Carnival Liberty, 09/19/09: A pictorial review.

[DarthGrady]

Cruising out of San Juan Harbor

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Katmarha]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great pictures and review! Thank you for sharing!

[DarthGrady]

The lido at night, and deck party

 

 

 

 

The midnight Mexican buffet

 

 

 

[DarthGrady]

Day 6: Grand Turk, B.W.I.

I awoke at 10 AM on the dot to the dulcet tones of the morning announcements, at least Butch kept it under a few minutes this time. After lunch we went into Grand Turk, it was the first time there for both of us. The pier and its shopping complex are nice and very new. We were told that the whole area had to be rebuilt after a major hurricane a few years ago. There is a large swimming area right at the pier complex with lots of lounge chairs. We did not feel like being at the beach, so we went to Margaritaville.

The new Margaritaville at Grand Turk is huge, as is its swimming pool. Use of the pool is free, so we just hung out there for the day. The pool itself must cover half of an acre. It is lagoon shaped, with an island in the middle. There is also a swim up bar, and lots of lounge chairs and tables. They have clean bathrooms, which is always a plus and private cabanas that are available for rent (at a fairly high cost). We did not order any food or beverages there, but our friends who did complained of fairly slow service. I was also put off by the behavior of some of the other guests. A large group of folks (I assume they are residents of the island) brought their own food and beverages to the pool. That was not the problem, what was incredibly off putting was that they started eating their food while wading in the pool. I saw a few pieces of food fall in, as well as the kids washing off their hands in the water! Thankfully they left soon thereafter.

Prior to dinner we attended a cocktail party put on by the Loyalty and Future Bookings agents. They served free wine and champagne which was very nice. They gave a short pitch on buying future cruise vouchers. For the voucher you pay $100 toward a future booking, and you get a free onboard credit based on the length of the cruise. We had already bought one certificate earlier in the week, and went ahead and bought one more.

They served Chateaubriand at dinner, which is one of my favorite Carnival dishes. This was only the third time in five nights that I ate in the Dining Room. This is highly unusual, as we almost always have dinner there. I believe this is one of the side effects of My Time Dining. On the traditional setup, you get used to you wait staff and vice versa. With MTD, you have different people every night. I think the personalized service gets lost, even though it is very convenient to just go eat when you want to.

After dinner we went to the Paparazzi Wine Bar and found the Liberty Ninjas. That being said, it would probably help if I actually explained what the Liberty Ninjas are. They are a couple of fellows from the entertainment staff that publish a clue about the place and time that they will be at. If you find them, or just happen to be walking by, you can play whatever game they happen to have for a chance to win a ship on a stick trophy. This time the game was house of cards building. Whoever stacks cards the highest takes it; with a lot of luck I stacked 14 levels for the win!

In the evening we attended the hypnosis comedy show performed by Asad. His show was very funny, and we stayed at the theater for his adult “R” rated show afterward. I was one of his volunteers that he performed the hypnosis on. I will say that I enjoyed the show, other than that I have no further comments. My fellow Cruise Critic members in the audience that night might be willing to tell their stories though.

Grand Turk

 

 

 

[DarthGrady]

At Margaritaville

 

 

[DarthGrady]

Day 7: At Sea

Our last day was spent at sea, and was pretty well packed with activities. We had breakfast in the main dining room, and then played a round of mini golf. The mini golf course is located on the deck that wraps around the funnel. This is a drastic improvement over the courses on the older Fantasy class ships. On those older ships, they place the course on the top deck of the ship, all the way at the front. The high winds there make the game all but unplayable on sea days when the ship is moving. On the Liberty, the wind speed is lessened by the time it makes it to the funnel deck.

After mini golf, we attended the galley tour, which is apparently only available to Platinum Guests since we did not see it in the Carnival Capers at all. This marked the first time we actually saw crew members working in the galley as we toured. There were several people preparing many different foods to be served later. This was much more interesting, since it’s usually just a static display with only a few crewmen standing around. We even got to ride the server’s escalators before we completed the tour.

My wife competed in the slot tournament, but did not make it to the finals. After that we went to “The Cabinet” cigar bar for Carnival Cruise Line’s History Trivia. The lady from the entertainment staff that was running it said that this was the first week they were doing it. Thanks to all the CCL knowledge I have gained from Cruise Critic, I won another 24k Gold (plastic!) Ship on a Stick!

We had lunch in the main dining room for the first time this cruise. I had the spinach and ricotta cheese ravioli that was very good. Our waiter Tanaska talked with us awhile after we ate, he was the best server was had all week.

