Liberty – Eastern Caribbean - May 26th – 3 Generations

[CruzinScotty]

Reasons: It’s day 2 and we’re already on food overload. :eek: In addition, we didn’t want to spend 2 hours at dinner every night. Lastly, we had somewhere we wanted to be.

 

In my notes, I didn’t write down what I we had. I do remember that the 2 nights I ate dinner at the buffet, I did check the main menu and as discussed in other threads – 2-3 main courses from the MDR are served on the buffet, with the marquee item (lobster, prime rib, etc.) not offered. But, since I have no negative notes; I can assure you that we all ate well and plenty. ;)

 

We were often attendees to the Punchliner Comedy Club this cruise. There were a total of 16 shows. I attended a lot them. The shows are in the Victoria Lounge, which is fairly large; but not large enough.

 

This is a poor shot, but the only photo I have:

 

There are 4 comedians on the cruise, two at the beginning who change out in St. Thomas; and then 2 more for the end of the cruise. There are 4 shows on four different nights. The first show each night is family friendly. We wanted to make this show at 7:30.

 

Asst. Cruise Director, Roly, was the MC here; he did a great job. The family friendly show is a 30 minute show with each comedian getting 15 minutes. I think I have this right in that Dan Smith was the first comedian. He does a lot of improv comedy and spent the entire 15 minutes talking with and about a single family at two of the front tables. They were a large group and part of the family had slow service in the dining room and had not arrived. Dan ran with that, “what, you have people coming late and you pick seats at the center stage” and stuff like that. Of course, we all anxiously awaiting for the family to arrive – fun was had by all.

 

Have you ever noticed that when you buy a new car; you seem to notice every single car just like yours when you are driving? Have you ever noticed a similar thing happening on a cruise? You meet or see someone in passing and then, it seems you see them everywhere? Well, the family at the front for the comedy show was from Kansas City, and we seemed to see “Kansas City” for the rest of the week. Of course, there were 18-20 of them – harder to miss parts of that crowd. ;)

 

Coming next: Living on the EDGE

Edited June 7, 2012 by CruzinScotty

[CruzinScotty]

After the comedy show, some of us retired to our cabins, and some made a quick stop by the casino where a few dollars may have been left behind. ;)

 

Now, on to the Venetian for the show, EDGE. There wasn’t much of an advertisement of what we were about to see. Karl with a K came out and announced that EDGE was a one-man-show with variety, comedy and juggling. The variety was good, comedy OK, and the juggling was great. I do remember an audience partipation portion where 3 people were called onto the stage. I don’t know if this was staged or not, but – when the first guy gave his name, the woman on the end whispered to the guy in the middle. Turns out, for the purpose of this show; both men and the woman – were all named “Jeff”. :p

 

There were three more comedy shows this evening. All of these were the R-rated ones. We missed Dan Smith’s first show, but were able to make the 2nd show. This show featured the 2nd comedian, Tommy Drake. There would be one more Dan Smith show, but that was at 11:45, just a bit too late for me. Instead, it was up the Lido for some ice cream.

 

Then, to the room for a night with the dog:

And lastly, a few minutes on the balcony. Lights out around midnight.

 

Next – a full day at sea

[CruzinScotty]

Any idea how long Karl with a K will be on there? He was the assistant CD on our Miracle cruise years ago when Miracle was brand new :D We loved him!!!

 

I don't know the answer to your question. But, since recent reviews had a different CD; I'm hoping he's back for awhile and you'll get to see him.

[MSRussell]

Love to see picks of HMC!! I booked a early stingray excurtion at HMC just so DH and I will get on the tender early. Love the stingrays in Grand Caymen so want to check this one out also.

I love this thread. I really enjoyed the picture of the 2 loungers on one of the top decks. I can just picture myself sitting there.

I am taking the Stingray Excursion also. I have never snorkeled before, and haven't been swimming in over 40 years, so this should be a hoot, but I don't care, I will have fun anyway.

Keep the review coming!!

Melanie

[MIZZ_K]

Enjoying your review so far,I am sailing on her in August with my granddaughter but am doing the Western route.

[CruzinScotty]

Thanks for the positive posts. Melanie - you've got the right attitude!

[CruzinScotty]

I was out on the balcony around 7. DW joined me earlier today; she’s really enjoying the balcony more this trip. We set the same routine to meet for breakfast at 8:30 outside the Silver Dining Room. Today, 7 of 9 showed up and off we went. The crowd in the MDR, or lack there of; was great.

 

Today I had the baked apple and pancakes with banana sauce, with more corned beef hash. And another favorite not at the buffet – pineapple juice. A couple of us have now had the pancakes and were in agreement – the flavor was good; but they were a bit tough and rubbery. The bananas in sauce were very good, no additional syrup needed.

