was a most excellent cruise vacation week. :) :)

[DGP1111]

I want to hear all about the ship, the ports and everything you did..lol!!

 

Glad to also read that you three (and your sense of humor) made it back home safely as well.

A pleasure to meet you all, Mona! :) :)

[valancy1]

Good morning!

 

We're back from the Carnival Liberty's Western Caribbean itinerary. This was our first cruise ever and I want to thank all of you on the Carnival boards for offering honest and thoughtful feedback to not only my questions but questions asked by other cruisers. Your generosity in sharing what you knew helped me feel like LESS of a greenhorn!

 

Throughout this review/blog, I will definitely be showing pictures as well as adding things I learned through this experience... although most of you have cruised before, there are 1st-time cruisers here and I want to help them--there were things I wondered about: would I fit in the shower? Where is the safe? Things like that, and I will include those types of things here.

 

I can't say enough about Carnival. Yeah, I know that this is only one cruise, but I'm a pretty fair judge of character and either the experience "has it" or it doesn't. Either the person "gets it" or they don't. This was beyond anything I could have expected. I love Carnival--the vibe, the people cruising--ok, well MOST the people cruising (when it came to the 50% off diamond sale, some of the women were NOT nice), etc.

 

I'll stop rambling and get on with it. :D

 

 

DAY ONE (Travel to Miami):

 

Left our little (2-gate) airport in our hometown for Philadelphia. Everything was right on time. Once in Philly, we had a HUGE walk all the way from Express terminal F to the International terminal A (yes, we took the shuttle, but that terminal A is huge and we were at the end! OF COURSE!)

 

Our flight from Philly was (surprise!) ON TIME! So we got into Miami just a wee bit early. Barry waited for the luggage... nothing new here--they just added a flight onto the carousel so it was confusing as to where the luggage was.

 

 

 

I had called to try and arrange some sort of transportation to our hotel and found out that you can just go to the airport, pick up your baggage and there will be shuttles out there vying for your dollars. We got one (don't remember the name, sorry) that took Barry & I to the Hilton downtown on Biscayne Blvd. for $25 total. That was cheaper than Super Shuttle which quoted me $34. This was a totally spontaneous thing that happened while we were looking for the Super Shuttle people; these other guys came up and asked us if we wanted a ride. Since they had a van with their logo on it (it wasn't a car), we did it.

 

We were the first off. There were some other people in the van from Canada who were going on their first cruise, too. They weren't on our ship, though, but it was fun to talk with them. They went on their way.

 

The downtown Hilton is right where you can see the port. When you go in, you go in through the area where it is the valets and the bellmen. You HAVE to leave your stuff with them (we tried doing it ourselves and it didn't work--they make you take your stuff back down to the bellmen). They take your bags, give you a claim check, and then when your room is available, they will bring it up to you (more on that in a minute).

 

We went to the Lobby and checked in. I'm a Hilton "Diamond VIP" member and have never EVER had to wait for a room. We got there approximately 1:30 pm. We waited until 4:30 to get our room and it wasn't the room they originally chose for us. Had we chosen to wait for the room they chose for us, we would have had a corner room with a panoramic view of the port.

 

What happened was a group holding a function in the hotel didn't check out at 11 like it was stated. They all stayed in their rooms until 2 pm, and so housekeeping was not able to get all the rooms cleaned in time for 3 pm check-in. I said to the desk clerk that Hilton should fine these people because they clearly caused a huge inconvenience for the hotel as well as incoming guests and she said that more than likely was going to happen.

 

As it stood, though, our room was on the 10th (instead of 16th) floor and we faced the port. We saw the Carnival Fascination leave that afternoon. RCI's Liberty of the Seas was in port over night and left before we did the next day.

 

Here is a picture of our standard king room:

 

 

 

Carnival Fascination was in port...

 

 

There was also an NCL ship in port. Sorry to say I don't know which one, and I honestly can't remember when it left. The other is RCI's Liberty of the Seas, which we waved "Bon Voyage" as they left the next day just before we set sail...

