DarthGrady Posted September 27, 2009 #1 Share Posted September 27, 2009 We just got back yesterday, and had a great cruise. There were only a few minor problems that I will discuss later on in the review. I am putting the final touches on, but I will go ahead and get it started. It may take me a few days to get it all up since I have a lot of pictures go go through and match them up to days. Hope you all enjoy it: Introduction: My wife and I booked this cruise in early 2009 after finding it for a really great price. We were booked on the Carnival Fascination, but cancelled that booking when we found this cruise. Both went to Half Moon Cay, but Liberty was also going to San Juan, Grand Turk and St. Thomas. This was very appealing since we have never been to any of those ports, with the exception of St. Thomas. We had also never been on the Liberty, so it was a chance for me to explore a new ship which I always enjoy. We booked a category 1A room (with portholes), and paid $450 per person after all fees were factored in. Our first glimpse of the ship at Port of Miami Embarkation: This is one area where the Port of Miami really shines. Their embarkation process is really top notch. This was especially noticeable since we just went through the general disarray that is the embarkation process at the Port of Vancouver. Upon arriving at the pier in Miami and dropping off the luggage we entered the security area. I was expecting to wait in line with everyone else, but the signage indicated that there was a separate line for VIP guests (I am Platinum with Carnival). We were able to bypass the long check point line and went right to the front. This was great, and exactly what I felt Vancouver needed since you have to go through security and Customs. After the screening we were directed to the VIP check in lounge, and the man at the door took our names for his list. He said that we could sit and wait, and we would be called to the desk when they were ready for us. They had the lounge set up very nice, and even had a little lemonade dispenser. After about 10 or 15 minutes they called us to the desk and checked us in. This took all of a few minutes, we got our Sail and Sign cards and were then off to the gangway. From the time that we parked the car, to when we boarded the ship was a half hour at most. The Port of Miami should be the model for all other Carnival embarkation operations. The VIP Lounge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovharvey Posted September 27, 2009 #2 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Can't wait for your review with pictures. I read your last one and if this one is half as good, it is going to be great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted September 27, 2009 Author #3 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Our Cabin: We booked room #1212 on Riviera deck. This is a category 1A room with upper/lower bunks and two porthole windows. This was a great deal for us since we got an ocean view at a price less than an interior. We didn’t mind not sleeping in the same bed, so the wife took the pull down bunk and I had the twin bed. I loved this room or the same reason that I loved our 5A on Inspiration, the portholes! They are a great compromise between interior cabins and ocean view. I can close the porthole hatches to make it dark like an interior room for sleeping in late, and then open them for a view outside. Everything in the cabin worked fine except the TV. The set itself was fine, but at least six or seven channels never worked. Some of the ones that did work would cut in and out intermittently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted September 27, 2009 Author #4 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Can't wait for your review with pictures. I read your last one and if this one is half as good, it is going to be great. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sylvasta Posted September 27, 2009 #5 Share Posted September 27, 2009 I'm marking my spot, can't wait to read along as your review progresses. Loving it so far! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted September 27, 2009 Author #6 Share Posted September 27, 2009 The Ship: I found the Carnival Liberty to be a very nice and clean ship. Its layout is virtually identical to the Carnival Glory which I had been on previously. The lobby and public areas are very bright, especially when compared to other Carnival ship I have been on. There is a lot of white faux rock with wrought iron pillars and acres pastel watercolor paneling. The rest of the public areas have that same Tuscan inspired theme. The bars and lounges all had standard setup and décor. The chandeliers around the ship, including the large one in the atrium, change colors in sequence and are a nice touch. The Grand Atrium The Aft Atrium Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrmende63 Posted September 27, 2009 #7 Share Posted September 27, 2009 I think I would fall out of the top bunk! I am used to a queen...that will keep us from booking this room! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted September 27, 2009 Author #8 Share Posted September 27, 2009 The Promenade on deck 5 is the central entertainment area of the ship and is the home of the Czars Palace Casino. It has the Liberty’s main disco, the “Hot and Cool” lounge, which was curiously decorated with giant plastic arms sporting various forms of tattooing. I immediately had flashbacks of the Sensation’s piano bar that has giant plastic hands. The teen club “Without Batteries” was right next door, which also includes the arcade. I’m too old to hang out there, but it looked nice and had a very decent collection of arcade games. The “Piano Man” piano bar, “The Stage” jazz club, “Paparazzi” wine bar and the “Victorian Lounge” cabaret are all on the promenade also. The Liberty promenade also has the “Origami” sushi bar, the Jardin Café coffee bar and the Carnival Loyalty and Future Bookings desk. The Promenade Coffee and pastry counter "Without Batteries" Club O2 Teen Lounge (Notice the Duracell product placement) Loyalty and Future Bookings Desk Promenade live entertainment stage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ItsAllAboutTheSass Posted September 27, 2009 #9 Share Posted September 27, 2009 we are going on this cruise this Saturday. I have bookmarked this thread. Love the pics so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeafl Posted September 27, 2009 #10 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Loving your review so far, can't wait to read the rest! