Kermarkim

Went to the sail away party and then got my Guy’s Burger DH went to take a quick nap.  I joined him after my burger.  Guys was excellent as always (even the fries which may or may not have been frozen).  I wasn’t really hungry, I was just trying to check off everything I wanted in this short cruise and since DH was napping, this was the perfect time.  Turned out to be a slight mistake since we had Steakhouse reservations at 7:00 p.m.  I should have stopped with the buffet.

Flight pulled off about 30 minutes late but pilot made up the time making the actual flight about 1 hour.  We touched down and headed to Terminal A rental car area to meet the Go Port Canaveral Shuttle buses ($30 pp each way).  Saved about $23 by not taking an Uber/Lyft.  The drive to the port was a little over 45 minutes.  We had an 11:30-12:00 check in time on the Liberty.  We arrived at the port at about 11:50 am and by time they unloaded the bags from the shuttle bus and we rechecked our luggage with the porters waiting right outside the bus we walked across the driveway to the entrance, it was about 12:20 and there were no visible lines at any of the check-in lanes.  Not sure if that meant we were very early, but terminal was almost empty with the exception of the workers.  We simply walked thru and went upstairs and by time we reached the check-in agents, they were finishing up a couple and then we walked up, showed our boarding docs, verify digital vaccine and took the S&S card photo and went right thru.  That was the quickest check in at Carnival that I have ever had. 

Onward to the Lido deck.  I had been plotting for the last 3 weeks as to what would be my first meal onboard and had decided it would be Guy’s burgers or Seafood shack.  Neither panned out.  For starters, DH is a pescatarian and I didn’t want to separate from him so early after just boarding.  I was down for Seafood Shack but he said he wanted to try the buffet and I went for that.  I was so hungry that I forgot to take a photo of our plates, but I do know that I started with a huge salad which was very fresh, did some fruit as well, and then got some fried fish, a piece of  roasted potatoes, roasted vegetables, and because the Lido tables was already packed, we went upstairs to the 10th floor seating area and I also grabbed the best piece of barbecue chicken and mac n cheese from the Ole Fashion BBQ place.  The lunch was superb.  I hadn’t remembered the buffet being so tasty and that BBQ chicken was so so good.  We were both thoroughly satisfied.   We then took a tour of the ship and eventually made it to our room on the Verandah deck (8391 – somewhat of a mistake due to the noise from Lido deck above us – maybe kitchen equipment running during the night, not sure).  But we didn’t let that ruin the cruise.  We just know for the future, to stay away from Verandah deck.

We met our steward briefly for the one and only time during these 3 nights.  He asked when we wanted room cleaned and I said it didn’t matter to us and that any time after we leave in the morning for breakfast would be ok.  I then went on to begin to make a request that each evening he leave us a bucket of ice and before I could get it out, he rudely interrupted me and said we only clean once a day.  And then he realized that I was asking for ice and he said that would be fine.  That was a little weird, but we moved on.   We never saw him again not even when we were leaving at the end.  In fact, we didn’t see a lot of stewards in the hallways as we had in the past.  This might be new with COVID that they are trying to interact less with the guests, which was fine with me.  He did bring ice each day for us and cleaned the room and left our towel animals.  Gotta love the towel animals.

Carnival Liberty review 8/26-8/29 3 nights – What a blast!

So let me start by saying this is my first cruise since COVID.  Last cruise was February 2020 right at the beginning of COVID  which was a blast but due to COVID we canceled our July 2020 and November 2020 cruises.  So we are starting small with this 3 night.  Overall, this was an amazing cruise and amazing celebration of our 35^th wedding anniversary. 

DH and I had actually thought that our first cruise back after COVID would be in December 2022 on the Freedom which we booked back in June.  However, about 3 weeks ago DH said lets do something to celebrate our anniversary and the flights were fairly decent from Atlanta to Orlando.  The cruise rate was more than I would have liked for a 3 night cruise but then it is our 35^th anniversary.  So we booked it.