 

 

Later, after we had time to pinch ourselves that we were almost "there", we took that little train about a block away from the hotel (and it is free right now) over to Bayside Marketplace. We were doing a pre-cruise meetup with Mona (KenMo) and her hubby Kenny and her mother Lois.

 

I will tell you (as always from my perspective) riding that train was creepy. If you ride it, keep your stuff under wraps. I am a city girl and even I was creeped out... a couple of strange people were on the train. One of the creepy ones actually told Barry to hide his camera.

 

My first 6 images are loaded so on to the next installment...

[valancy1]

So we got off at Bayside Marketplace. NOTE: This is a place where, if you walk around, people will "hawk" at you... just be prepared. We were meeting Mona & Kenny (KenMo) along with her mother, and others on our roll call for dinner at Bubba Gumps. Right when we got there, Mona saw Barry and introduced themselves. (Barry was the "landmark" as he is 6'10" and it is hard to miss him. <G>)

 

 

 

Here's Mona, Kenny and Mona's mom, Lois (and us at the table):

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

Wonderful! Keep it coming. We are doing the same cruise in january and just cannot get enough of trip reports!!

[mj]

Keep this review coming. Looking forward to the rest. You are also right about getting from Terminal A to F at the Philly airport. We did this earlier this year on our trip to Paris and it was long.

[valancy1]

CRUISE DAY ONE!!

You know that feeling (as a child) just before Christmas morning and you cannot sleep? That was us. Well, ok, more ME than Barry. <G>

 

We got up and had a small continental breakfast. Then we got in a cab and went to the port. He asked what ship and took us to the correct port. All for $10!

 

When we got there, we saw all these people waiting and the taxi driver explained that these were people leaving, not coming to the ship. We saw a Miami policeman and he guided us to a porter (Porter 649):

 

 

He was most kind, took our bags, explained the tickets he put on the bags and then showed us where to enter into the terminal. Very good value for $5... (his tip).

 

Oh, and there was a sign that was prominently displayed:

 

"TIPPING IS OPTIONAL DEPENDING ON SERVICE"

 

Which I thought was interesting considering the notoriously infamous Porter 150!

 

Once in the terminal, someone guided us to a lovely, pleasant woman who took our passports and got us checked in and gave us our key. She then told us to sit on either side; when we were to embark, we would go up the escalator.

 

I took a picture or two inside the terminal:

 

 

 

 

 

When a man in a Carnival blazer came up and said (nicely, but he meant it): NO PICTURES IN THE TERMINAL. Ooops. :D He explained that they don't allow the pictures because they have strict security and have caught people with dubious intentions taking calculations and such. I asked if I should erase my pictures and he said no, but these are all I could take at that time.

[MTcruiser]

CRUISE DAY ONE!!

 

You know that feeling (as a child) just before Christmas morning and you cannot sleep? That was us. Well, ok, more ME than Barry. <G>

 

We got up and had a small continental breakfast. Then we got in a cab and went to the port. He asked what ship and took us to the correct port. All for $10!

 

When we got there, we saw all these people waiting and the taxi driver explained that these were people leaving, not coming to the ship. We saw a Miami policeman and he guided us to a porter (Porter 649):

 

 

He was most kind, took our bags, explained the tickets he put on the bags and then showed us where to enter into the terminal. Very good value for $5... (his tip).

 

Oh, and there was a sign that was prominently displayed:

 

"TIPPING IS OPTIONAL DEPENDING ON SERVICE"

 

Which I thought was interesting considering the notoriously infamous Porter 150!

 

Once in the terminal, someone guided us to a lovely, pleasant woman who took our passports and got us checked in and gave us our key. She then told us to sit on either side; when we were to embark, we would go up the escalator.

