Carnival Liberty 11/24!! Diary and Review

[Catrin]

We continued our exploration of the ship.. and ended up on Deck 11 and 12 in the Serenity area. We loved this area on the Dream, and I had planned on spending some time here during the week. Steve found the hammock immediately!! Also, docked in front of us, was the Carnival Breeze. What an amazing ship, and reminders of the Dream, which we sailed last year. While it was neat to see this new ship, I was very glad to be on the Liberty.

IMG_1443 by catrin0917, on Flickr[/img]

 

Before we knew it, it was time for the Muster Drill. Because our cabin was aft, we did not have far to go and found ourselves at the end of the line on Deck 4. It seemed to take longer than previous years..but still the basic drill with everyone around is taking it seriously.

 

After the Muster Drill we went to the Aft Lido for the Cruise Critic / "Social media sight not to be named" Meet and Greet. I think we were too early, because we hung there for a bit, but did not really see the faces I remember from the online forums. This is where I become shy and anti social. I am quite the social butterfly online, but in person, it is actually difficult for Steve and I. So, I am sorry I missed any of my online friends!!

 

We wanted to watch the sail away from our balcony. And it was terrific. Sailing by the Breeze was fun.. how weird it is that everyone waves to each other!!

IMG_1446 by catrin0917, on Flickr

Miami Beach...

IMG_1450 by catrin0917, on Flickr

 

IMG_1453 by catrin0917, on Flickr

[MarriedInStThomas1807]

This may be a stupid question but how much is the limo? We have 9 people (6 adults and 3 children) going with us on the next cruise and were maybe thinking of taking a limo from the airport to the Hilton Miami Airport. Given, it's only an 11 minute drive, I'm trying to weigh the options.

[Catrin]

It was during the sail-away, that we met two of the nicest couples ... Jen and Dave, who were in the cabin above us .. and Sally and Jack, who were a few cabins down from us!

Jen had been the forum leader of our Roll Call... and we knew her and Dave would be above our room, so it was great to finally meet them! Sally and Jack are our famous honeymoon couple.. who got married the previous day in Miami!!

 

One of my favorite things this cruise, was often times in the late afternoon, you would find those who had aft balconies just hanging out talking. Those of you who have had that experience can relate.

 

Here is Jen and Dave.. from our cabin... and then Steve and I .. that Jen took from her cabin the same time!! It is actually my favorite picture of the two of us the entire trip!!

 

 

After Sail-away.. before we knew it, it was time for dinner. We had assigned Early Seating in the Silver Dining Room. We considered Anytime dining, but we realize we like two things.. 1) Going at 6PM - it just works. and 2) The same table, same server and the routine of assigned dining. I think the options are terrific. We know people who love both.

 

Our Server was Robert from Poland and his assistants were "Paul Newman" and "Marco Polo". We loved Robert. He was very quiet but warmed up to us during the week. It was his last cruise on his 6 month contract. His wife was also a head waiter. They could not wait to go home after this cruise! But you would never know it was his last. He was one of the most professional efficient waiters we have ever had.

 

Dinner that night was good as always. (Cheating looking at the menus to remember what I had). I had the Cream of Tomato Soup, Fried Chicken Tenders, and Beef Brisket from the Comfort Menu. The beef was delicious and surprising. Although I told myself no dessert, I had the creme brule (double gym time tomorrow!). I have no idea what Steve had.... but he had the black forrest gateau for dessert and loved it.

 

 

Before we knew it.. the day was over. It was not very late... but we both looked at each other and said.... ok if we go to bed? LOL We are getting OLD!! We could not wait for the next day.... at Half Moon Cay, which would end up being our favorite day of the cruise.

 

One last picture before tomorrow....

IMG_1457 by catrin0917, on Flickr

[Catrin]

This may be a stupid question but how much is the limo? We have 9 people (6 adults and 3 children) going with us on the next cruise and were maybe thinking of taking a limo from the airport to the Hilton Miami Airport. Given, it's only an 11 minute drive, I'm trying to weigh the options.

I would ask for an estimate from limosofmiamidotcom ...but does the hilton offer a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel??

[Catrin]

Good Morning!

 

I will start day two later today... I hope there is someone out there reading this!!! :)

 

Here is a sneak peek.... what a gorgeous perfect day.

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8356/8323808334_49cc7d013c.jpg' alt='8323808334_49cc7d013c.jpg'> IMG_1483 by catrin0917, on Flickr[/img]

 

Catrin

[KPfromCT]

Keep it coming!!! I am loving your review and pictures.....waiting VERY patiently for HMC.:D:D:D

[AryMay]

So excited to find your "diary"! This route for the Liberty is at the top of my cruise wish list. Looking forward to more...

