Liberty Of The Seas 1/23-1/27 Review With Pics & Menus

[clean1owner]

So here it goes. My review of our recent Liberty Of The Seas 4-night cruise to Cozumel.

 

This cruise is the first trip the wife, Esther, and I have taken without children since we were married in 1991, so it seemed kind of strange at times.

 

PRE CRUISE

 

We flew to Fort Lauderdale the day before departure, and spent the night at the Roadway Inn Airport / Cruise Port. We chose this hotel for a couple reasons. First, they offer shuttle service from the airport and to the port. Second they had some pretty good reviews at different websites.

For the most part, this was a pretty good hotel. The shuttle picked us up at the airport within 30 minutes of calling them, dropped us off and picked us up at the restaurant where we ate dinner ($10 pp), and took us to the port by 10:00 AM ($2 pp for the early shuttle, otherwise it's free.) The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. Breakfast was pretty standard with make your own waffles. The courtyard / pool area was landscaped quite nicely, and made you forget you were in a hotel in the middle of Fort Lauderdale.

 

 

 

 

They do have a couple of workers who could use some Customer Service training, but all in all, it is an OK place to stay pre-cruise.

 

I'm getting quite tired, so I will have to continue this tomorrow.

Edited January 29, 2014 by clean1owner

[clean1owner]

EMBARKATION

 

 

We arrived at the pier shortly after 10:00 AM. About 30-40 people were already in line.

 

 

 

 

The doors opened at 10:40, and going through security went pretty smooth. A little quicker than the airport TSA lines. We were directed to the Gold line and were the only ones in line.

 

Check In, in a word, was BAD.

 

Just as a guy was directing us to one of the agents, a supervisor came by and stopped everything. Apparently the computer system crashed, and everything had to be rebooted. After about a 5-10 minute wait, things were operational again and we were directed to a Gold Agent. The agent was about 30 seconds into the process, and her computer locked up. She kept hitting keys and different spots on her screen, but nothing worked. Finally, her computer went down, and had to be rebooted again. This was an isolated incident, as all the other lines were moving along just fine.

After a few minutes, the computer came back up and the process was restarted.

Once again, things seemed to be going smooth, until our agent went to get our Sea Pass cards. She looked through the box twice, then another box. Back to the first box, then she just walked away out of sight. After a few minutes she came back, looked through the box again, and finally came back to us and said "We are having a hard time with Esther's card. It will just be a couple more minutes." Again, she walked away to the other end of the terminal. Another 5-10 minute wait and she came back with a supervisor. They both looked through the box of Sea Pass cards a couple times, found nothing, and came over to us. The supervisor told us they didn't have a Sea Pass card for Esther, and they would have to make a new one. She then directed us to a seating area behind some banners (the "Group W bench) and said she would be right over with Esther's Sea Pass in "Just a few minutes."

All this time the rest of the agents were checking people in lickety split, so it was quite frustrating to us.

After about 20 minutes of sitting on the Group W bench watching hordes of people go through the boarding lines, I decided to go back to the counter and see if we could get any kind of temporary boarding card, so we could at least board and get something to eat, and then pick up the Sea Pass at the Purser's Desk. As I was walking up to the counter, I spotted the supervisor standing behind the counter, apparently just chatting with a couple others. She saw me approaching, and sprang into action, waving the Sea Pass in the air and said "I was just coming to give this to you!" After nearly an hour, we were finally able to leave the Check In area.

 

One nice thing about the boarding process was the 2 lines to the waiting area. 1 for those who want boarding photos, and another for those who don't. We never get boarding photos anymore, so we chose the No Photo line.

After about another 15-20 minute wait in the staging area, we were allowed to go up the escalator and board the ship. By the time we made the walk, and went through the Photo ID line, it was 12:15 before we were actually "On Board", and able to get something to eat.

[PCWalton1]

She then directed us to a seating area behind some banners (the "Group W bench) and said she would be right over with Esther's Sea Pass in "Just a few minutes."

 

Thank you for taking the time to do a review of your cruise, all these reports on Noro virus was driving me crazy.