Later in the afternoon we watched the “Love and Marriage” (formerly the “Newlywed, Not so Newlywed”) game. It was very funny as usual. We also went to the Farewell Reception for the first time. I was a little leery about this, since they were having it in the relatively small Victoria Lounge. The lounge was full, but not packed and they served the same free cocktails that used to be given out at the Captain’s Cocktail Party. This was a far cry from that recent entry into the Carnival History Book, but it was still fun. The Captain himself did make an appearance, giving greetings at several tables. He was definitely one of the most visible captains we have had, I observed him walking the ship several times throughout this cruise. I did like that this was a casual dress event. It’s nice to get the free drinks and not have to put on the formal wear to gain entry. I’m sure it’s also better for Carnival, since they now only have to put on a single event.

Leaving the Farewell Reception, we had dinner at Harry’s Supper Club. Like the other Carnival Supper Clubs we have visited, it was absolutely delicious! I had the crab cake, lobster bisque, French onion soup and the filet mignon. This is simply the best meal that I have ever had for such a low price. I would recommend that anyone that has never tried it, to visit the supper club at least once on a Carnival Cruise. The $30 per person cover charge is well spent.

The saddest part of any cruise is the last night. Since we had reached this unavoidable depressing event, we had to pack up our bags. They had to be outside the room by 11 PM, so we got everything ready and put our luggage out. They gave us zone 1 tags, but we decided to have a leisurely breakfast on the last morning and leave the ship at the last possible moment. I don’t mind admitting that I felt sad that this cruise was over. We had met so many great people from Cruise Critic, and had such a great time with them, that I did not want it to end. We all said our goodbyes, and headed for our rooms.

 

The Galley Tour

 

 

 

 

 

[DarthGrady]

More Galley Tour

 

 

The escalators

 

 

The wine room

 

The bakery

[DarthGrady]

Yay!

 

The "Farewell Reception"

 

Rain on the last evening

 

 

The Destiny far off our port side, cruising back into Miami

 

[DarthGrady]

Day 8, Miami and Debarkation

We had our last breakfast in the main dining room with some of our Cruise Critic friends. We took our time, and eventually left the ship at around 9:30 once the crowds had dies down at the gangway. It was so nice to not have to wait in lines. We easily found our luggage on the carousel, and went right through customs. The entire process from scanning our Sail and Sign card, to walking out of the building took about 10 minutes. This is yet another process that the port of Miami has down to a science. My only complaint is that they pulled the ship up to the terminal next to the one that we left from. The Destiny was at the pier that we started at. This meant a long walk in the sun with luggage to the lot where we parked. Not a big deal, but mildly annoying.

This was an overall great cruise. There were a few bumps in the road, but nothing that came close to ruining our good time. I tried not to compare the Liberty to our recent Alaskan cruise on Spirit because that just wouldn’t be fair. I instead tried to keep my experience on Glory in mind. The two cruises compare pretty evenly, both were awesome cruises with only a few flaws. I would not hesitate to cruise on Liberty again; she is a great ship, with a good crew that keeps her impeccably clean. The four stop Eastern Caribbean was wonderful, the highlight being Half Moon Cay. I would definitely recommend this ship and itinerary.

One last look at our ship

 

and from across the causeway

 

The Carnival Destiny, we'll be back for her in 4 months!

 

 

 

 

Liberty of the Seas

 

OK folks, thats it! Whew! That was a ton of posting, but I wanted to get it all up since I work alot this week. Hope you all enjoyed it, feel free to ask question. I will try to answer them, or at least give you some good B.S. :D

[Aussiegrlfl]

The wounds were just beginning to heal and now they are reopened and larger than ever......thank God you didn't include pictures of all OUR antics......

 

Seriously great job......we will cruise again...I promise..we had the best time.....when I got back to work I'm like I need a rest...we didn't stop once......

 

Perfect people for us to cruise with.....and for $$$ I am willing to tell all about Grady's antics at the hypnotic show....I'm sure his work buddies would be loving the info.....wish I had pictures of that.....

 

Lee

[Payd]

I really want to go to Half Moon Cay now. All it took was you saying another 6 days of it would be good.

 

Fingers crossed.

 

Thanks again for posting your review with all of the pictures.

[DarthGrady]

The wounds were just beginning to heal and now they are reopened and larger than ever......thank God you didn't include pictures of all OUR antics......

 

Seriously great job......we will cruise again...I promise..we had the best time.....when I got back to work I'm like I need a rest...we didn't stop once......