[navybaby1113]

Looking forward to your review of HMC. It's the port I'm looking forward to the most.

[Yankeegirl]

Really enjoying your review...we sail on the Liberty Oct. 2013 and can't wait. I try to read everything Liberty to tide me over until we sail!:)

[Catrin]

Sunday, November 25th - Half Moon Cay

 

This is the one day that I was looking forward to the most. In our 12 previous cruises, we had never had the privilege of visiting the Private Island. I spent many hours viewing You Tube Videos and hundreds of pictures, dreaming of our day here.

For Christmas 2011, Steve's parents gave us some money and we decided then that their present would be a Cabana at Half Moon Cay. As much as I love the beach, I knew I would enjoy it even more if I had a place for shade. And we have always had to be pretty careful with Steve, as he had a year long battle with Melanoma in 1998/1999. We booked the Cabana VERY early - and we were able to reserve #10 with Carnival ahead of time. They are no longer allowing reservations early, so those reading - just know you have to go to the Shore Excursion Desk as soon as you board.

 

We woke very early that day in anticipation of going to Half Moon Cay! We had breakfast delivered to our room - eating outside on the balcony is awesome! Those with Cabana tickets and excursion tickets had to meet in the aft lounge at 8:30am. There we met Jen and Dave, and Dawn, Mark, Tim and Elizabeth .. all who had Cabanas near us! We were all escorted to the first tender... for our short trip to Paradise.

 

2012 Cruise4 by catrin0917, on Flickr

 

and .. then I saw the sign that has been in my dreams many times....

IMG_1461 by catrin0917, on Flickr

IMG_1462 by catrin0917, on Flickr

 

Steve and I found our way to the open air pick up truck, that served as a Taxi of sorts to the Cabanas. They dropped people off in groups along the back side of the beach. We passed the pirate bar, cabanas 1-8... then finally we saw what would be our view for the next 7 hours....

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8364/8322752233_48fa234c54.jpg' alt='8322752233_48fa234c54.jpg'> IMG_1463 by catrin0917, on Flickr[/img]

[Catrin]

IMG_1465 by catrin0917, on Flickr

 

From the front steps of the Cabana... here is a basic layout. Two lounge chairs, chairs and a table, outdoor shower, misting fan, 8 Sodas, Chips with Guacamole, Salsa and Sour Cream, Veggies and Dip, and Assorted Fruit.

IMG_1466 by catrin0917, on Flickr

Steve took NO time to go right in the water.. and was in within a minute.. I do not even think I got a chance to settle in!!! He saw that water and knew THAT is where he would be ALL DAY!! The water was amazing. We live in a beach community in RI, and we never see water this blue. The temperature was perfect as well!

IMG_1467 by catrin0917, on Flickr

 

This was still quite early in the morning and only a few tenders had arrived. Looking down the beach, you can see plenty of chairs, clamshells, activities, Pirate Bar, Sunfish Boats, etc.

IMG_1468 by catrin0917, on Flickr

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8214/8323810154_0ac0e46e87.jpg' alt='8323810154_0ac0e46e87.jpg'> IMG_1469 by catrin0917, on Flickr[/img]

[Catrin]

IMG_1472 by catrin0917, on Flickr[/img]

 

Surprisingly, Steve came out of the water for a bit.... and hung out with me. Yes, we were that boring. I have heard from a few .. saying "there is nothing to do on Half Moon Cay". Actually, there is tons to do! From Parasailing, to Stingrays, To Horseback Riding, to the fun games at the bar. But for us, it was a relaxing day at a gorgeous beach.

 

Being at #10, we were at the quiet part of the beach. Even towards noontime, it never got crowded on this side....

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8352/8323809038_c132e05e28.jpg' alt='8323809038_c132e05e28.jpg'> IMG_1478 by catrin0917, on Flickr[/img]

[Catrin]

It was time for us to take a walk.. explore the beach and try to find lunch!!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8322748285_81fc23d588.jpg' alt='8322748285_81fc23d588.jpg'> IMG_1486 by catrin0917, on Flickr[/img]

[newdestination]

Very nice review and photos!

[Catrin]

After lunch.... ( I know this is very exciting).. more of the same. I read some more, ventured into the water a bit, read some more, etc. Steve went into the water and stayed there.

