REVIEW: Carnival Liberty - Western Caribbean - 4/5/14 thru 4/12/14

[pghsteelerfan]

LOVING this review!!! We will be on the Liberty for the first time in August.

 

GREAT pics and loads of detail. Thank you for taking the time, (and effort), to put it together.

 

Thank you and I'm glad you're enjoying it because I have really enjoyed your reviews and pictures. As a matter of fact, I just mentioned your Splendor review to someone else (I think previous page) and how much I loved your pictures sailing out of NYC.

 

I think you'll really enjoy Liberty, she is a beautiful ship and we loved the décor, especially the atrium. I hope you have a wonderful time on her.

 

I also want to thank you for all the time, detail and beautiful pictures in your reviews. I really have enjoyed them and hope you'll do another for your Liberty cruise. :)

[pghsteelerfan]

The lines aren't as long, but everyone must be back onboard by 5:30PM, so they've got 15 minutes left:

 

 

 

Caribbean Princess' bridge:

 

Our bridge (Carnival Liberty's):

 

Getting ready to close the gangway (5:26PM), but still not seeing any "runners":

[pghsteelerfan]

Soon it was pier runner time but we wouldn’t see any. There may have been some after the ship left but we didn’t notice since Caribbean Princess was still there. We got pictures of Caribbean Princess as we were leaving since we didn’t get good ones when she came in. Once we were out far enough we noticed that Elation had already left. She was there when we walked back up there pier to get back on Liberty, but was nowhere in sight now. We were able to get a better view of Disney Wonder, but I still had to use the zoom in order to actually see her in the pictures. At the same time, a sail away party was under way, but I don't know if this was the actual "Blue Iguana's Mexican Fiesta" or not. They were again playing the "Cupid Shuffle" and "The Wobble" and other types of dance music. Although we enjoy watching, neither DH or I are into the dancing, so we were up on deck taking pictures of other cruise ships instead.

Zoomed in view of Disney Wonder:

Caribbean Princess:

[4U2C]

Thank you! I'm trying to be a little more detailed with this kind of information in this review than I was on my last one. I've read other reviews that have the detailed information and it sure helps in planning for and getting ready for a cruise. I'm glad it's helpful to you. :) I hope you have a wonderful cruise with calm seas and beautiful weather.

Thank you.. I just could not help myself had to come back to see more .. this time Dh is here too.. and is really enjoying the pictures as well.. It is nice to see someone who is experienced and has such a positive vibe to the review. Really enjoying it, Can not wait for more

[pghsteelerfan]

More pictures leaving Cozumel:

 

 

 

 

 

[pghsteelerfan]

Thank you.. I just could not help myself had to come back to see more .. this time Dh is here too.. and is really enjoying the pictures as well.. It is nice to see someone who is experienced and has such a positive vibe to the review. Really enjoying it, Can not wait for more

 

Thank you again. It's comments like yours and the others I've gotten that really make doing a review worth it. Well, that and getting to re-live our cruise. :) Thank you again and I do have a lot more coming since I'm only on Day 3. I forgot to tell you that I love your signature. :)

Edited May 14, 2014 by pghsteelerfan

[pghsteelerfan]

More sailing from Cozumel:

 

 

 

 

 

[pghsteelerfan]

A few more leaving Cozumel. This is where Elation was:

 

This is where we just were:

 

View of Cozumel's west coast:

 

I loved this view:

 

 

[pghsteelerfan]

After spending some time up on the outer decks, we decided it was time to go back to the cabin. We stopped at Red Frog so DH could get another drink to have in the cabin. A cold beer sounded good, so I ordered a “Coors Light” and this time it was nice and cold. We took them back down to the cabin and sat on the balcony for a while then took turns getting ready. There was a sunset, but it wasn’t very good with too many clouds around and once the sun got down to a certain point that was it, no more sun.

A few pictures of our balcony:

[pghsteelerfan]

When we were ready for dinner we again waited for a few minutes after 8:15PM but there was still a bit of a line. When we got to the table, we were the only ones for a few minutes since the couple we were seated with the first night were going to be eating at the Steakhouse tonight. A few minutes later the other family joined us and we spent a few minutes exchanging our names and getting to know each other. They were all very nice and I had a feeling that this was going to be THE fun table.

Our “bread waiter” came around and we all picked out a piece of bread then one of the other guys came out to fill up the water glasses and DH had to ask for ice tea, which was shortly brought out to him with sugar and artificial sweetener. The others also had to ask for drinks, even though their son got a coke every night. Our head waiter, Nicolai, brought out the menus so it was time to decide what to have tonight. I had the Caesar Salad for appetizer (you know that's always going to get an A+ from me): Chicken Pot Pie for the main meal (A); and the Fragrant Basmanti Pilaf (rice pilaf) for my side (also an A). All were very good. I forget what DH had. Tonight’s “Rare Find” was Braised rabbit. I had rabbits as pets growing up and I just don’t eat rabbit. I’ve tried it before but I just don’t have the heart to eat them since I was picturing the bunnies I had. Now our table mates have rabbits but a couple of them tried it. We were all joking about that. The others who had braised rabbit said it was very good.