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted September 27, 2009 Author #11 Share Posted September 27, 2009 The Czar's Palace casino Hot and Cool Dance Club Arcade Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted September 27, 2009 Author #12 Share Posted September 27, 2009 The Wine Bar The Victoria Lounge The "Piano Man" piano bar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mississauga Posted September 27, 2009 #13 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Great review so far. Looking forward to the rest of it. We are on the same itinerary in less than 3 weeks so really appreciate this particular review. Nice pics too!:D What time did you arrive for embarkation? Were the regular lines really long? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted September 27, 2009 Author #14 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Emile’s restaurant on Lido deck is the ship’s buffet area. The area is almost identical to the Red Sail on Glory, except that they eliminated the stairway up to the Supper Club for the Liberty. The restaurant was very light and open. We ate in the upper area where the Fish and Chips counter is located. That area is much less crowded than the lower area, I assume because most folks don’t want to ascend the stairs to get up there. Emile’s also has a burrito bar which serves hand made burritos with chips and salsa. I tried it the first day and liked it a lot, not up to Moe’s standards, but few are. The lido area was tweaked slightly at some point between the Glory and Liberty. The two central whirlpools and the main (middle) pool are right next to each other on Glory. On Liberty they have moved them next to the tiered seating area, flanking the doors that lead to the atrium. They also eliminated the raised stage area and its cover. I assume this was done to create more open seating area for Liberty’s Seaside Theater screen that is above the main pool. Whatever the reason, the result is a cleaner looking area that flows much better. The aft pool area The Liberty's main pool area The Glory's main pool for comparison The slide Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted September 27, 2009 Author #15 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Great review so far. Looking forward to the rest of it. We are on the same itinerary in less than 3 weeks so really appreciate this particular review. Nice pics too!:D What time did you arrive for embarkation? Were the regular lines really long? We got there around noon, and the regular lines for security and check in were fairly long. They had lots of staff on hand though, and it appeared to me moving along fairly well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baybye Posted September 27, 2009 #16 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Thanks for the review it is great. Did you have any noise with the room being that far up at the front of the ship? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Almost Packed Posted September 27, 2009 #17 Share Posted September 27, 2009 great review! i love the comparison pics too! can't wait to read/see more! thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted September 27, 2009 Author #18 Share Posted September 27, 2009 The other Liberty (of the Seas) parked behind us The aft pool with the dome closed The aft pool sans dome The exterior promenade on Lobby Deck 3 Lifeboat embarkation area, Deck 4 The Bow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gracie65 Posted September 27, 2009 #19 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Thanks for the review & the great pictures. Can't wait to read more, we sail in 33 days!!!! I love the look of the disco & the piano bar. Was on The Valor last year & the set up looks a bit more intimate on The Liberty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthGrady Posted September 27, 2009 Author #20 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Thanks for the review it is great. Did you have any noise with the room being that far up at the front of the ship? There was noise during high seas, you could hear the waves breaking on the hull. It was not extreme, but noticeable. I actually kinda liked it, almost like one of those "Sounds of the Seas" relaxation tapes. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gracie65 Posted September 27, 2009 #21 Share Posted September 27, 2009 Emile’s restaurant on Lido deck is the ship’s buffet area. The area is almost identical to the Red Sail on Glory, except that they eliminated the stairway up to the Supper Club for the Liberty. The restaurant was very light and open. We ate in the upper area where the Fish and Chips counter is located. That area is much less crowded than the lower area, I assume because most folks don’t want to ascend the stairs to get up there. Emile’s also has a burrito bar which serves hand made burritos with chips and salsa. I tried it the first day and liked it a lot, not up to Moe’s standards, but few are. The lido area was tweaked slightly at some point between the Glory and Liberty. The two central whirlpools and the main (middle) pool are right next to each other on Glory. On Liberty they have moved them next to the tiered seating area, flanking the doors that lead to the atrium. They also eliminated the raised stage area and its cover. I assume this was done to create more open seating area for Liberty’s Seaside Theater screen that is above the main pool. Whatever the reason, the result is a cleaner looking area that flows much better. The aft pool area The Liberty's main pool area The Glory's main pool for comparison The slide You're right, it does look a lot better on The Liberty. I can't remember if the Valor was like this or The Glory. You have done a great job at keeping your pictures organized. I am a photographer & don't think I could have done this well over a several day span. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ItsAllAboutTheSass Posted September 27, 2009 #22 Share Posted September 27, 2009 The position of the "hot"tubs on Lido is different than the deckplans on CCL website. Interesting. I think I like that setup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Name Of The Game Posted September 27, 2009 #23 Share Posted September 27, 2009 The colors/decor look a lot better than the Valor too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gracie65 Posted September 27, 2009 #24 Share Posted September 27, 2009 The position of the "hot"tubs on Lido is different than the deckplans on CCL website. Interesting. I think I like that setup. Maybe they either used a stock photo of a sister ship or they have done some redesigning after the original photos. I agree, this looks much cleaner & more organized. I can see how the flow would be better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baybye Posted September 28, 2009 #25 Share Posted September 28, 2009 Thanks Darthbrady for answering my question on the noise in the 1A room, I like that sound also and the room looked like it was about the size of an inside. For the difference in the price I would like to try one of the 1A rooms, I have to have some type of window just so I don't feel closed in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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