Normally I like to fly in the day before so that I don’t feel any pressure or rush, but we decided to fly out the morning of the cruise.  We took an 8:10 a.m. flight which meant getting up at about 5 am and catching an Uber to the airport.  So far, the plan goes well until we get to the airport and every TSA line is wrapped around several times including the “CLEAR” line.  Thank goodness for SKY Priority, it had less than 20 people on the line and we were thru TSA in less than 10 minutes.  Felt bad for all the other lanes.  I’ve never seen the airport quite so busy that early in the morning.

So we get to the gate and it is also packed.  They announce that it is a full flight and are asking folks to voluntarily check their carryon.  Had we flew in the night before, I would have graciously checked my bag especially since we get free baggage check with SKY Priority and our Platinum Delta Skymiles status.  However, with us flying in on the day of the cruise, we couldn’t risk our bags being delayed or lost, so we carried on.  Flight was uneventful especially with the 4 babies I counted in the gate area.  I did not hear a peep out of any of them in the gate area or on the flight. 

Thanks for posting these.  I formerly always got the fried shrimp when they were the longer larger shrimp.  But I guess I will try it this weekend on the Liberty.  I could always order something as a backup.

13 hours ago, MeganGC1983 said:

Say hello to my friend Mr. Chow for me! He’s on there until October. I’ve sailed her several times this year, and he’s my only crew member still there. He’s a bartender, usually at the back pool bar. 

I will definitely look for him and let him know you said hello.  I love the Liberty.  This is probably my 4th time sailing Liberty.  I was last on February 2020 and can't sleep or focus on anything but my first cruise back.  I am so glad I am finally getting back to cruising.  Its one of my favorite things to do even alone.

4 hours ago, MeganGC1983 said:

1. Yes, sometimes it’s in the afternoon on the Liberty

2. There will be movies but check the funtimes. They will have a deck party that night. 
3. At least 2 a night. 
4. No lamb on the Liberty. You’ll need at least a 7 night for that. 

Thanks so much!  Appreciate the response back.

So we haven't cruised since COVID.  I usually cruise at least 2-3 times a year.  Last cruise was February 2020.   We wanted to start with something short and sweet to get my sea legs under me.  We will be on Carnival Liberty Friday 8/26 for 3 nights.  Then we have the 5 night Freedom in December with a group of friends for 5 nights and then next year we have the Mardi Gras.  I am wondering the following for this Liberty short 3 night cruise?

1.  Will the Love and Marriage Show be on the schedule?

2.  On the 1 sea day will they have a movie at all at some point on the Lido deck?

3.  How many comedy shows will be scheduled (is it 2 per night as in the past)?

4.  We have steakhouse booked the first night, but am wondering on any of the nights will they be serving the rack of lamb that I have been seeing on some of the reviews or is the rack of lamb only for longer cruises?

Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.

Great information so far.  Did you happen to take any pictures of anything you are willing to share such as your dining room food choices, or any excursions or activities on board?

I'm not offended at tallnthensome. Those feelings and expectations are valid.  I have been cruising for almost 20 years with various lines Disney, Carnival, NCL, MSC, etc.  And Carnival is my favorite line to cruise with and not for the food.  I just believe it has the most entertainment options that I enjoy and there is something to do from the time I wake up til at least midnight.  I have actually gotten bored on most other lines and eventually ended up just returning to my cabin at times to watch TV.  That has never happened with Carnival.  They are known as the Fun Ship for a reason.  At any event, as much as Carnival is my favorite to cruise line, I don't care for their buffet except for breakfast.  Even when all the lines are open and there is a tremendous variety, I just don't find the food choices or taste that appealing.  For breakfast, I generally hit up the omelet station and supplement that with some of the buffet options, like bacon, sausage, pancakes, waffles, pastries etc.  But I never choose to eat there for lunch or dinner.  There are just way too many better options to choose from that I don't even browse the buffet any longer.  I opt for the specialty choices like the Deli, Mongolian wok, Pasta Station, Guys Burgers, Blue Iguana Cantina, Seafood Shack, Pig & Anchor Barbeque, pizza, sushi, etc.  And for dinner it is always the MDR or a specialty restaurants such as a Steakhouse.

Our Liberty ship docked and was cleared by 7:15 a.m. and they announced that Self-Assist could get off the ship as they were ready.  There were no lines and folks were able to just walk right off.  There are no guarantees but just keep your luggage and be prepared to walk off the ship at the first announcement.