 

After breakfast, it was time for everyone to have the morning to relax and explore on their own. It was nice that everyone was feeling a little more at ease on the ship. Pa took Ma to the Lido for breakfast – she had enjoyed sleeping in and watching the view from her bed. They said the buffet was the first time since embarkation that the felt there was a crowd on the ship.

 

I decided I needed to get a little walk in. I went to the cabin to get shoes on. I went on the balcony and realized it was very windy and starting to rain. So, out goes the walking track. Plan B – not the best sights; but long hallways on a big ship are a great place to get a good walk in. From the Atrium Lobby around both sides of the ship, back around the aft cabins. I did floors 7, 8 and then 6. That’s enough exercise – can’t let the body think I’m trying to be overly healthy. :p

 

Side note – the hot tub in the adult area on Deck 9 was a lot of fun. But, the temperature was not very warm. I understand the reasoning – people stay in longer than the recommended time, combined with the fact that some are enjoying libations at the same time. ;) Still, I was missing the warmer temperatures that I enjoy in a hot tub.

 

Sooooo - next, I was heading to the spa. I put on my bathing suit and brought a change of clothes. I got my locker and head into the gym to head into the nice deep hot – hot tub. Make that - the hot hot tub that USED to be there. I guess with the 2.0 upgrades and new Serenity hot tub – the one in the gym was replaced with what looked like Zumba machines. It’s vacation time, no worries. After the non-existent hot tub visit, I was going to hit the steam room and sauna – they didn’t take those away. :) Afterwards, I headed to the room to drop things off.

 

It’s a sea day – the only time the crew can wash the balconies and our deck was scheduled for today. We had a nice letter informing us of such and they were opening all the separators in preparation before I headed to wander the ship a bit.

 

That’s a lot of dialogue – time for a few random pics from the week.

 

The new Cherry on Top store. It’s little, but there was more than one purchase made by our group this week:

 

I just LOVE this map on the Promenade. I know it’s also on your TV; but it was fun to chat for a minute with people about where we were, how far before the next stop, etc.

 

How about another picture of the lights:

 

Next, more sea day fun.

[green eyed lady]

I don't know the answer to your question. But, since recent reviews had a different CD; I'm hoping he's back for awhile and you'll get to see him.

 

Thanks - that would be good news :D

[vivavegas]

Loving your review! Looking forward to reading more! Great photos too!:)

[CruzinScotty]

I had heard we were to be out of the storms fairly quickly. The back pool area had the retractable roof closed. It was quite pleasant. I remember on the Liberty in 2008, we had our itinerary rearranged to keep us from going thru Tropical Storm Dolly. The back pool area was much hotter and humid on that day – but then again that was mid-July ;)

 

I walked thru the gift shop to see what type of t-shirts they had. Outside, they had ones for HMC. I guess we picked a newer shirt while on land – our design was not there. Also, in case you forget – you can buy your St. Thomas and San Juan t-shirts – before we get there. :confused: I was surprised though when I got inside the gift shop. They had a lot of nice Carnival items. But, there was a total lacking of items specific to the Liberty. I got a shot glass last trip; that was the only thing I saw with the Liberty name. Of course I was really looking for a new Liberty t-shirt – none be found. Oh well, no worries.

 

I found DS. He had skipped breakfast and was hungry a little before lunch, so he decided chocolate ice cream was his choice. Ahh, vacation. DS had seen DW and said W’ma and SIL were joining the slots tournament. So we headed to the casino. Everyone was there except DB. There was a 30 minute wait for my family's turn in the tournament. I correctly figured out that DB had not seen anyone since breakfast and had met at our pre-determined lunch spot. He was enjoying his 2nd bunless Guy Fieri burger extravaganza.

 

 

 

 

[CruzinScotty]

I decided to join DB because I wanted to have a lighter lunch than the breakfast I had and wanted to eat early since it’s Lobster Night! I had a small piece of fried chicken, roasted corn salad (it had a fancier name ;) ) and some fresh fruit. For dessert, I decided to go for the banana pie and two chocolate cake pops. That’s a lot for lunch at home; but I’m not home – this is a small meal considering it will be 6 hours before I eat again. LOL

 

Hint – try the Cake Pops – those things are yummy! They had strawberry ones on the buffet in Miami that I forgot to mention. One of the few moist cake items. Get them – you’ll like them. :D

 

By the time we got to the casino, was had just missed our family’s round. W’ma had done pretty well, we would have to check back @ 2:00 to see if she made the finals. The gang had not had lunch, so they headed to the back Lido. DS and I went to the arcade to play a few games of air hockey; he won 2 games to 1. Then, we then met everyone in the Lido where the fair consisted of Guy’s burgers, tuna and corned beef sandwiches and various items from the American buffet.