 

Perfect people for us to cruise with.....and for $$$ I am willing to tell all about Grady's antics at the hypnotic show....I'm sure his work buddies would be loving the info.....wish I had pictures of that.....

 

Lee

 

Hey, I wont tell on you if you don't tell on me!

 

I'll keep those pictures of the antics under close guard.:p

[mississauga]

Thanks so much for such a great review! I had been looking for a review of our cruise and you sure did not disappoint! Looking forward to our turn in 19 days!

 

Thank you for sharing your wonderful pictures!:D:D:D

[vacruizer]

Thanks for bringing back great memories! The Liberty is probably my favorite ship.

 

LOL at Butch and his announcements - we sailed with him on the Glory. We finally got to where we would just start laughing every time he came on the intercom and taking bets on how long he'd go on. :p

[DarthGrady]

What is Water Wars?

 

Its basically a fancy water balloon fight. Two kids stand in opposite booths and they launch water balloons back and forth at each other. There are holes in the roof, that if hit, will soak the person inside.

[DarthGrady]

Grady,

do you have the capers? Is there an "adult" deck? I thought they got rid of them. Besides waves hitting the bow did you also here the anchor chain?

 

It also looked like there was access to the bow? How do you get up there?

 

thanks!

 

We are going on the Liberty on 10/31!

 

Sorry, I missed part of your question earlier. There is an adult deck, but I can't imagine anyone wanting to topless sunbathe up there. There is no white paneling covering the railing, and there are no little swinging doors. The area is the raised deck right behind the Seaside Theater screen.

 

Its possible they just never took the signage down. On Glory that deck was topless, had the swinging doors, "21 and up" signs and the white wrap.

[tiggerman101]

Thanks for the review Grady. I really enjoyed your Alaska one so I was interested in reading through this as well. I am looking forward to your Freedom of the Seas review and pics!

[DarthGrady]

Thanks for the review Grady. I really enjoyed your Alaska one so I was interested in reading through this as well. I am looking forward to your Freedom of the Seas review and pics!

 

No problem!:D

 

I'm looking forward to writing it. I imagine that review is gonna be big, since I am probably going to want to photograph everything on the ship. Thats gonna be a bunch of pics!

[Mskala]

This was a FANTASTIC review!!

 

I can't wait to sail her next year with my family!!

[toolgrl919]

Great review!!!! I really enjoyed reading it & seeing all the pics. I will be on the Liberty in 11 days! :D Different itinerary, but either way it was still nice to read about your experience on the boat.

The Destiny was my first cruise, we did that last October. I had read a lot of negative things about the boat since its old, but everything was great to me.

[lov2crz]

Good job Grady! Your pictures are awesome on a very well written review, as always. We miss the Liberty and all of you guys, "Liberty Lover" friends! So we have to plan another for us all real soon!

[skvacay]

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

 

 

I love your ship pictures. The ship seems so much brighter than the Imagination that I was just on.

Very random, the whole battery-themed teen club!

[skvacay]

Day 3: At Sea

 

The morning of day 3 started out much as day 2 did, with Butch gabbing over the intercom at 10 AM like a teenage girl on a telephone. Now had this been reserved only for the open decks and public areas I would have been fine. But it gets blasted throughout the halls and subsequently resonates into the cabins. So everyone on the ship gets a wake up call, whether they want one or not. I debated with myself briefly about going on a covert raid and stealing his P.A. microphone and throwing it into the ocean. I decided not to only because I determined that he would likely just find another one and that I would probably be locked up or set adrift in on a small wooden raft.

 

Later in the day we had our Cruise Critic group meet and greet. We all decided to pay extra and have an open bar party in one of the lounges. We all had a great time and the Carnival staff did a wonderful job bringing the drinks out to us. We spent the rest of the day hanging around the pool and having a great sea day.

 

After dinner, I went to the Ault Comedy show featuring Phat Kat. After that we spent some time in the Piano Bar, but it was fairly empty so it wasn’t a late night.

 

 

 

AMAZING picture! loving the review and all your great photos

[DarthGrady]

Good job Grady! Your pictures are awesome on a very well written review, as always. We miss the Liberty and all of you guys, "Liberty Lover" friends! So we have to plan another for us all real soon!

 

Thanks! I totally agree about doing another cruise.

[DarthGrady]

Great review!!!! I really enjoyed reading it & seeing all the pics. I will be on the Liberty in 11 days! :D Different itinerary, but either way it was still nice to read about your experience on the boat.

The Destiny was my first cruise, we did that last October. I had read a lot of negative things about the boat since its old, but everything was great to me.

 

We are cruising on Destiny in January, I hope we enjoy it as much as you did.