 

Sorry to here of the delay at check-in, did you see Arlo on the bench? :p

 

I do hope the rest of the cruise ran more smoothly. :)

[clean1owner]

FINALLY ON BOARD

 

After finally getting on board, the first order of business was to check out our table in the MDR. We had requested a table for 2, next to a window, and Royal did not disappoint.

 

 

 

Next it was up to the Windjammer to get some lunch.

 

 

These pictures were taken at a different time, but they will give you a general indication of what the Windjammer was like

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things weren't too busy yet, so it was easy to find a table.

There was a nice variety of food available, including plenty of fresh fruit, which is one of our favorites. They had enough stations that you never had to wait in line very long.

I don't remember what we had to eat, but it was pretty good. What was supposed to be hot, was hot, and what was supposed to be cold, was cold.

 

We finished eating at 12:50, and Staterooms were supposed to be ready by 1:00, so we caught an elevator to Deck 6.

 

One thing about the elevators, they are S-L-O-W! So if you find yourself in any kind of a hurry, take the stairs.

[grhokie]

read and learn from you.

 

EMBARKATION

 

 

We arrived at the pier shortly after 10:00 AM. About 30-40 people were already in line.

 

 

 

 

The doors opened at 10:40, and going through security went pretty smooth. A little quicker than the airport TSA lines. We were directed to the Gold line and were the only ones in line.

 

Check In, in a word, was BAD.

 

Just as a guy was directing us to one of the agents, a supervisor came by and stopped everything. Apparently the computer system crashed, and everything had to be rebooted. After about a 5-10 minute wait, things were operational again and we were directed to a Gold Agent. The agent was about 30 seconds into the process, and her computer locked up. She kept hitting keys and different spots on her screen, but nothing worked. Finally, her computer went down, and had to be rebooted again. This was an isolated incident, as all the other lines were moving along just fine.

After a few minutes, the computer came back up and the process was restarted.

Once again, things seemed to be going smooth, until our agent went to get our Sea Pass cards. She looked through the box twice, then another box. Back to the first box, then she just walked away out of sight. After a few minutes she came back, looked through the box again, and finally came back to us and said "We are having a hard time with Esther's card. It will just be a couple more minutes." Again, she walked away to the other end of the terminal. Another 5-10 minute wait and she came back with a supervisor. They both looked through the box of Sea Pass cards a couple times, found nothing, and came over to us. The supervisor told us they didn't have a Sea Pass card for Esther, and they would have to make a new one. She then directed us to a seating area behind some banners (the "Group W bench) and said she would be right over with Esther's Sea Pass in "Just a few minutes."

All this time the rest of the agents were checking people in lickety split, so it was quite frustrating to us.

After about 20 minutes of sitting on the Group W bench watching hordes of people go through the boarding lines, I decided to go back to the counter and see if we could get any kind of temporary boarding card, so we could at least board and get something to eat, and then pick up the Sea Pass at the Purser's Desk. As I was walking up to the counter, I spotted the supervisor standing behind the counter, apparently just chatting with a couple others. She saw me approaching, and sprang into action, waving the Sea Pass in the air and said "I was just coming to give this to you!" After nearly an hour, we were finally able to leave the Check In area.

 

One nice thing about the boarding process was the 2 lines to the waiting area. 1 for those who want boarding photos, and another for those who don't. We never get boarding photos anymore, so we chose the No Photo line.

After about another 15-20 minute wait in the staging area, we were allowed to go up the escalator and board the ship. By the time we made the walk, and went through the Photo ID line, it was 12:15 before we were actually "On Board", and able to get something to eat.

[jo24]

Looking forward to reading the rest of your review! Can't believe the issue at check in but glad it was all resolved and she had a SeaPass!

 

I have stayed at Rodeway twice, both times for day room only and completely agree about the CS staff... Both times there have been huge issues which have resulted in managers giving me free room upgrades, vouchers, discounts etc etc. Sad to hear my 2 visits weren't isolated incidents though.

 

Jo :)

[clean1owner]

The Stateroom

 

 

Right at 1:00, the doors were opened for access to the cabins. We had 6640, which is a center hump balcony on the port side. It was literally about 20 steps from the elevators.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was plenty spacious for 2 people, and even had enough hangers for all of our clothes!

 

Just outside the Stateroom Hallway is a real neat interactive touch screen board, where you can get all kinds of info about the ship. If you touch a "What To Do Right Now" button, up pops a copy of the Cruise Compass.

