A First-timers Review: Carnival Liberty 5-2-2009 (with photos and capers)!

[Hollybelle]

We woke up around 7:30 am and got ourselves some breakfast as the Liberty pulled into port. After breakfast we took some pictures from the top decks and watched as many passengers disembarked. Of the three ports, I found Ocho Rios to be the most attractive to photograph from the ship. That being said, it didn’t have much competition with the highly commercialized and flat Grand Cayman or Belize City, which was a map dot from our anchored location out at sea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Hollybelle]

Prior to cruising we had discussed various things we might want to do in Ocho Rios (the obligatory Dunn’s River Falls and Jamaican bobsledding come to mind); however we didn’t get excited enough about anything to make reservations or book a shore excursion beforehand. Once on the boat we heard multiple times and from various crew members that we shouldn’t engage the locals and so on and so forth. Because of this we were hesitant to hop in a cab right at the pier, so instead we made this a Margaritaville day. We are big Buffett fans, but not of the Fins and Cheeseburger in Paradise variety… think Barefoot Children and Miss You So Badly among many other great songs that aren’t widely known. The man is a hell of a storyteller, as well as businessman. So, tourist traps as they may be, I still love all things Margaritaville!!!

 

We took quite a few pictures as we disembarked:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It looks like Brett and I didn't fully get the memo that we were supposed to break out the prom picture pose... shame on us, we kind of messed the picture up! Unfortunately, this is one of the only pictures we got of the four of us. Next time, I'll be sure to badger more people into taking them!!

[Hollybelle]

We meandered over to the Island Village shopping area, which is where Margaritaville is, along with some knick knack places. The shops in the area seem nice; we didn’t actually go into any of them though, so I don’t really know. They’re all on the list of Carnival approved vendors though.

 

Island Village Entrance:

 

 

Woohoo… self portrait time:

 

 

Okay, all together on three… 1, 2, 3: “Awwwwww!”

 

 

Seriously though, after 31 years of marriage, that’s impressive. I think my parents are both amazing and inspiring, and I should tell them so more often.

 

 

There were some dancers and music spicing up the common area of the village:

 

 

And I really like this one:

 

[Hollybelle]

Margaritaville was just opening up shop for the day so we had an opportunity to get some fun pictures, which will come in handy for my digital scrapbook pages if I ever find time to work on them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Hollybelle]

We enjoyed some drinks and Brett took a few turns on the slide before he somehow talked me into following suit. I was shocked to find out the water was 8 feet deep where it dropped you off; shocked because I only found this out by trying unsuccessfully to stand up once I landed in the water… to restaurant patrons I very well might have looked like a drowning rat flailing around desperately! I don’t remember seeing any signs about the depth, just the obligatory “swim at your own risk” ones that were plastered everywhere.

 

 

 

The view from the slide deck was superb:

 

 

And Brett gave the slide two thumbs up... stating it was much better than the one on the ship:

 

 

[Hollybelle]

We ordered some lunch, which was not up to par with the standard Margaritaville food I’ve come to know and love. The burger was really bad, almost as if it wasn’t really hamburger meat. Let’s just say it wasn’t heaven on earth with an onion slice, and leave it at that! On the other hand, Brett had the jerk chicken and said it was delicious. Should have known the local fare would be better than an imitation of something done so well here.

 

 

After lunch the place began to pick up as cruisers returned from their early morning shore excursions. We experienced some local flavor as a gentleman approached us and began making birds out of reeds of grass (?). “I do not charge for this, but a tip is very welcome,” he told us J! So we gave him a couple bucks and thanked him for his craftsmanship. He certainly wasn’t a bother and we didn’t mind him; however, I’m a bit surprised the establishment was allowing him to make his rounds at all the tables.

 

 

Mom and I with our birds:

 

 

Next thing I knew, I looked up and saw a parrot heading our way! I must say, Panchito Beakman would have loved it had he come along, instead of opting to get a bird’s eye view of Jamaica.

 

 

 

Not to be outdone by a walking, talking, life size parrot, this peacock strutted around the pool as well. I’m going to have to say, if Margaritaville had had one of those old school audience noise-o-meters he would have totally won! Oh, how I hope the man applied some sunscreen that morning:

 

 

You know, I have to give the guy some credit… usually when you see someone in a thong, you shudder and look the other way for fear that the image might burn your retinas. At least he had the body (and personality) for it!