 

There was a little time before 2PM, so we split up with the intention of me, DW, DB/SIL to head for the photo shop. We realize we haven’t seen DB’s room. Though they have the same cabin layout, it was nice to see the view from the 9th floor balcony as opposed to our lowly 7th. ;)

 

There went our time to look at photos – gotta head to the casino. W’ma is in 6th place; only the top 8 go to the finals. They just finished the last round. Did she make the finals? Well, that last group had a good/lucky player. She moved to the top of the leader board. This person just happened to be the matriarch of team “Kansas City”! In 7th place – W’ma DID make the finals.

 

It was fun and exciting watching the final 8 push those slot buttons as fast as possible for 5 minutes. They covered the scores so you couldn’t see immediately who won. W’ma ended up in 4th or 5th; but gave a valiant effort! Well worth the $20 – the entire family got to enjoy.

 

Some head to the cabins to rest, others finally get to the photo gallery. I don’t know why I had in my mind all of the photos were $20. I knew there were expensive – but not that bad. In reality, it made the $10 and $12 sticker shock not as bad; though the portraits actually are $22. We bought a few pics and then everyone returned to their cabins to rest. I enjoyed the newly cleaned balcony, listening to tunes and maybe dozing for a few minutes.

 

Useless information: I listened to a lot of music this trip. I even updated my “cruise” playlist and posted to that thread. Do you think I listened to it “on” the ship – nope. Go figure. But, I DID listen to it while driving to Florida. Part of that anticipation thing for us obsessed planners, you know. :D

 

Anyways, I then decided to wander the ship for a bit. Here’s another photo, just because:

 

 

DW wanted a group shot of everyone tonight; we only had 7 of 9 together for the embarkation photo. I decided to scout out the different photo areas to see what backdrop would work. There were too many on deck 3 and 5 to keep track of. We enter the Golden Dining Room thru the Lobby, so later informed DW that there were 4 photo backdrops there; it might be the best place to meet.

 

Coming next – a VERY, VERY unique and personal encounter.

Edited June 8, 2012 by CruzinScotty

[CruzinScotty]

I'm heading back to work. I'll try to post more; but may not be able to for a few days.

 

Here's one last installment.

[CruzinScotty]

Helpful hint: when you get your daily Carnival Fun Times – read EVERY detail on it. There are items that are HARD to find. I even knew this from reading prior trip reports – trivia contests and other various activities can be well hidden.

 

Anyways, today is Memorial Day and I wondered if anything special would be done for the occasion. I didn’t see anything about this in the Fun Times. But, the first time today I approached the Atrium, I saw a huge American Flag had been hung. It was a nice fitting tribute.

 

 

So, it was 4:30 and I headed back to the room to start getting ready for dinner. While waiting for an elevator, I heard a teenager say something I would not expect to hear a teenager say. She mentioned something about a “Veteran’s Meet” going on. As quick as I turned my head to ask about what I heard – she was gone.

 

I made my way quickly to the room. It took me 5 minutes, and finally, FINALLY – I saw it listed on the right hand 1/3 sized tear-off page that listed the activities. In small print, it said – “4:30 Veteran’s Meet”. I quickly made my to the Piano Bar to see if anyone was there. There were a few and I was invited in. But, I said I had to go get my Pop who was the WWII Veteran. Pop and W’ma had to get their shoes on and we quickly made our way back. Karl with a K was leading this group. It was not a large gathering, but there were people from WWII thru almost every war we have had up to our current one. I won’t share the details of this event; but suffice it to say it was a very special gathering for those in attendance. To those who have served in the military – during war time or not; you’re service is greatly appreciated! I thought this was a VERY special event to be held on Memorial Day.

 

Helpful Hint for all Veteran’s: I believe the Veteran’s meet is a normally scheduled event. There was another meet scheduled on our other sea day. Check your Fun Times for details. Both events were late afternoon – before dinner.

 

So now we’re running a little late for our designated meeting time for pictures. We got changed quickly and met in the Lobby. DW had scouted out the photo ops, and found that a group our size has to be done on the stairs. Gee – no back drop – we get to be on the Liberty’s version of the “Grand Staircase” – what a pity. :D

 

I don't want to post a Carnival picture; but it did come out good. Instead, here’s one of our balcony room:

 

Next time, Formal Dinner in the MDR

[CruzinScotty]

After our photo, we then walked into the Golden Dining Room for our Anytime Dining Lobster Night Extravaganza! We generally eat early at home and knew from CC postings, that with Anytime Dining – there are less crowds early on. We’re glad knew because there was quite a line of people when we left; the largest of any night. We also like arriving at the Dining Room early to enjoy seeing the ocean until it get’s dark.