 

In the afternoon, I was in mood for a Fruity Frozen Drink. I had seen people walking up and down the beach all afternoon with fun drink cups.. and one had my name on it!! There were waiters all day going up and down the beach. They had coconut heads, fruity drinks, buckets of beer, etc.

When we got to the Pirate Bar.. they were in the middle of the games, Olympics, Hairy Chest, Trivia etc.

IMG_1496 by catrin0917, on Flickr[/img]

 

We ran into Lindsey and Jeff who work for the same company I do at home! How weird is it to see someone you know "from the real world" on a cruise. I had found out they were going to be on the same ship a few months ago... and it was great to run into them here and there.

IMG_1498 by catrin0917, on Flickr[/img]

 

I watched the bartender make my drink.... Frozen Strawberry Mix, Orange Juice and Sprite. Perfect. Yes, this cup was ridiculously expensive... but the best souvenir for our 7 year old!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/8327814024_c905c453f7.jpg' alt='8327814024_c905c453f7.jpg'> IMG_1491 by catrin0917, on Flickr[/img]

[Catrin]

Before we knew it.. it was late in the afternoon. Steve was still in the water, I was still reading.. or was I napping? Things in our Cabana were slowly disappearing. First, the snorkel equipment was picked up. Then all the dishes from the fruit, veggies, and cooler. Then the floaty mats. We were getting the hint.. it was time to go "home". We reluctantly packed up our stuff and caught the "Taxi Truck" back to the main area, where we caught a tender and headed back to the Liberty.
[IMG][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/91642930@N05/8323845436/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8220/8323845436_0a5f3d52c0.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/91642930@N05/8323845436/]IMG_1504[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/91642930@N05/]catrin0917[/url], on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/91642930@N05/8326812211/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8353/8326812211_df7590f4a2.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/91642930@N05/8326812211/]IMG_1505[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/91642930@N05/]catrin0917[/url], on Flickr[/IMG]

I am sure I do not have to say more, but this day was everything we had hoped for. The weather was perfect. We loved having a private Cabana and we would do that again in a heartbeat. Carnival/Holland America have something really special here. I just hope the construction of the new Cabanas does not ruin that magic! I was a bit disappointed that the gift shop was closed as we were leaving. But overall, this was one of my favorite days EVER.

Taking a break now.. I will be back for more later!
Catrin

[Arch713]

Loving your review and thank you for posting! Great pictures and your review is so fun to read!

[TakeMeAway1001]

We were there last Jan and I have many of the same shots :) We ended up renting a clamshell because it was pretty hot the day we were there, worked out good for us but we will try the cabana one day. Thanks again for the review~

[Catrin]

[quote name='TakeMeAway1001']We were there last Jan and I have many of the same shots :) We ended up renting a clamshell because it was pretty hot the day we were there, worked out good for us but we will try the cabana one day. Thanks again for the review~[/quote]

We did see quite a few clamshells closer to the main action. I would absolutely consider that if we return. The cabana was a special gift to us. I would love to have a cabana again, if we ever return to HMC... but is it neccesary? Not at all. There is plenty of shade from trees throughout the island. The only thing I would miss is those comfy lounge chairs!!

Catrin

[Willbcruisin]

Great review, loving it!

We are from RI also and have sailed Liberty 3X and are booked with friends for May 2013!

We also rented two caban's and this will be our first time to HMC! Thanks for taking the time to shre your cruise and for posting such great pics!

[lovestocruise19]

Great review so far! I am on the Liberty on this itinerary in 103 days! I can't wait and am also looking forward to Half Moon and St. Thomas. :D

[Catrin]

[quote name='lovestocruise19']Great review so far! I am on the Liberty on this itinerary in 103 days! I can't wait and am also looking forward to Half Moon and St. Thomas. :D[/quote]

I remember reading your awesome review of your trip!! Unfortunately, you won't see anything about St. Thomas here.... :( Sad details of a missed port coming soon.

Catrin

[KPfromCT]

Loving your review and pictures!!!! Great JOB!!!! Keep up the good work!!!:D:D

[PathfinderEss]

[SIZE=3][COLOR=darkred][B]Really enjoying your review, thanks for posting, glad you had a good timel.[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE]

[Jenbo57]

Hey Cathy...

Great review! And I even saw a picture of Dave and me...yay! :D Honestly, it was so much fun having our morning and/or afternoon chats with you from our balcony! What a great, great group we had on this cruise!

Love your HMC photos; you took a lot more than I did!

Can't wait to read more!!! :):):)