BigMikefromTexas

Nice to hear that RCCL had now installed the Voom internet service aboard the Liberty of the Seas. I had utilized the Voom service aboard the Oasis last fall. It is real F-A-S-T.:)

We just got off the Liberty last Sunday. NO VOOM YET. Earliest is in the June Time Frame. Installation of required hardware on the ship has not begun. Current internet is adequate for email and text operations not photos, streaming etc.

BOOMERANG Slide is closed and they are not working on it. I think that they miscalculated in the design. I would expect a re-engineering of this slide, substantial land testing and then implementation on the ship. Might require new sections.

Typhoon and Cyclone slides are complete, operational and very cool. Best 20 seconds of your life.

Diamond Lounge Patio is closed. Engineering company finishing upgrades and painting is using this as a break area.

I understand the brand loyalty. Consider Doubletree also a Hilton Brand, etc. All other major brands will wash sheets as you indicated, if that is your issue.

Not knowing your dates I cannot tell if there is a convention or festival in Galveston. Hotels will hold rooms for festivals and conventions as they are booked in blocks at least 330 (airline maximum) days out.

As others have indicated, consider getting back on the mainland is your best bet. I recommend some distance away from Hobby, but the Webster, Texas City, Kemah area will offer better pricing. Check your hotel locations on a map and use a car/limo/shuttle service to get to the port. Try to get to the port no earlier than 11:30 to allow previous cruiser traffic to thin out for best travel experience.

There are several restaurants that have fine Scallops on their menus.

The most notable restaurant is Rudy and Paco's. Fine Dining on the south edge of the Stand (Post Office Street).

It can also be found at Willie G's and I would say that the served product is about a tie between the two in terms of quality.

Rudy and Paco's is fine Dining. Reservations recommended. Willie G's is upscale dining.

It also can be found at Blvd Seafood. Casual.

However Galveston Cruiser was correct, scallops are not local. While I understand the appeal of Scallops, try some gulf shrimp, redfish or grouper.

One thing I didn't mention and have seen questions about on other threads is the tendering at George Town Grand Cayman.

 

We were in no hurry to get off since we had no excursion planned but about 10:00 we went down , climbed right on the the tender and took the very short ride into town.

 

The tender boats there are big, like 300 passenger capacity big. We also had no trouble at all getting back to the ship although we did come back earlier than the last tender.

 

In my very limited ( this was first and only !) experience I would say don't worry too much about tendering !

Thanks for the REVIEW.

True enough the Large port tenders are easier to get on and off, especially for seniors and the handicapped, hold more people and run more frequently.

The biggest problem with tendering in Cayman is the Wind. Since your first several days were windy, count yourself lucky that they wind didn't prohibit the tendering process.

We have been to Cayman about 12 times and only been able top get off the ship 7 times. The 5 we could not were because of the rough seas caused by winds.

We sail predominately Royal and Celebrity. Having tried some of the others, we keep going back and prefer Celebrity for luxurious vacations.

I can honestly say that the Solstice Class (Solstice, Silhouette, Eclipse, Equinox, and Reflection) are the most luxurious feeling large ships afloat. Since they don't have disco's and flowriders, so the bulk of the Common Area Space is dedicated to functionality that you will appreciate.

Now it is no secret that I do not like some of the Concierge and Aqua Class rooms, I have ranted about them, they are after all slightly smaller that the Millennium Class counterparts, that is a personal thing. I/WE like space. So we get Sky Suites. (I would recommend one on the back corner, the views are incredible.)

While the Dining room service is top notch, the Specialty Restaurants are very, very good. In fact several of our Top Meals ANYWHERE have been in Murano's (Chef's Private Dinners and Chef's Dinners).

As frequent cruisers we see our earned benefits dilute across the brands, but we still love Celebrity and her ships.

No major highways - you're on an island.

Walkable, but many streets don't have sidewalks and not all streets go through from south to north. Not all neighborhoods are the best, either.

There are only a few pedestrian entrances at the port so you would have to know what streets access the gates.

 

IMHO, not worth the hassle before your cruise.

Best Access for you is from the 25th street sidewalk. Take Seawall Blvd to 25th, then turn left, you will head straight into the port. Google Maps says 2.4 Miles or 47 Minutes. Yeah Right, that is a brisk walk and no stops for larger cars, lights etc. Easy 1.5 hours.

And have you thought about the return yet? Taxi's likely won't take you, they only want mainland fares.

