JLN321

I was on Liberty last week. We did my timed dining 3 times (made 4 reservations but afternoon nap took away one). I made reservations before the cruise---about a month before. I based it off ports and what time we were going to be back on ship. I also based it off of formal nights because we don't like to dress up. We prefer to eat at the earlier times (530-630) because it's less busy.

You can make reservations online before your cruise (I think within 8-10 weeks before your cruise) or on ship but you have to call b/t 11-330. I noticed that when you are at different ports, you are usually not on the boat to make reservations.

I personally would reserve online because there were a few days people just randomly showed up without reservations and they either had to wait a long time or there was no space.

How long is your cruise and where are you going? Usually you can post online here and people will be able to to tell you what nights are formal. I know from the past, the first and last days are NOT formal nights. The second day is usually a formal night.

Even if you did reserve on a formal night, you can cancel or just not show up. It's fine.

FYI: We were supposed to go to Belize, Honduras, and Mexico. Due to Hurricane Earl, we weren't able to go to Belize and Honduras. They took as to Mexico and the Bahamas. We ended up having an extra sea day (total of 5 sea days). They credited us any excursions we booked in Belize and Honduras to our Seapass.

Galveston: OMG...I can see why there are bad reviews. Way too crowded in such a small space. The workers there were constantly screaming and not very friendly. The worst part for us was leaving the ship and getting our luggage. They seriously allow hundreds of people search for luggage in a small space big enough for 5 cars. I hope that I don't have to catch another cruise at this pier.

The ship in general: Beautiful ship! I know they've worked on it this past year so I don't know what kind of shape it was in before. It was nice and spacious and clean. Nice waterslides!

Food/Drinks: The food was good but the options were lacking. I am a vegetarian (not even seafood) and noticed they did not have a lot of vegetarian options on this ship. I felt like I just ate pasta and pizza. It got old after a while. I remember on my previous cruises they had vegetable pot pie and stew.....not sure what happened to those on this cruise! The windjammer offered the same things everyday compared to my cruises where they would change it up quite a bit. I did buy cupcakes at the cupcake cupboard because I am not a fan of the desserts offered on board at the windjammer or dining hall. I did not realize they kept them refrigerated. It was too firm for me so I let them sit in my stateroom for a few hours until they were soft. When they were soft, they tasted so much better! I only had a few alcoholic beverages during the week. I had the Sangria and the Strawberry Daq...both were delicious! We did buy dinner once at Johnny Rockets. It was $7.95 and included a fountain drink. I obviously got the grilled cheese. I'm used to grilled cheeses being fried in butter and this one wasn't. It was just toasted bread and cheese. It was weird and did not taste like a real grilled cheese. The onion rings and fries were good of course! In the past, I read bad reviews about Sorrento's. I ended up loving their pizza and the bruschetta. I thought they were good! The frozen yogurt at poolside (Sprinkles) was yummy but there were too many young kids without parents getting it. I saw some wipe their noses and then touch the handles...so watch out...go before kids get to it! I wish they had a cone dispenser with it and not just a box of cones for thousands of people to touch. I also don't drink coffee but I always go to their coffee ship and get a vanilla steamer (usually every night). They were delicious and the staff did not have a problem using non-fat milk (my request) instead of regular milk. We bought Ben and Jerry's once. I got the cookie dough ice cream and it was delicious!

Poolside: I only went to the poolside in the early morning until noon-2ish. After about 1pm, it became too crowded. There were not enough chairs and it was hard to move around with the amount of people. In the morning, I found it to be way less busy and relaxing. You still get plenty of sun that early. They did not have a lot of bands playing outside, it was mostly a DJ or they had the Olympics playing on screen during the later part of the week. They had fun dancing and of course the belly flop contest. They also had the "Sexiest Man" contest. They were just average Joes and it was pretty hilarious.