[susique333]

WHAT WONDERFUL PHOTOS AND THE COMMENTARY THAT GOES WITH IT! This review is one of the very best Ive seen on CC.

Im going to use SPF 1000 suntan block lotion on my husband & I, I see your mother got quite pink.

[Hollybelle]

Things began to get a little crazier, which in my nonscientific opinion, is a direct correlation to increasing drunkenness and waning judgment! Yay alcohol :D! We watched the hilarity ensue on the dance floor for a little while before calling it a day and heading back to the ship.

 

I love the pictures with us in front of the Liberty and hate that this was our only opportunity to take them all week (due to tendering at the other two ports):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alright folks... that's it for tonight. I should have the rest of the day posted tomorrow sometime!!

[Hollybelle]

WHAT WONDERFUL PHOTOS AND THE COMMENTARY THAT GOES WITH IT! This review is one of the very best Ive seen on CC.

 

Im going to use SPF 1000 suntan block lotion on my husband & I, I see your mother got quite pink.

 

THANK YOU for such high praise!! She did get a little pink across her shoulders, but luckily she wasn't painfully burnt. It had tanned over by the next day. We used SPF 15 and tried to reapply frequently!!

[DTC]

Holly, Awesome review!! We are sailing on the Liberty however doing the Eastern Caribbean. I love your pictures at Ocho Rios of the ship, we are booked in an aft wrap and have a clear shot of it in your photos!

The last Capers you included didn't show the DOD and morning specials such as Bloody Marys. Did I miss it?? Any helpful tips on getting around the ship would be greatly appreciated.

[WISH84]

Not to be outdone by a walking, talking, life size parrot, this peacock strutted around the pool as well. I’m going to have to say, if Margaritaville had had one of those old school audience noise-o-meters he would have totally won! Oh, how I hope the man applied some sunscreen that morning:

 

 

You know, I have to give the guy some credit… usually when you see someone in a thong, you shudder and look the other way for fear that the image might burn your retinas. At least he had the body (and personality) for it!

 

Holly, I just ruined my key board after spitting my beer out of my mouth laughing so hard!!!

[WAcruisers]

What a wonderful review. I love the pictures :D

[snellom00]

Hi Hollybelle,

 

I really enjoyed your review. We will be sailing this ship 9/5/2009. I also live in South Carolina, Charleston. Again, thanks for the great review and pics.:)

[emmysmommy]

Hollybelle: I've LOVED reading your Liberty review. Thanks for sharing all the photos as well... I couldn't stop reading your WDW Marathon adventure - what an accomplishment!!

 

Can't wait to read more.:)

[jnv412]

Your review is incredible and so helpful! I leave this Saturday for the same cruise!!! Your review has managed to get me EVEN MORE EXCITED which I didn't think was possible LOL. Thank you sooo much for sharing, and I can't wait to read more!

 

Oh and BTW--LOVE the pics!

[otisishere]

Hollybelle, Love the review and the pictures! It's almost like being addicted to a show on TV. I can't wait for the next installment! We leave this Saturday on the Liberty and I am packing now. The anticipation is painful and wonderful at the same time. The WAITING.........your review and pictures are definitely helping. Great job and keep it coming. :D

[Elaine515]

Help me here... Where did you actually sit/lay etc while at Margaritaville? At the tables around the pool or on the beach? Do you think there is enough to do at Margaritaville for kids or would they get bored after an hour or so?

 

Any info on Margaritaville would be very helpful, i.e, lounges w/umbrealls, waitors on the beach or do you have to go get your own food, any water activities etc?

 

You are sooooooo helping me with our upcoming, as yet nothing planned cruise in less than 3 weeks!!!

[NolaZach]

Your review just inspired me to make one. I think I will try and do it in Word first, and Photo SHop some of the pictures as well. But I had a good time and its awesome how helpfull a good review is for people interested in the ship.

[cathyoo]

You are doing such an excellent job. With your wonderful photography and excellent writing skills I am hoping you do lots of cruises and share ALL your experiences.