 

I took a picture or two inside the terminal:

 

 

 

 

 

When a man in a Carnival blazer came up and said (nicely, but he meant it): NO PICTURES IN THE TERMINAL. Ooops. :D He explained that they don't allow the pictures because they have strict security and have caught people with dubious intentions taking calculations and such. I asked if I should erase my pictures and he said no, but these are all I could take at that time.

 

 

That also happened to us in miami....we were told not to take pictures in the terminal.

[valancy1]

We sat down and waited. And waited. And WAITED. We got to the port and there were no people there (which was wonderful when we got there). I had heard about all the stories of people being on the ship by 11:00 or 11:30, etc. It was 12:15 and they were still shagging people off the ship!!!! In HERDS!

 

Well while we were waiting, Brett & Sally (from Cruise Critic) came over and introduced themselves and we talked like we'd known one another always (must be that "hoosier" thing). So we saw VIPs Don and Mona & Kenny go up first on the escalator and we knew our turn was quickly approaching. The anticipation was killing me! LOL.

 

Finally it was our turn to go on the ship. We asked Brent & Sally if they wanted to join us for lunch. And Ken & Mona as well... which we did. Brent & Sally joined up with us a bit later.

 

First Drink O' The Day (it was yummy)

 

 

A word about food, besides it being delish, is that Barry and I both took snaps of our food... this is NOT all mine!:

 

 

 

 

 

Then it was time to roam around the ship--the elevators were shut down and not allowing people on some of them since they were in the process of delivering luggage.

 

I am an amateur photographer, so I took all sorts of pictures you might not see or bother to take pictures of, I don't know...

 

The massive chandelier in the atrium lobby (it changes colors for those of you who don't know and it is tres cool):

 

 

[magic&buddy]

Loving this review & pictures......keep it coming please! I definately know that feeling of being a child the night before Christmas......I still get that on every cruise!

[valancy1]

Finally, we saw the doors open and we could go to our room!

 

 

 

 

I would be celebrating my 50th b'day on the ship. My sister sent me flowers:

 

 

And we met our room steward, Kelvin (Costa Rica). He's been with Carnival for 6 years.

 

 

Then it was time to head up and explore some more...

[SandyToes1978]

It was 12:15 and they were still shagging people off the ship!!!! In HERDS!

 

 

 

Sorry.... I just couldn't...... let.......... GO!!!!!

 

 

Great review so far! Welcome back!:D

[valancy1]

Oh, and for those who have never seen a cruise ship bathroom before:

 

Notice the shampoo and soap on the wall... I'm a plus-sized person and fit just fine in the shower. Barry is uber tall and it worked for him, too. I thought the water would never stay in the shower, but it really did!

 

These are the tiniest toilets I think I've ever seen. They are no different in the public bathrooms or the handicapped bedrooms. And they make the funniest noise when they flush--you get used to it, but the first couple times it is wild.

 

Here's the sink area:

 

And here is where the safe is (we loved having that safe!):

 

We took the time to just get our unpacking done. We found there was more than enough storage for us and our things. The bathroom as you can see has little shelves to put cosmetics, shaving things, makeup, etc. on. I didn't need any additional storage than what the cabin provided. There were plenty of hangers in the closets and all sorts of nooks & crannies.

 

We put our suitcases under the bed (thank you Cruise Critic members!) and we felt at home!

 

BTW, the beds and the bed linens are SO SO SO comfortable! Excellent sleeping!

 

By the time we got that done, it was just about time for muster, so we just hung out in our room until afterwards.

[valancy1]

SAIL AWAY!

 

 

 

 

Steve Knicely was our Cruise Director. He was great. He led everyone in the electric slide, and other various dances. Everyone was in a celebratory mood. We waved to the RCI Liberty of the Seas as it cruised past us prior to our leaving and they were all having a good time, too.

 

They had video crews out filming anyone and every one, which later turned into a DVD one could buy for a rememberance (we did) <G>.

 

It was great that it was completely after muster. There were people around us in muster drill who didn't make their kids put on their life vests... pet peeve--what if something happened and little Johnny didn't want to wear it? Would they let him drown then since he didn't "like it"? Oh well.

