CruizCuz

On 8/8/2019 at 8:27 AM, Sashenka07 said:

We love Alchemy Bar! We are definitely planning on spending some time there when we go. Will you please keep an eye out for which flavored liquors (vodka, rum) they have? I tried to look through the bar pictures but few had the actual liquor captured. 

 

This is my tip for other cruisers who are going to drink but like to keep it lower carb : bring crystal light or mio or whatever water enhancer you prefer. I personally use liquid stevia for mojitos (ask for no simple syrup) or True Citrus. 

I don't know if you have already sailed, or received an answer about flavored vodka, but thought I'd respond just in case or to help someone else.  I found that the flavored vodkas varied at each bar.  The bar by the aft adult pool, and near the Pizza Pirate, had the best selection.  They had Grey Goose Orange, which was my fav.  In case you didn't know, the Alchemy bar has two infused vodkas.  They had both strawberry and pineapple during my cruise in August.  It was awesome! 

I usually tip above and beyond the already charged gratuity.  Many times at the end of a cruise, I will seek out a particular server or bartender and give an extra "gift".  I have posted this before, but this is also how I work CHEERS: I divvy out 15 $1's each am.  When I order a drink, I usually tip an extra dollar.  If it's not a "good" server or bartender, I don't.  I will then tip the next one 2 one dollar bills.  I do this to count my drinks.  YES, I KNOW that they will tell you anytime you ask.  This works best for me to help me keep track and ration.  Often I don't drink all 15 drinks, but I have reached that limit as a result of not finishing a hot beer, not enjoying a particular drink, or not finishing wine with dinner.  

My son is also a T1D.  I have contacted guest services, filled out the medical forms, emailed maitre d's, and also consulted both TA's and PVP's regarding his medical condition.  The bottom line is that there are no carb counts for foods in the DR.  There are sugar free options for desserts.  We have found the food on each ship to cause higher BG's than with food at home.  Many restaurants, Carnival dining included, add sugar to their foods to make them more tasty.  For example, adding sugar to red sauces or gravies.  We have never had our server or anyone come out and consult with us on the menu or any food items.  By the 2nd day, we had it down in terms of the higher sugar levels and treatment.  Your room steward will provide a sharps container, free of charge.  That's about it.  But with all that said, we have enjoyed each cruise and remembered that there might be intense surges and drops as a result of high glycemic values to restaurant food.  If you have any specific questions, please feel free to ask.

4 minutes ago, tkportersat said:

Totally agree with you.  I am 47 and we discovered White Claw on our July vacation to Gulf Shores Alabama.  Being in the sun all day and drinking beer can be a little heavy, we really enjoyed these as it was more refreshing.  I honestly could care less what others think, I will drink what I want 🙂 I don't know why some folks have to be so rude to others on here.  Mind boggling. 

I totally agree about the rudeness.  It is indeed mind boggling.  I also don't understand the offering of opinions when one isn't asked.  The original poster simply asked if spiked seltzers were on a particular ship.  The poster didn't ask what people thought of them, if they were too expensive, or should he/she drink something else.  I agree with you about the "fullness" after drinking beer.  Also, I am not a millennial, but I am sensitive to gluten and wheat.  I am not allergic, but after consuming either of those, I don't feel well and have lots of bloating.  So the spiked seltzers have been a positive addition to my drinking list. 😎

I love being AFT on the ships!  I even book OV cabins AFT.  We find the cabins to be quieter, less traffic and depending on the ship, there is usually a set of stairs very close.  We have the habit of "walk down and elevator up", while cruising.  The views are incredible.  I enjoy watching the wake of the boat and listening to the sounds.  So peaceful!  

3 hours ago, crewsweeper said:

OMG...Some company(ies) is (are) out to grab your $$$$ for these.  Talk about marketing!!  Low alcohol, low carbs (Keto/ South Beach, Paleo), gluten free, no GMO.  For those of you on an anti-sugar kick, guess where the alcohol comes from?   "Cold brewed" SUGAR!!!   Not the fermented alcohol you get from wine or liquor.  Duped again!!

Everyone is entitled to their opinion.  (But let's play nicely please.)  I have fully researched each of the spiked seltzers.  Yes, Truly contains alcohol made from cane sugar.  I am ok with that.  It only has 2G of carbs and 1G of sugar.  It is also very low sodium.  I personally haven't seen the first commercial or marketing ad for any of these seltzers so their marketing was wasted on me.  I read labels and was looking for something other than beer, low in carbs, that I didn't have to mix and could throw in a cooler.  I found them refreshing and that's why I would like to drink them on my cruise.