[Hollybelle]

Holly, Awesome review!! We are sailing on the Liberty however doing the Eastern Caribbean. I love your pictures at Ocho Rios of the ship, we are booked in an aft wrap and have a clear shot of it in your photos!

The last Capers you included didn't show the DOD and morning specials such as Bloody Marys. Did I miss it?? Any helpful tips on getting around the ship would be greatly appreciated.

 

Oooh... I really want to do an eastern itinerary!! Hopefully, we'll get to do that next.

 

As for the DODs and morning drink specials, it looks like that info was on the perforated flap of the caper that I didn't scan :rolleyes:. So I went back and checked and here's a rundown:

 

DODs were always $6.95 in a souvenir glass and here they are in order by day starting with embarkation day: Funship Special, Yellow Bird, Caribbean Breeze, Blue Margarita, Bahama Mama, Riviera Delight, and Ultimate Suntan.

 

Morning drink specials included bloodys, mimosas and screwdrivers and they were $3.95. You could get them at pool, casino and lobby bars from 8am-12pm.

 

I hope this helps!

 

Holly, I just ruined my key board after spitting my beer out of my mouth laughing so hard!!!

 

Yay! That is the exact reaction I was going for (well maybe without the ruining of a keyboard) :D!

 

What a wonderful review. I love the pictures :D

 

Thank you!!

[Hollybelle]

Hollybelle: I've LOVED reading your Liberty review. Thanks for sharing all the photos as well... I couldn't stop reading your WDW Marathon adventure - what an accomplishment!!

 

Can't wait to read more.:)

 

Thanks, emmysmommy!! I'm glad you've enjoyed both reviews. I have so much fun writing them.

 

Help me here... Where did you actually sit/lay etc while at Margaritaville? At the tables around the pool or on the beach? Do you think there is enough to do at Margaritaville for kids or would they get bored after an hour or so?

 

Any info on Margaritaville would be very helpful, i.e, lounges w/umbrealls, waitors on the beach or do you have to go get your own food, any water activities etc?

 

You are sooooooo helping me with our upcoming, as yet nothing planned cruise in less than 3 weeks!!!

 

Okay so while we had a great time at Margaritaville, I wouldn't recommend to spend the whole day there (kids or no kids). If we had it to do over again, we would totally book a shore excursion and then have a drink or two at Margaritaville before returning to the ship.

 

We had a table right by the pool (to give you some perspective, the picture of Brett coming off the slide was taken right from our table), and it was nice and shaded. The beach was not a part of Margaritaville, and when we went down to walk on it the sand wasn't all that spectacular. You could use the "water toys" or rent a chair from some guys sitting down there, although I have no clue what the prices were because we weren't interested.

 

So, the atmosphere was fun and we had a blast, but I wouldn't plan to spend the whole day there.

 

On a sidenote, if you are looking for Margaritaville merchandise/souvenirs I would totally buy it here instead of waiting until you go to Grand Cayman. First off, in Grand Cayman the currency exchange is $1 US = $1.25 Cayman, so you end up spending an extra dollar for every $4. Second, the prices seemed to be cheaper to begin with for whatever reason. For example, my mom bought a beach towel for $20 in Ocho Rios, the same towel was $30 in Grand Cayman before factoring in the currency exchange. Grand Cayman did have more variety though.

[Hollybelle]

Your review just inspired me to make one. I think I will try and do it in Word first, and Photo SHop some of the pictures as well. But I had a good time and its awesome how helpfull a good review is for people interested in the ship.

 

YAY!!! I think you'll really enjoy writing up a review; it's so much fun to relive the experience. And it makes for a great keepsake once it's done. I also write mine up in word first and get my pictures organized. I've been using photobucket to host my pictures for 4 reviews now and I haven't had any problems with it. If you have any questions as you get started, please feel free to pm me.

 

You are doing such an excellent job. With your wonderful photography and excellent writing skills I am hoping you do lots of cruises and share ALL your experiences.

 

Thanks, cathyoo! I'm also hoping to do lots of cruises from here on out (and report back of course) :D.