 

After we ordered, DW wanted a picture of all of us at the table. She looked at the next table. She and another woman waved to each other. DW said to me, “There’s the Quarter Lady, she’ll take our picture”. That’s nice, exactly who is the “Quarter Lady”? LOL It turns out the Quarter Lady is someone a few of the women had met at the machines in the casino that you put quarters in with the hopes you can get more quarters to fall into the coin bucket. She was happy to take our pic.

 

Now – it’s time for the food! For starters, this wasn’t a 2 Starter night. Too many things looked good, so a few of us had 3 or even 4 appetizers! I personally had the pumpkin soup, shrimp cocktail and alligator fritters. I heard the strawberry bisque and stuffed mushrooms were also wonderful. There were 13 Lobster tails consumed at our table. Desserts favorites were the WCMC and Cherries Jubilee, Others said the banana cake was good and the apple puff pastry was only OK.

 

Hint – if you don’t know the 7 day dinner menu inside and out: The Prime Rib is repeated on the last night. So, for those trying to decide between 2 lobsters and Surf and Turf tonight: go for the 2 lobsters. :D

 

When we finished, we walked over to the Venetian to get floor seats for the show. Who was in the row in front of us? Team Kansas City! I spoke to the woman who was inadvertently part of the comedy show the night before and called her by her first name. She looked at me shocked, until I told her I’d been at the show the night before.

 

Karl with a K did a nice warm up; then on to the main show: Wonderful World. I don’t see much mention of this. The singers and dancers perform to songs from various regions of our wonderful world: France, Italy, China, Japan, Ireland, Africa, Latin America, with the USA as the finale. We enjoyed the show quite a bit.

 

Tonight some of us hit two more comedy shows. At 9:45 was Tommy Drake – his forte is joking about marriage and his very understanding wife. Dan Smith had the 10:45 show with more good improv. He’s a man for my generation – he did Mad Libs. Great fun! I had a nightcap, trying the Jokester (vodka, peach, lemon) – good. The 11:45 show is a little too late for me.

 

Time for the evening ritual: towel animal, enjoy the balcony for a bit and lights out - around midnite tonight.

 

Next – After 30 years – St. Thomas!

[GuitarPlayer]

...But surprised the garage associated with the Liberty was full unless the Liberty pulled at 10:30AM and the ship's boarding not delayed. Must have pulled into a different berth than the one she departed from.

 

It did the week we were on it(same week as you), so maybe it did the previous week, too. I remember hearing an announcement at debarkation that we would be coming into a different terminal than where we departed.

 

GP

Edited June 10, 2012 by GuitarPlayer

[GuitarPlayer]

Now, on to the Venetian for the show, EDGE. There wasn’t much of an advertisement of what we were about to see. Karl with a K came out and announced that EDGE was a one-man-show with variety, comedy and juggling. The variety was good, comedy OK, and the juggling was great. I do remember an audience partipation portion where 3 people were called onto the stage. I don’t know if this was staged or not, but – when the first guy gave his name, the woman on the end whispered to the guy in the middle. Turns out, for the purpose of this show; both men and the woman – were all named “Jeff”. :p

 

Not to hijack the thread, as the review is VERY good, buy my two cent's worth says, "It wasn't staged."

 

I was the first "Jeff" on stage. I don't know the other two participants, but I, too, saw them whisper to each other. I guess that part may have been staged, by my part in it all was not.

 

Did you see the look on "Edge's" face when we actually pulled off that trick on attempt number three? The other times Jeffette didn't seem too interested in catching it, but the look on Edge's face was certainly priceless. He was more surprised than we were!

 

GP

 

Yes, I was part of that "Team Kansas City" thing. I certainly hope we didn't monopolize any part of the ship and take away from anyone's enjoyment. Having 18 of us all together, I considered that might be a problem, so tried to go out of my way to make sure we didn't...I hope it wasn't a problem for anyone.

[CruzinScotty]

Hey Jeff! You're not hijacking the thread at all. I'm happy to have participation, especially from someone that's already been mentioned in the report!

 

You're one of the siblings! So, was it your wife or SIL that was laughing so much at the Dan Smith show? She's the one I spoke to by name before the Wonderful World show.

 

I remember now from EDGE that you were Team Kansas City ;) And, yes, he was very surprised you pulled the stunt off. It really was quite amazing, I bet it doesn't happen very often.