I'm with the other guys, Park at the port or close to it, EZ parking has $50 with online coupon. Preferably one with a shuttle bus.

The good thing about Rolex watches is that it is one of the few watches that actually appreciate in value over time. I bought a submariner at the Rolex dealer in St Marten in 2005. In 2014 I was perusing the Rolex selection at Mayors in Dadeland mall, Miami. The guy asked me if i was interested in upgrading my watch and they also accept a trade. He got the jeweler to value my watch and they gave me $2700 more for my watch than what I had paid nine years earlier. I did do the upgrade.

My Rolex Oyster Date Just keeps great time. (My brother in laws does not! Just a little sibling rivalry.) I wore it daily for 11 years before its first cleaning and crystal replacement. Still keeps better time than my TAG Link. But the TAG is more manly and so has become my favorite (this year).

Great review. We just went on our first cruise on Liberty December 2015 and will be going again January 2017 with total of 9 of us! Really looking forward to the water slides! I was wondering if you went to or heard anything about the new restaurant, Sabor. Also wondering what other Cozumel excursions are good. Would like a beach day. Last time we went we did Chichen Itza, which I'm glad we did once, but I don't feel the need to do that pilgrimage again - lot of bus and not much park time. Thanks again for the review.

Sabor Restaurant was present on other ships out of Galveston, such as the Navigator, and is now being positioned on many ships the fleet. I suspect that it will be the go to replacement for the disco located on Decks 4 and 3 of the Voyager and Freedom class ships.

Upscale Mexican (not just Tex Mex), Great Tapas and Margarita's. Large selection of Tequila's.

Usually discounted the first day.

Our daughter and SIL never did get their tags for the 2nd leg of a b2b, so I printed out extras and added their names with a label. They were in the same cabin so easy to do. I had to change the dates.

Why would you ever need tags for the 2nd leg of a B2B, unless you had a different cabin? Note that you would have to request those separately for the 2nd reservation.

Unless this is not really a B2B....

On board the Solstice, they have naturalist Brent Nixon on board, he gives great lectures daily on various aspects of Alaska, very interesting. Also, he gives a narrative in the morning over the loud speaker system as the ship is sailing up Tracey Arm Fjord to Sawyer Glacier. Try and be outside so you can see both sides of the ship.

We have cruised Alaska 8 times and on Celebrity 4 times. Solstice is our favorite ship in this region. Been on her the last three years.

There is no doubt that Celebrity has the best naturalists and Brent is the Best of the Best. His narration in the Fiords is amazing. (HInt: the Sky Observation Lounge is the best internal view on this ship when going into the fiord, the rear deck, particularly the corner sky suites, the best on egress.) His shows are even better than his commentary. Also his wife, Lady Amanda, is pretty good too. Catch both of their shows.

Celebrity and particularly the Solstice Class ships have some of the finest cuisine afloat. Murano's is a HAVE TO DO. We also recommend Silk Harvest. The Chef's Wine pairing dinners are very good. If they have any private Chef's Dinners in Murano's sign up.

The Dow Corning Glass Blowing Studio is a great way to spend your afternoons. Be sure to attend the auction on day 7 and bid on a piece that was created on ship. (We also spend some pre-cruise time in Seattle at Chihuly and private glass blowing studios. And there is one in Skagway that is a nice change of pace.)

Do your Whale Watching in Ketchikan, float planes to the glacier in Juneau and Helicopter to the glacier in Skagway (late morning). Skagway also has two train rides daily.

Eat at Twisted Fish in Juneau. see the Empress and consider Butchart Gardens if in the middle of summer (light later).

We were told that there is a concierge person in the diamond lounge on the freedom, and you could book your ice show tickets there. I know it can be done in the concierge lounge. Also were told that you could reserve one hour on the flow rider if one had a large family on board as we will. Can anyone verify how you reserve these things?

Just to clear up your picture a bit: You would have access to the Diamond Concierge if you had Crown and Anchor Diamond status or above. You would have access to the Concierge in the Concierge Lounge if you were staying in a Grand Suite or higher suite.

Otherwise reservations for activities should go thru the activities desk or once you are on the ship you can visit the area, book from your guest room phone, or via TV.

I watched the YouTube video of Jerome and Cuddy on Liberty from last year that you suggested....I am looking forward to them on board.

 

Less than 26 days and counting down....how slow it seems to go sometimes.

They were both very good during our recent cruise from Galveston.