Inside entertainment: They had excellent comedians during the week. A total of 3. I loved every single one of them. They also performed Saturday Night Fever and the cast did such an excellent job. Of course they had the Love and Marriage game show. It was the funniest one I've seen so far. I did not go to any of the ice skating shows or dancing shows so I can not comment on them. We booked the decorate a cupcake class for $22.00. We made a dog and it was a lot of fun. They ended up adding classes because of the extra sea days.

Shopping: It was the usual Royal Caribbean shopping...lol. Nothing too exciting. I noticed that they did not sale salt water taffy on board like they do on other ships. I usually buy a box for my sister so I was bummed they didn't have any. My friend wanted a certain pair of pants but they did not have her size left (Day 2) and didn't have any in the back. They mostly had very small sizes. The sales on the last full day (Saturday) were the best. I got two shawls for $10.00 each. My friend got a bracelet for $20.00 and a ring for $25.00. I got some chocolate covered pretzels for a snack lol.

Spa: My first ever massage! On the last day, they offered $99.00 swedish massage so I booked it. I'm not sure how they are supposed to go but it was relaxing and painful at times. They ended up charging me full price even though they had signs all over the ship stating $99.00. They did not give me the price when I asked. I didn't feel like arguing so I just didn't leave an "extra" tip The spa was very busy during the last two days. I'm thinking it's because we had extra sea days!

Cruise Director/Cruise Captain: Can't remember their names but they were awesome! When the hurricane formed, you can tell they were under a lot of stress but their job was to keep us safe. I saw the director a lot in the windjammer and poolside. He was sooooooooooo nice and funny. Great guy for sure!

Staff: As always, the staff was great! (besides the few at the Spa lol) They are so friendly and helpful even when they are working 12 hrs days!

Internet: I didn't think I was going to buy internet but with all the extra ship time, I ended up buying the Voom for the 7 days at $77.00. It worked just fine for me. I went on a few webpages and emails. I don't play a lot of videos on my phone. i tried twice and it was slow. Overall, it was fine for me.

Gym: The gym was beautiful and clean. They offered a lot of machine and weights. I did not take any classes for additional costs. I went to the gym early one time (around 7:30am) and it was pretty busy. I usually went between 2-4pm since I went to the pool early. I enjoyed this time better because it was way less crowded. It was awesome being able to go to the gym and watch the Olympics on the TV!

The fountain drinks: I did not buy this package. I know some of the machines were down at times which caused people frustration. I can't really comment on anything else.

I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things but I hope you get some information out of this. Let me know if you have any questions!

Beautiful ship and mostly beautiful weather. Two storms during the night. They have offered great shows each night. Comedians have been awesome. Everything is clean and the food is amazing. The only annoying this so far is that the pool decks are too small to accommodate 3,000 people. By 2pm, it's packed...pools...chairs...upper deck...all packed. I've gone early morning and have left by two because it's too crowded!

Hey guys. I'm currently on Liberty of the Seas. Original agenda was Cozumel, Belize, and Honduras. On Day 2, captain announced tropical storm (now upgraded to hurricane) and we had to cancel Belize and Honduras since that's where the storm is heading. We went to Cozumel, Mexico yesterday ( stormed in early evening when on board) and will be going to Nassau, Bahamas tomorrow. We will have one extra sea day now. Can't really be angry since you can't predict Mother Nature. I went to Nassau last year and wasn't impressed. I hope those who are cruising the Caribbean next week gets better news! Overall, the staff is awesome. Not sure what will be planned for our extra sea day now. The people on board seem happy. Zoom is working well! Any questions? Will try to answer on my extra sea day!

When dress for dinner is all white, is it casual or formal?

If it's casual, are khaki's allowed with a white top?

Any information will be great. I will be going on Liberty.

Hey cruisers!

I will be going on the Liberty of the Seas (7 nights) this weekend (Honduras, Belize, and Cozumel).

If you have any questions or want me to get information, let me know on here and I will write down your questions and take with me! I probably won't be on the internet much during my week away but I promise to answer everything when I get back!