 

 

 

Find what you want to do, touch MAP IT, and you get the name of the venue and directions to get there.

[clean1owner]

Thank you for taking the time to do a review of your cruise, all these reports on Noro virus was driving me crazy.

 

Sorry to here of the delay at check-in, did you see Arlo on the bench? :p

 

I do hope the rest of the cruise ran more smoothly. :)

 

 

No, but when we walked into the area, two other couples were in there. I said "This must be the Group W bench", and 1 of the guys actually caught the humor and recited a couple of the Group W bench lines. It did help to lighten the mood a little bit.

[clean1owner]

We had a CC Meet & Mingle planned for 2:00 at the Sky Bar, so there was time to explore the ship. First up was the Royal Promenade, since it was just 1 level down from our cabin. The Royal Promenade is basically a mall going right down the center of the ship, on level 5. It has places to eat snack food, a couple bars, and the Souvenir Shops. They also do some of the evening activities there. It is really quite nice. The only pictures that turned out are the ones from each end of the Promenade.

 

 

 

 

If you look closely at the pictures, you can see what looks like bridges crossing the Promenade, 1 level up. These are what the performers use during the activities held there.

 

Off to the Pool areas.

 

 

The Main Pool

 

 

 

The Oasis, which is the adults only pool

 

 

 

 

 

The frozen yogurt machine, which quickly became one of my favorite places on the entire ship!

 

[CamaCama]

We were on this cruise too! Can't wait to see more... we didn't take many pictures and i'm going through withdrawals right now. :(

Edited January 29, 2014 by CamaCama

[clean1owner]

Before we knew it, 2:00 came around, which meant it was time for the Meet & Mingle, so we headed up to the Sky Bar.

 

 

 

 

Meeting fellow CC'rs was great fun, and I highly recommend joining the Roll Call and attending the Meet & Mingle for whichever ship you are sailing.

 

After the M & M we explored the ship until they called the Mustard Drill. These people are pretty serious when it comes to the Drill. On our last cruise, we just checked in and kind of hung around our assigned station. This time, we had to stand in straight lines and face forward until everybody arrived. I'm glad we were some of the later ones to show up.

 

Mustard drill ended and it was time to stake out our position for Sail Away.

 

 

We had registered a wave request with Port Everglades Webcam, and made a banner to hang on the rail for Sail Away. Our Daughter is on the University Of Minnesota Rowing Team, and they had a practice scheduled to start right after our departure time, so they were able to watch Sail Away live on the internet.

 

 

 

The only other ship in port was the Ruby Princess, and they left shortly before we did

 

 

 

 

Having a hump balcony does give you a nice view

 

 

[Cruzn Fool]

Thanks for the great review. Looking forward to the rest of it. We will be on the ship in a few weeks and can't wait. This is just what I need to wet my appetite even further.

[jonbgd]

FINALLY ON BOARD

 

After finally getting on board, the first order of business was to check out our table in the MDR. We had requested a table for 2, next to a window, and Royal did not disappoint.

 

 

 

Looks like the table we had the prior cruise. Who was your waiter?

[LBumb]

Great pics

[drarill]

Great start!! Looking forward to the rest of your review!! :):)

[clean1owner]

Looking forward to reading the rest of your review! Can't believe the issue at check in but glad it was all resolved and she had a SeaPass!

 

I have stayed at Rodeway twice, both times for day room only and completely agree about the CS staff... Both times there have been huge issues which have resulted in managers giving me free room upgrades, vouchers, discounts etc etc. Sad to hear my 2 visits weren't isolated incidents though.

 

Jo :)

 

 

 

The guy who was in charge of organizing the shuttle to the pier and hawking their gift shop over the PA system saw my Trip Advisor luggage tag and asked me if I was going to give them a good review. I simply said "I'm going to give an honest review." He then went into what sounded like a very practiced speech about how they had the free shuttle (which we had just paid $2 pp for the early departure), free breakfast, and the best offerings for a budget priced hotel. I once again said "It will be an honest review." He got the point and started asking people where they were from and other chit chat stuff to fill the time.

 

I'm working until 11:00 tonight, and during the day tomorrow so I won't be able to write any more until tomorrow evening.