 

We enjoyed seeing various members of your family throughout the ship. One evening, some of the younger members of your group were sitting a couch or two over from us at one of the comedy shows. And seeing your Mom do so well at the slots tournament - it made us feel like we had a 2nd person there that we knew. :)

Edited June 10, 2012 by CruzinScotty

[PathfinderEss]

Great review, and wonderful pictures, can't wait for the rest of the cruise.:D

[GuitarPlayer]

Hey Jeff! You're not hijacking the thread at all. I'm happy to have participation, especially from someone that's already been mentioned in the report!

 

You're one of the siblings! So, was it your wife or SIL that was laughing so much at the Dan Smith show? She's the one I spoke to by name before the Wonderful World show.

 

I remember now from EDGE that you were Team Kansas City ;) And, yes, he was very surprised you pulled the stunt off. It really was quite amazing, I bet it doesn't happen very often.

 

We enjoyed seeing various members of your family throughout the ship. One evening, some of the younger members of your group were sitting a couch or two over from us at one of the comedy shows. And seeing your Mom do so well at the slots tournament - it made us feel like we had a 2nd person there that we knew. :)

 

What you probably didn't know is that mom's first name is Wilma, although she goes by her middle name. It was very interesting to see the slot scoreboard with that name on there, as that isn't a very common name these days. I, too, had the feeling of "rooting" for someone I didn't really know, just because of the name.

 

We heard that the delay was because of someone getting off the ship (not feeling well), but they were trying to locate their luggage. I hadn't heard about the ambulance, though.

 

I think it was my SIL that was laughing so hard at the comedy show. I wasn't all that "hip" on sitting in the front, but big brother picked out the tables...:confused:

 

I'm on the "Edge" :p of my seat...waiting to hear the rest of your review.

 

GP

[KC Crew#3]

Hi, I am the #3 child of the KC Crew gang. IT was fun to meet many of the folks that is on the Cruise Critics. It really helps make you part of the "family" even though we had 18 of our own, we had many family members to connect with on board and on the excursions. THe whole thing was amazing ......well after the motion sickness the first day of boaring full speed ahead then eating....not a good combo for a first time cruiser! :p

 

I have to say Tony and Jeff were awesome in the "Legends" show. Who knew we had such talent in the gang!!!!

[CruzinScotty]

Welcome to the boards, KC #3!

 

One of the things I find so fascinating on a cruise is meeting new people. I notice when on a land-vacation, you don't run into the same people over and over - you just don't have the same connection.

 

And, more coincidences with the first names - us secretly rooting for each other's family. :p And, to further it along -with most of my family living in Florida - they all went thru a lot of hurricanes in the middle of the last decade. Ma/Pa went thru Charlie; the others went thru Frances, Jeanne and Wilma.

 

Gotta head to work; hope to post part of St. Thomas tonight.

[gsxr_moe]

Not to hijack the thread, as the review is VERY good, buy my two cent's worth says, "It wasn't staged."

 

I was the first "Jeff" on stage. I don't know the other two participants, but I, too, saw them whisper to each other. I guess that part may have been staged, by my part in it all was not.

 

Did you see the look on "Edge's" face when we actually pulled off that trick on attempt number three? The other times Jeffette didn't seem too interested in catching it, but the look on Edge's face was certainly priceless. He was more surprised than we were!

 

GP

 

Yes, I was part of that "Team Kansas City" thing. I certainly hope we didn't monopolize any part of the ship and take away from anyone's enjoyment. Having 18 of us all together, I considered that might be a problem, so tried to go out of my way to make sure we didn't...I hope it wasn't a problem for anyone.

 

 

THat's pretty funny, because I was the "guy in the middle".. LOL I actually whispered to the girl next to me and told her I was going to say my name was "Jeff" and I wanted her to do the same. I was afraid that she wasn't going to do it and was going to make me look bad..LOL.

[CruzinScotty]

THat's pretty funny, because I was the "guy in the middle".. LOL I actually whispered to the girl next to me and told her I was going to say my name was "Jeff" and I wanted her to do the same. I was afraid that she wasn't going to do it and was going to make me look bad..LOL.

 

Totally amazing that we have 2 out of 3 Jeffs!

 

OK - Jeffette - are you out there? Show yourself, please. :D

Edited June 10, 2012 by CruzinScotty

[happylady]

Great review....thanks for sharing.

[gsxr_moe]

Totally amazing that we have 2 out of 3 Jeffs!

 

OK - Jeffette - are you out there? Show yourself, please. :D

 

Its funny because after we did that bit, I saw her and her family all over the ship and ports... We would walk past each other and say "hey Jeff"... "Hey Jeff"...lol