I personally am hoping that a spiked seltzer of some kind is also available on the Liberty.  I am not a millennial, but happen to enjoy them. I find spiked seltzers refreshing and low carb.  They aren't vodka, but in fact many are made from grape products, making them gluten free as well.  (but be sure and read the packaging because ALL of the seltzers aren't the same)

When my family had someone who couldn't make the cruise, we were advised to just go to the port as usual and declare them a "no-show" once onboard or at boarding.  We were credited the port fees and taxes for the missing cruiser and also his CHEERS package once onboard.  The Internet package can be canceled ahead of time.  Another thought.....even though 10% more expensive, you could always BOTH cancel the CHEERS package and then you could purchase once onboard.  Just a thought?

Did you book this cruise on your own or use a TA/PVP?  If you used either the TA or PVP, I have always let them know in the past and sometimes it was recognized, and sometimes not.  When I use my current TA, I am always acknowledged on special occasions.  If you booked yourself, I would call Carnival and let them know.  

I have also cruised with a broken foot and "roller".  I didn't find that I needed the extra room, but if you do, I would suggest maybe switching to a room (or requesting) that is maybe closer to the elevators?  That would certainly help with mobility issues and lack of ability to use stairs.  The "roller" really doesn't take up much space.  I would NOT switch to a cabin in the aft part of the ship.  Even though these are some of my fav rooms, they are MUCH further away from the action and will require more "scooting" than if mid ship, or near elevators.  

Wow, that would upset me as well.  You didn't after all, book a "guarantee" cabin.  You took the time to get the cabins you wanted, in the location you wanted.  I would agree with previous posters who suggested that you contact whoever you booked through, whether a PVP or TA and ask them for help.  If you self-booked, then still call Carnival and see what they can do to help.  If you originally booked a cabin for 3 people, and didn't add one down the line, then CCL does owe it to you to make this right somehow.  JMHO

Yes, they even have Elegant Night on 3 day cruises.  On the shorter cruises, Elegant night is usually the first sea day.  

For the past several years, I have predominately sailed on cruises that were 3-4 days in length.  This is due to not being able to be away for anything longer because of family health issues.  That said, I have sailed on the Liberty, as well as the Elation on both 3 and 4 day cruises.  I have a 4 day Liberty cruise and a 3 day Liberty cruise already booked for this year.  I have actually found the reverse to be true.  I found the partying to be to a minimum and the passengers extremely friendly.  On my last 3 day cruise, it seemed that EVERYONE had CHEERS.  Maybe it was because of the cruise only being 3 days, I don't know.  However, there was no excessive partying or drunken people.  I guess according to some posters, I have been lucky.  But to have booked over 6 cruises in shorter length in the past few years, I feel that I am more than lucky.   Now, cruising during Spring Break is a different story.  I have cruised during that time on a 6 day cruise, and there were a LOT of crazy partiers on that ship.  But I have always found that security kept trouble to a minimum and I had a wonderful cruise regardless.  

6 hours ago, Wanna_Cruize said:

Not to get into the t.i.p.p.i.n.g debate, but some people do complain about it being hard to get a 2nd glass of wine during dinner. We've never had a problem, however we bring a pack of $1 bills onboard with us and anytime we order a drink on Cheers we enclose a couple of bills with the signed receipt. The bar waiter always seems to swing by once twice more during dinner to check and see how we're doing. I don't do it because I feel compelled to do it, I just want to give a small token to someone who is performing a special task for be because I asked them to do it. People will say they never give anything extra, it's all included, and that's true. I just enjoy doing it, so I do. It's only a dollar or 2 for me, but it does mean more to them. Also, if you determine early what is going to be your 'bar' and usually drink the same thing, after a while you just have to catch their eye & nod as you are walking up, and they will just start making your drinks. Win-Win!

This is also how I and my dh roll as well.  We actually are barely sitting down for dinner, when the server is asking us if we would like our "favorite" glass of wine again.  We also never have trouble getting a second glass.  I do not feel compelled or forced into giving extra $$ when getting served my drinks with CHEERS.  Yes, the $1 here and $2 there does add up.  But not nearly to what I feel the service is worth IMHO.  We establish really early on, who our fav servers are.  They smile and greet us when we approach and I am on vacation and love being served with a smile!

Well, I am one of those unlucky people who get their bag last.  I have booked FTTF and Platinum and always see the hallways full of other luggage, none marked "priority" and mine isn't delivered until well after sail away.  My dh always gets his first lol!  It's hit or miss I have found.  For that reason, I pack in a carry on and go directly to my cabin upon boarding.  I am enjoying an adult beverage while I unpack and start the vacay!

Some really great suggestions and ideas here!  I have now been on the Liberty twice and will be sailing on her 3 more times, already booked, in the future.  I love this class of ship and have found the staff on the Liberty to be among the best and friendliest.  Here are some extra tips:

*Even if you aren't planning on visiting the Steak House during your trip, go to the bar in the Steak House.  They have a different selection of wines and are seldom busy.  