When you have Carnival email your reservation to you, it will be in the note section at the bottom of your reservation.  It will show the other booking #s that you are linked with.  I do this frequently.

I will be on the Liberty next weekend.  Is there a white party at all on the 4/3 day cruise to Bahamas?

Actually, we were in similar situation with my 16 year old in June on Carnival Conquest, and he wore a nice T-shirt to the dining room and was ok.  On formal night he wore t-shirt with a pair of slacks.  There were plenty of grown men and youth who were not dressed with a collar shirt or button up shirt.  I think he will be fine and not be turned away.

February 14th will be my 3rd time on her.  Lots of activities for kids at the camps, arcade, pools, trivia and games, Dr. Suess breakfast and parade, etc., Etc.

Definitely suitable for kids.

I can't choose 1 of each, so here's my favorite list.

Apps:  Fried Calamari, Escargot, Braised Rabbit Puff Pastry, Vegetable Spring Rolls and Tart with Kale & Pork Tenderloin

Main:  Lobster Tail & Filet Mignon, Sweet & Sour Fried Shrimp, Spaghetti Carbonara, Chesapeke Crab Cake

Dessert: Nutella Tiramisu, Carnival Melting Cake, Cheesecake

If I have any of the above during any of my cruises, I'm a happy camper.  If I get to have all of them, I'm probably booking a second cruise that year on Carnival.  MDR never disappoints me.  I have 3 cruises on Carnival booked for 2020.

I just recently called in after final payment because the price went down.  I was expecting a OBC.  However, because the cruise had dropped and there were some nice promotions going on, I ended up upgrading my cruise rate to a past guest rate and received a new invoice with a lower price and then in about 48 hours, I received $77 refund back to my credit card.

I'm not impressed on any of the ships that I have had it on.  I think because if the location, it does not get a lot of foot traffic.  Not sure folks know it is up there and I have gone on several cruises, different ships and food is always cold and some of it looks like it's been sitting out for a while.  I won't give up.  I will keep trying it out to see if it gets any better.

First time I went to Cozumel, we hired driver for the day right at the taxi stand.  It was a van and it held 6 of us comfortably.  We spent approximately 5 hours with us as we toured different highlights of the island, including the Mayan Ruins, Bob Marley beach strip, and the usual highlights.  The second time we went, it was 5 of us and we hired a taxi driver to take us to an offsite ATV location where we spent about 30-40 minutes riding (don't recall where exactly) and then he drove us to the beach where we spent about 1.5 hour.  I don't believe t was associated believe with a resort, but it was on the side of a road and had a bar that sold food, souvenir shop and lounge chairs & umbrella for rent.  The last time we went to Cozumel, we opted to take a taxi from port to Mr. Sanchos  for an all inclusive day pass.  We have enjoyed all of these visits to Cozumel.  Each was different in its own right.  I enjoyed all.  You can basically build what you want at the port with each of the drivers.  They have already designated trips with posted prices or you can negotiate your own.  All were significantly cheaper than the cruiseline excursion and got us back in plenty of time to make the ship.

Only one time in 2015, I had booked the wrong week on the Magic.  And I called back after making my initial deposit and switched to the same cruise itinerary and ship but just two weeks earlier and they did not charge me a new deposit.  The only other time I have never been charged a penalty is just last week.  I called back after booking a February cruise and I had actually paid in full for what I thought was the lowest rate.  I had initially booked the guaranteed cabins that they pick the room # for you  a couple of weeks before the cruise.  I got nervous after reading some of the comments on this board.  So I called Carnival and stated that I would like to change the cruise rate to one that I can pick the cabin and I was prepared to pay any additional fees hoping they wouldn't consider this a penalty for what was initially a non-refundable deposit.  And they didn't.  Well not only did I not have to pay anything additional fees, they put me in a Cabin on Verandah deck and  refunded my card $77.  Apparently, the cruise was a lower price.  They said they wouldn't have given me anything back if I stayed in the same rate of guaranteed cabin because that is the price at the time you book it and no refunds.  But since I was changing to a past guest special even though now in a specific cabin, that the price turned out to be lower and they refunded me money.  But it never hurts to call and ask.