[Hollybelle]

Hi Hollybelle,

 

I really enjoyed your review. We will be sailing this ship 9/5/2009. I also live in South Carolina, Charleston. Again, thanks for the great review and pics.:)

 

Your review is incredible and so helpful! I leave this Saturday for the same cruise!!! Your review has managed to get me EVEN MORE EXCITED which I didn't think was possible LOL. Thank you sooo much for sharing, and I can't wait to read more!

 

Oh and BTW--LOVE the pics!

 

Hollybelle, Love the review and the pictures! It's almost like being addicted to a show on TV. I can't wait for the next installment! We leave this Saturday on the Liberty and I am packing now. The anticipation is painful and wonderful at the same time. The WAITING.........your review and pictures are definitely helping. Great job and keep it coming. :D

 

Thanks everyone!! You are all going to have so much fun on this cruise!

 

Otisishere, I completely agree with you about the anticipation being wonderful... I love the week or two leading up to my vacations. It's such a great feeling!

 

And the rest of day 3 will be up shortly, although it's kind of short and not all that exciting.

[Hollybelle]

Back on the ship I was looking forward to a good nap. Being in an inside stateroom had me scared that I wouldn’t wake up so I got out my cell phone to set an alarm. Little did I know, we had time traveled… it was October 14, 1999 according to the display date. I half expected it to start flashing the numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42! Maybe we weren’t really in Jamaica after all… maybe we’d found the Losties island… maybe Margaritaville was a DHARMA experiment… and then again, maybe I’m just a little obsessed with good television. Regardless of how we got there, I did find it odd and slightly humorous that my phone had teleported us back to the 20th century.

 

After a wondrous nap and quick shower we headed back out to Lido to bid Jamaica farewell.

 

 

The Jamaican flag was flying proudly from our ship. I don't recall seeing the Cayman or Belizean flags later in the week:

 

 

 

 

I love the idea of this photo, with us looking out at the island as we sail away (well Brett was anyway), and I plan to get more of these on future cruises:

 

 

 

Buh-Bye, Jamaica!!

 

Just as Ocho Rios was my favorite port to sail into, it was my favorite to sail away from for the very same reasons. It was the only day I really got that feeling of coming and going from a beautiful island.

[Hollybelle]

Brett and I made our way to the Promenade to get sushi and enjoy some wine before dinner. The sushi was good and I probably would have gotten it more often throughout the week if we had had late dining. This was the only night when we were ready for dinner early enough to partake in the sushi offerings.

 

 

Dinner was good, yet again. I ordered the asparagus vichyssoise and when Kamsi brought out the soups he emptied a carafe of milk into my bowl and then walked away as if it was exactly what it was supposed to be. Instead of lapping it up like a kitten, I followed his lead, thinking maybe he’ll be back to add something to it… you know, prepare it tableside!?! Didn’t happen. I guess someone in the kitchen was off his game because Kamsi remarked that this was a first during his 12 years of service! He went and got me the real thing as we all laughed about it.

 

Needless to say, I didn’t take a picture of my bowl of milk. But here are the main courses for the evening.

 

Filet with short rib:

 

 

Turkey:

 

 

Ack… It looks like I forgot to take dessert pics again... boy, am I slacking. So it looks like that's all I’ve got for you because we had three filets at the table. Without the pictures I can’t even remember what we had for dessert.

 

After dinner we spent our evening in the casino, taking a night off from the show lounge. Now, me personally, I’m not really into gambling, but mom and Brett love it. Luck wasn’t with Brett at the blackjack table that night, but mom made some money on one of the slot machines, enough to get herself one of those fancy paper buckets:

 

 

After I took this photo, Brett pointed to a sign that clearly stated “no photography in the casino.” Oops! We don’t want them thinking I’m going to plan a heist.

 

Brett and I checked out the aft hot tub before turning in, and it was like a ghost town back there. We were the only ones in either hot tub and the only other people I saw back there were two couples playing cards at one of the tables. Quiet night.

 

Panchito wasn’t all too comfortable with Joe Cool, the lounging pup, so he kept his distance that night:

 

 

And there was a really cute frog next door, which might have been my favorite towel animal all week:

 

 

Next up: Stingrays and Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, though it will probably be Tuesday evening before these get posted.