So I see you are going on the Navigators return cruise to Ft Lauderdale. The Navigator is in wonderful shape after the Revitalization/Upgrade earlier this year. Without a doubt, the best ship in the class right now. All the new upgrades, including what I call the 'Front Crown' were well done.

I will be on the Adventure next week and will get updates.

Good for you. :D

John and LaLa,

That is not you. I've seen your pictures.

We have a couple of times, but opposite of you.

Celebrity Solstice in Alaska - Specialty Restaurants or Chef/Wine dinners each night.

Enchantment OTS - Chop Grille was a great place to hide from the casual crowd.

But, our preferences aside, you just have to ask yourself what you want to do. It si your vacation. Normally we socialize at dinner/before and after too. You have kiddos, so do what is best for your family. It will likely be a better use of your time and be a higher quality experience.

I agree with some of the other advice provided. Use the ships tours when possible especially on your first cruise.

7 to 9 hours is plenty or even too much for most people. 3.5 hours may seem like an short tour for you but is an optimal tour length for many of your fellow passengers on an activities/cultural/sightseeing tour. Also some of the islands just don't have that much to do! If you will be spending time at the beach, be sure to allow at least 30 minutes extra travel time back to your ship.

In some cases you will want to explore and shop after your activities/cultural tour. If you do a 2nd, or 3rd, private tour be sure that you don;t become a pier runner. First it can be very expensive if you cut it too close. Second, remove the stress from your vacation. If you like the place, you will likely go back.

How tricky will this be if I carry off my own luggage?

Only other nonstop is At 7:00 pm. Later flight at 1:30 pm has 2+hour in connecting airport. Thanks

Since Carry Off's are one of the first groups to leave the ship, this should be no problem. Plan on a Taxi to the airport (< $20.00).

Please note some answers in red.

Hey all,

 

Since you were all so helpful for my last cruise on the Adventure, thought I'd start a thread for my next cruise in 20 days on Allure.

 

OK here we go:

 

1. What shore excursions would you guys recommend for St. Thomas? Impossible to answer without understanding your interests. The most elaborate are private boats to nearby St Johns and Coral Bay, but if staying on the island pick an excursion that includes Magen's Bay. ALmost all tours will include some beach time. Too little is that is your focus.

2. Does RCCL have any excursions on the Dutch side of St. Maarten? If so, what is recommended? (Don't want to do the French side, did that last year. No Maho beach, did that last year too.) YES. You dock in the Dutch Side (Phillipsburg). You can get to the French side too. The around the island tour is quite boring.

3. Does Atlantis Paradise Island charge a fee to walk around the resort? (Don't want to do any excursions there.) And you can walk the water resort areas. Dine there etc.

4. Is the Straw Market close to the ship in Nassau? Yes a little over 1 ship length from port entry. you can access from Woodes Rodgers Walk or Bay St. But you have to run the port vendor maze first.

5. How soon does the elusive "upgrade fairy" come? Does Royal only upgrade within a category (i.e. Central Park to Boardwalk)? Pinnacle's get contacted about 10 days out, Diamonds a little less depending on availability. Suite upgrades to other suite guests are then offered. You will likely need C&A status to be contacted (our your travel agent to be contacted).

6. If Mamma Mia is booked as a late show (9:30) and our dinner is at 8:30, can we still be admitted into the show if we have tickets and are a few minutes late? I would book a speciality restaurant earlier or MTD and get there at least 10 minutes before show time.

7. Is a 10:58 AM flight too early to leave from FLL? NO. But you will need to hustle some. If you buy too much on the trip allow time for customs.

8. How much are transfers from FLL to the port via RCCL? How much is a cab ride? About $20.00 for Taxi. I would not do transfers for early flights. Get your bags and go in a taxi.

9. Can you use OBC in Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Coach?

10. Are selfie-sticks banned? (I can't believe I just caved and asked a question about a selfie-stick :))

 

There's probably more questions coming.

 

Thanks again everyone!!

Dionne Jolly is in the CL on Adventure now. Back from vacation.

Tossing out the older ships from any comparison (family 4 day reunion cruises on Carnival) and just comparing main line ships and new ships (Carnival Magic versus Quantum), there is no comparison. RCCL. It just isn't fair.

It sounds like you are cruising out of Bayonne. Comparing one of the World's Best Cruise Ships (Quantum Class) with smaller more crowded ship. Even though it is 130,000 tons, most of the RCCL ships (Voyager/Freedom/Oasis/Quantum classes) are 138,000-223,000 tons.