 

We had late seating for dinner, so we went back to the room after spending quite awhile on deck just having fun and got ready for dinner.

[valancy1]

We ate at the dining room every night with the exception of my birthday, last day at sea, at Harry's. More on that later on in the cruise. We loved the whole dining room experience, but I will NEVER eat at Harry's again on the last night of the cruise. We went to give our Maitre 'd a tip and they were all singing to those dining... I feel like I missed a little treat and a special moment. So keep that in mind if you go to Harry's...

 

First night's dinner:

 

 

 

 

Yes, the Chocolate Melting Cake was OOOH LA LA good. Like an "experience" in your mouth (if you get my drift). LOL

 

 

 

I loved having cappucino every night. The assistant waiter, Mate, knew by the 2nd day who drank cappucino at our table and had it for us with dessert without even having to ask. It was FABULOUS!!

 

My "bar man" Ilshat also learned which wine I liked and when I came into the dining room every night, there was my glass of Shiraz (and it was delicious, scrumptious wine... Black Opal Shiraz, YUM).

[valancy1]

First night's show was Steve Knicely doing a bit as well as the dancers and singers did a little bit. Later I found out that we weren't supposed to take pictures, but somehow these were on my camera!

 

 

 

 

The shows were great (yes, I'm a first-time cruiser, but I *love* theatre, dance, live performance. I am sure we'll go to the show for cruises to come).

 

The Venetian Palace was really cool. I loved the decorations:

 

 

 

 

[valancy1]

DAY TWO--AT SEA!!

 

It was so nice to wake up and know the whole cruise was before us. Prior to going to bed the night before, we had received our Capers for this day and when we woke up, we got to see the choices that were before us.

 

Barry was concerned that he wouldn't have enough to do. While I am content to sit and read or do little to nothing, that only works so long with him.

 

We found, as many here have said, there is more than enough to do.

 

1. We signed up for the "On Deck for the Cure" which is a 1-mile walk, held on the last sea day and all proceeds go to the Susan G. Koman (sp?) Foundation for breast cancer research. We had to sign up in the Formalities shop. My ever-patient husband put on the funnel hat so I could take a snap:

 

 

2. We went to the port shopping talk with Eddie (who ended his Carnival career on our ship's sailing). Many people said to me not to bother with the talks, but I found them informative, having never sailed before. I say make up your own mind. :) If you think you might shop, I think it is well worth the time to go and listen, and they always throw out free stuff into the audience (on the main level).

 

 

3. We went outside... the pool area, as we were told here, would be crammed, so we went up on the Panorama Deck. It was blazing hot that day. Since I'm very sensitive to the sun, we found Deck Three to be the perfect, private and cooler spot to read and take a nap:

 

 

 

 

4. We went to the casino where I played slots... I'm not a big-time gambler, so I'm sorry to say that I don't have any exciting news to share. At some point, I won $30 and played on the house's money the rest of the trip. I donated .89 (cents) to the ship in total, so I figure to have a little fun in the casino and go home with nearly all my money was a good thing. Someone behind me though struck some sort of jackpot because the bell on top of the machine went off. I tried to look and see, but there were too many people (casino employees) around this person resetting the machine, doing paperwork, etc.

 

5. We met up with Brett & Sally and talked with them for a bit before they went to dinner.

 

6. We also got our cruise certificate for our next cruise--couldn't pass that up at ALL!

 

7. At 2:15, we went to a "Diamond" seminar where Eddie shared some buying secrets to apply while in port. We learned a lot there, which we found to come in quite handy the next day.

 

We had a great day at sea. Dinner pictures are next...

[valancy1]

By the time we got that done, it was just about time for muster, so we just hung out in our room until afterwards.

 

I want to correct myself here... what I meant was we stayed in our room until muster. We did NOT stay in our room DURING muster!

[ubouu]

WOW loving this review, more please.