*I usually at some point visit the Piano Bar and have had some really good performers.  I don't know who is on the Liberty, but plan on going during my next cruise.  

*Get to the Alchemy Bar at 5.  By 6 pm and for the rest of the evening, it gets really crowded.  

*Be sure and look at the Fun Times to see what the drink of the day is.  If you don't have CHEERS, this is a good way to save money on certain drinks.

*I always bring an insulated cup, at least 8 ounces.  Drinks can get really warm, really fast on the decks by the pools.  

*I bring a "white noise" machine and have never had trouble sleeping.

*Downy Wrinkle Release FOR SURE!  This stuff is awesome!  As I unpack, I spritz my clothes as I hang them up.  The room smells amazing and the wrinkles fall out by the time I want to wear them.

Many of my tips are "Liberty specific", but thought I'd throw them out there! Have a great cruise!

Even though the Early Saver rate is usually the least expensive, I NEVER book ES.  I usually don't know who will be able to cruise with me due to unforeseen health issues with my elderly parents.  My TA has been very, very helpful in explaining the different rates to me and assists me in deciding which rate will work at the time of booking.  I currently have a cruise with TBA listed as my companion.  Booking the ES rate is always very tempting.  But I NEVER NEVER do! 

Recently because of family health issues, shorter cruises are the only ones we are sailing.  But ANY cruise is better than no cruise, right?!  That said, we have been to the Bahamas a gazillion times.  We rarely get off the ship anymore, unless we have a newbie with us, that just HAS to see what the island has to offer.  

Port days are the BEST!  As previously stated, the shops and casino are closed.  The bars are open and the normally crowded pool areas are less so.  The Serenity area is amazing.  The spa offers discounts on port days as well.  

I am now Platinum, but before I was I purchased FTTF.  I know there are a lot of people on these boards who have their reasons for not purchasing it, but for us it was worth it.  With FTTF, you can enter your cabin the minute you board and drop off your luggage or carryons. 

Without FTTF, you may enter your cabin after 1:30.  In that case, I would check most of my luggage with the porters and tip $1-2 per bag.  I would pack a light carry on and in that, have medications, a change of clothes for that evening in the event you don't receive your checked luggage until late.  I also pack a swim suit and my makeup.  This can all be accomplished in a back pack or large tote. You won't receive your S&S cards until the cabins are ready for entrance after 1:30.  Until then, as previous posters said, you use your boarding pass for all onboard charges until then.

Have a great time! 

I LOVE FTTF!  I am now Platinum so don't have to purchase it anymore, but I most certainly did while I was Gold.  I carried on my bags in 2 carryons.  I also had a large purse (tote or backpack).  It was wonderful being among the first to board and go straight to my cabin.  I would be unpacked before most had boarded the ship.  Then I would go to the Lido deck, eat and drink!  

I for one, enjoyed our cruise on the Sunshine.  The adults only pool got a little crowded at times, but I loved the layout.

Have a great time!

11 hours ago, Bowman1 said:

Keep in mind that the corking fee is only $15 and the steakhouse (or any venue on the ship), will pre-chill champagne 

 

You may want to bring your on bottle - that way you are sure to get what you want.  Even with the corkage fee, bringing your own champagne is probably going to be about what you would pay with the 50% discount.

Thank you for the suggestion.  I have brought my own wine in the past, but won't this time.  I'm not really picky about the champagne, as long as it's "real" champagne and not sparkling wine.  So I guess I will be pleasantly surprised when I find out which ones are offered.  

6 hours ago, mdsgu said:

I think they have Veuve Cliquot.  Around $95/bottle plus 18%.

Thank you!  I love that champagne, but was also hoping for Moet Chandon.  I can't wait for my 50% off bottle!

I have searched this forum and have found a Steakhouse wine/drink list from 2018, but it doesn't include any champagnes.  However, I have read how others have ordered "real" champagne (not sparkling wine) from the Steakhouse.  I booked the Steakhouse on the Liberty for our upcoming cruise, on the first night, in hopes of purchasing a bottle of champagne 1/2 price.  Does anyone have a copy of the wine menu that includes the champagnes?  Or does anyone have knowledge of which champagnes they have by the bottle?  Thank you!

Congrats!  I love, love, love the Liberty and sail again on her this August.  You will have a blast!

I also live in Florida, Jacksonville in fact.  The cruises out of Jacksonville are WAY more than Port Canaveral, which is more than Miami, etc.  I was told by my TA that it was because as another poster commented, on higher fuel prices to get to the Bahamas, etc.  Jax is further than Port Canaveral and PO is further away than Miami.