Notes on Selection Criteria:

Older ships are in less demand so their prices are lower. So a brand New ship will always be top rate, regardless of line.

Size Matters. - Elbow Room, Cabin Selection, Entertainment Options, Dining Options, Activities, Seclusion, Spa Size. You pay for all of these.

Look at the common space ratio. A couple of websites have this.

Activities.......What do you like or what would you like.

German built ships are of the finest design and safety.

Finally what is your cruising lifestyle. Are you a loner or do you want to meet people your age and interests on the ship to drink and dine with. Frequent cruiser program?/Cruise/Critic) Is the family a good fit for the line.

But if you plan to be doing this cruising thing for a couple of years, it makes sense to put most, if not all, of your eggs in one basket and reap the benefits. You should be considering the frequent cruiser program.

Consider that our tastes will evolve as we grow older. Look for reciprocal benefits.

Normally I would say try them both, changing from a Quantum Class will be disappointing.

my wife would never wear white after labor day even though Oprah said it's OK.:eek:

 

Bill

What about during the summer on the southern hemisphere?

Do they inform passengers ahead of time (pre-cruise) of these theme nights? I doubt anyone in our party would think to pack an all white outfit. What other theme nights are held?

One of the great features of Cruise Critic is that you have the availability to view posted Daily Cruise News/Schedules (each line has their own name). These publications can help you prepare. In this case 'shadbrew' is on an RCCL Adventure of the Seas - Southern Caribbean cruise. He can view a Cruise Compass of a previous sailing. Dress for one night is described as "Wear Something White".

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8fwz08iIfugLTB5RDdRa3FTRUE/view

I'm weird I guess and disappointed that there won't be any acapella groups any longer. :(

We too have enjoyed the acapella groups in the past. Sad to see them go, but I understand the reason. We have noticed that they are working to shore up the quality of the music fleet wide.

As for the production shows, we just passed on booking the Solstice in Alaska for the 4th time in 4 years, to get a change in entertainment. However we will miss Brent Nixon! What a job he does with illustrating the Alaskan Fontier and Wilderness.

Same with some of the RCI ships. Maybe production in house will spring for some of the recognizable songs of Broadway and music in general. If so, production shows will return to the gems they once were.

Anyone have any photos of this Junior suite with balcony? Also curious to hear if there is much noise from the deck above. I couldn't find this on the cabin search thread on the first page. Thanks in advance.

JTB Cruiser,

I have included deck plans links for 10 and 11. 1646 is Port Side about 1/2 way back from the elevator bank.

Deck 10:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/v-2/adventure-of-the-seas-deck-plans/dp/?shipID=192&deck=10

Deck 11:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/v-2/adventure-of-the-seas-deck-plans/dp/?shipID=192&deck=11

As you should be able to deduce, you will be right below the Windjammer. The area above is mostly carpeted, other than the walkway. If you hear any noise it will be from lunch or breakfast crowd and should be minimal at that. NO Deck Chair grinds like you would hear from below the pool or solarium decks.

These are PDF copies of the content above. You might find them easier to work with and download. Note that the files are sizeable (between 2MB and 10MB) and are of good visual quality. If you have a slower DSL, or God Forbid a dial up link, they will take awhile to download.

DAILY CRUISE COMPASS:

Day 1:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/hylp97slcyeldp3/ENCH-Day%201.pdf?dl=0

Day 2:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/opva3p9p2j9jwe6/ENCH-Day%202.pdf?dl=0

Day 3:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/a96jlhlw35p7jk2/ENCH-Day%203.pdf?dl=0

Day 4:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/u0bu6ltrnwlgf9n/ENCH-Day%204.pdf?dl=0

Inserts:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8chw9gty84s5xxf/ENCH-CompassDailyAds.pdf?dl=0

Departure:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3mzvo8d4p2y104y/ENCH-Departure.pdf?dl=0

Misc:

Ships Map:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/t3h978qhkzq6jme/ENCH-Ships%20Map.pdf?dl=0

Next Cruise Info:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/cf7m4or1jmkaqat/ENCH-Next%20Cruise.pdf?dl=0

Promotions: Shore Excursions and Spa

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8yazq5wie75y2g1/ENCH-PromoShoreSpa.pdf?dl=0

Diamond In Room Materials:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/544zv1gszg959br/ENCH-Diamond%20In%20Room%20Materials.pdf?dl=0