Edited January 30, 2014 by clean1owner

[Cruise_Anne]

Wow, I am in the exact same cabin but on Independence of the Seas in March!

 

Thanks for the pics - makes it that much more exiting!

[cruisinmom1]

Great review-we're going on the LOS this Saturday-my third time on this beautiful ship-my favorite of all!! Hopefully, no Norovirus!

[mj]

Great review. Brought back memories of the great time I had on her back in 2010.

Edited January 30, 2014 by mj

[poodog]

Thank you for the review :)

[kruzerci]

I love the Liberty. We have to plan another cruise on her one of these days.

[dwoz2012]

Nice review and Photos thanks

[anandaindonesia]

I'll say the same thing : "Nice review and photos".

Following!

 

Michael

via Tapatalk. sorry for typo.

[clean1owner]

I woke up earlier than planned this morning, (body is still on ship time), so I thought I would try and get a page done.

 

 

We had 6:00 seating for dinner, so shortly after sail away we had to start getting ready.

We arrived at the MDR a couple minutes after 6, and were promptly brought to our table. We already knew where it was, but let them go through the motions anyway. Right behind Esther was a table of 10 women, all celebrating their 50th birthday. To our left was a table of 6, which was a mixed group ranging in age from 30's to 60's. Behind me was an empty 4-top.

 

Our waiter was Mariano, and the Assistant was Gerry. These guys were great!

Esther likes a lemon wedge with her ice water, and I like my glass of milk brought out with the main course. We only had to request this the first night, and it happened every night.

 

THANK YOU Royal for keeping traditional dining!

 

 

 

 

For Starters I had the Caesar Salad and Shrimp Cocktail. For the Main Course I had the Manhattan Strip Steak, which I think was 1/2 a New York Strip, and an order of the Garlic Tiger Shrimp, without the sides.

Esther asked if she could get a plain salad with Ranch dressing. Of course the answer was "Sure, no problem". What came out was a plate that had 1/4 head of lettuce with some sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. They literally cut a head of lettuce into quarters, and put one on the plate, without pulling it apart. We got a pretty good chuckle out of that. Esther also had the steak.

The food was cooked right and tasted great. I will never understand those who constantly gripe about the food quality in the MDR.

For dessert E had a bowl of ice cream, and I had what I think was called Chocolate Supreme. Whatever the name, it was really good.

I think Mariano is a pretty big fan of chocolate. If either of us ordered anything chocolate, his response was "An excellent choice." Only if we ordered chocolate.

 

Things went a little slower than I like, and it was 7:40 before we were done. That was the first night only. The rest of the trip we were done by 7:10-7:15.

 

I tried to post a picture of the view from our table, but Photobucket has decided it doesn't want to play nice.

 

 

Time for work. More tonight.

[clean1owner]

After dinner was the Welcome Aboard show. It was a comedian named Rich Ceisler. He was pretty good, with quite a bit of cruise humor.

 

This was also the first time to See the Cruise Director, Rich Edwards. Rich is multi-talented and does a great job with the crowd.

 

After the comedy show we spent some time in the casino until the Disco Street Party in the Royal Promenade.

 

I was a Rink Rat at the local Roller Skating center, so I related quite well with the music. Cruise Director Chris and his staff came out on one of the bridges wearing 70' garb and big fros, did a bunch of songs, disappeared for a few minutes while a different guy and girl did a couple songs, then came back out dressed as the Village People. After a few more songs, they disappeared again. The guy and girl combo took over, and the next thing I knew, Chris and the staff were coming through the crowd right in front of us. That's when the show really started. Chris is a pretty god sized guy, and for a bigger guy, he can really move! They got the crowd singing and dancing, then did a "Love Train" down the Promenade and back. For me, this was one of the better shows of the cruise.

 

E and I are people watchers, so this was the perfect place for us to watch all sorts of good, bad, and outright hilarious.

 

I took a bunch of pictures, but my camera isn't sophisticated enough, and I'm not good enough with it, to have any that turned out very well. Here are a couple to try and show the bridges they performed from.

 

 

 

 

After the Disco show, we just walked around the ship taking in the sights, and hit the sack.

Edited January 31, 2014 by clean1owner