Thanks =)

Very well-equipped. A large open area for you to use for your own workout, make up your own boot camp. Lots of machines. Lots of cardio equipment. Free weights. I love the large area on this class and the Voyager class ships. Mats and towels available. I go about 9 AM on most days. Probably fewer people either earlier or later. Good time on port days. I seldom have to wait a couple of minutes for any machine.

Is the gym free? Or are there charges?

thanks!

what is the gym like on board? what are the best hours to go (time that it's not so busy). Is it opened 24/7?

I'll be going on the Liberty in a week!

Can I bring a digital or non-digital weight scale on the ship? I would have it on my checked luggage not my carry on.

I know this sounds pathetic but I have to fit into a form fitting bridesmaid dress 4 days after I get back from my cruise. I need to watch the buffet and be more active on the ship. We all know it takes one cruise to prevent you from fitting into your clothes =)

When Amy was the cruise director on Liberty, she held a few zumba classes because she is certified. She isn't on Liberty anymore. I don't think the current director is so I want to say no. There might be someone else doing it but I am not sure.

When I was on a different ship with Amy, she had zumba classes. Other ships I've been on with a different cruise director did not have zumba classes.

I go on my cruise next month. I once saw somewhere online that Liberty of the Seas does something like "Walk for Sea Turtles" or 5k (something like that) to raise money on board the ship. I've seen Make a Wish foundation ones on other ships. Anyone recently on Liberty and seen them do anything like this? If so, what was it?

I had that excursion booked on my last cruise...I even booked a late flight home so we could do it. I was called to the service desk 2 days before the cruise ended and said they cancelled it because there was not enough people booked..it was a long day at the airport that day!

Can you take photos of the compasses and MDR menus and upload them here so we can view.?? I will be on Liberty this summer.

You can also call Royal Caribbean to clarify everything. They've always been helpful.

About 90-100 days until your cruise,you can go on your Royal Caribbean account and reserve times (do it as soon as it pops up so you get the times you want). That's what I just did. We only wanted to eat in the main dining hall 3 times, so we just selected the times we wanted.

I noticed that 2 of the Quantum class ships mainly go to Asia. Is there a reason for it? I would think that since they are new and huge ships, there would be more of a variety of places. I know one of the ships, I believe Anthem goes go a variety of places.

I know it may vary by ship, but does anyone know what days are typical for formal nights on a 7 night cruise? I know DAY 1 is almost always casual. My friend and I don't plan on getting formal this summer so we are trying to reserve times for My Time Dining on maybe 2 nights for non-formal nights. We will be on Liberty this July!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2345097

It doesn't have all seven days.

Does anyone have any recent compasses for Liberty of the Seas? I know I recently saw one thread but it was only up to Day 3. Any help would be great!

Love reading about your trip. Beautiful pictures! You and your wife look so happy! I read about getting tendering tickets. What are those? I've been on 3 previous cruises and never heard of them. I will be going on Liberty in July.

How much is it to eat at Johnny Rockets? Also, do they add tips to the cost?

Does anyone know where you can find a map/visual of the staterooms deck plans? For example the one you see on their website while picking a room while you are reserving a cruise.

Talk to your doctor. I think if you stay inside the ship as much as you can, you'll be fine. When you are at ports, I would just make sure you have bug spray on your body and clothes and wear long sleeves/cover up as much as possible. I think the worst city to visit is Haiti right now.

Has anyone taking the cupcake decorating classes (adults) on the Liberty? I wanted to pre-book it but it doesn't say what you will be making. I read that it's either a hamburger or puppy but it doesn't give you the option of picking online so you don't know what day/time to sign up for.

I always book through Royal to keep it safe. I know if the excursions you book through Royal are running late, the ship will wait for you (they are in communications with the companies they contract through). If you are with a private company, they won't wait for you. When I was in Rome, we ran 1/2 hr late!