After dinner, our “shot guy” came around with tonight’s drink and had two colors available, green and yellow/gold. I got both colors and gave one to DH to drink. I forget what was in it, but it was ok and nothing to write home about. The night before were the B52’s, which are very good, but I missed since it was formal night. The desert menu was brought out and I ordered decaffeinated coffee and the others all had regular coffee. I forget what everyone else had but I had orange sorbet. One of our tablemates who is also not big into rich deserts said sorbet wasn’t on the menu so I told him I asked if they still had it the first night and was told they did, it’s just not listed on the menu anymore. He also had sorbet. So, I guess I didn't forget what everyone else had since I remembered what he had.

After dinner we continued visiting for a little while then decided it was time to head upstairs. It was 10:30PM and we were all tired. On our way to our cabin, we ran into one of our other dinner tablemates in the hall so we asked her how the Steakhouse was. She said they loved it and highly recommended it. I get mixed reviews on the Steakhouse, some say it’s good but not worth the money. Others say it’s the best steak they’ve ever had and it’s perfect for a “date” since it’s very intimate. I don’t know, we never tried it. We just might have to sometime. We visited with her for a few minutes then continued on our way.

We went to the cabin and our towel animal was waiting on the bed with tomorrow’s “Fun Times”. We couldn’t tell exactly what our animal was. A turtle with a long, extended neck? I dinosaur? It was definitely one of the “naughty animals” we think. Naughty animal...I laughed just thinking about last night’s comedy show.

Seriously, what the heck is this? Other than a "naughty animal", I mean:

We changed into more comfortable clothes and went down to Promenade Deck 5 to the casino bar, which was just around the corner from the stairway coming from our cabin. Our favorite bartender was there but it was busy and she was getting drinks for another couple and a guy waited on us. He was also very nice and made them the same way the gal did. Maybe it’s the casino bar and the stronger the drinks the more people will donate into the slot machines. Don’t know for sure, just guessing on our part. We took those and walked up to the Lido Deck to see what was going on up there.

They were showing the NCAA Championship game at the seaside theater that night and there were a lot of people watching the game. Connecticut and Kentucky were playing and Connecticut ended up winning, but we didn't stay up there to watch it.

 

We were both getting tired and needed to be up early for our day in Belize, so we went back down, stopped at the casino bar and got another Captain and coke. This time the gal waited on us and asked us if we wanted the double Captain and cokes without lime and we smiled and told her we did. She got those for us, DH signed and we took them upstairs to our cabin and had them out on the balcony and when they were finished, we got ready for and went to bed. I set the alarm for 7:00AM since we would be meeting for our excursion, which we booked through Carnival, at 9:15 or 9:30AM (forget which) in the Venetian Palace that was scheduled to leave at 9:45AM.

Now tonight when I was trying to sleep, we kept hearing this noise like someone bouncing a ball on the floor. This was coming from downstairs somewhere and went on for about 10 minutes then stopped. We could also hear music from the casino stage area since they had nightly entertainment there. It wasn’t real loud to where one couldn’t sleep but we heard it, kind of like leaving a radio on “low”. We also heard some balcony doors slamming tonight. That happened once, after we fell asleep, so I'm guessing it was kind of late but I never looked to see what time it was. It may have been next door but we don’t know. Many people don’t realize that the balcony doors slam shut once you let them go. We eventually feel back to sleep.

That wraps things up for Day 3 and next up will be Day 4 - Belize.

[pbxtech]

Really enjoying your review. Thanks for sharing

[amyh13]

Thank you. I don't think you'll be disappointed about booking Liberty and that 8 day southern sounds like a great itinerary. We've never been to Aruba or Curacao but would love to see both someday.

 

The reason I get the coffee from the Lido Deck and bring it down is because I like going to Panorama Deck 10 first, to get sunrise pictures (if I'm early enough for that or if it's clear enough) and also just exterior pictures of the ship while some of the lights are still on or for better views if we're coming into a port. I was also really hoping to see the "towel animal chair hogs" and get pictures of that, but never noticed them. After getting pictures is when I stop on Lido for the coffee and take it down. I did get smart and stared using the Tervis tumbler instead of two mugs.

 

Perfect explanation. I guess I am lazy. I also have two little ones (DS 8 and DD 4). DH and DD like to sleep in so I get coffee a few snacks and chocolate milk and DS and I hang out and look at the ocean.

[Jamman54]

I think you'll really enjoy Liberty, she is a beautiful ship and we loved the décor, especially the atrium. I hope you have a wonderful time on her.

 

I also want to thank you for all the time, detail and beautiful pictures in your reviews. I really have enjoyed them and hope you'll do another for your Liberty cruise. :)

 

Thanks and you can count on it!!!!

[Chief93]

I have been to both Mr. Sanchos and Nachi Cocum. I also used to live in Cancun. You had bad luck on the day you went. 360 days out of the year the beaches are just like the Corona commercial, and the other 5 the weather turns them into Glaveston. It's wierd.

 

I prefer Nachi Cocum, but my wife strongly prefers Mr. Sanchos. To each his own. Either one is a good time.

[lmgouglas]

This is an incredible review!! We were on the Liberty 4/19-4/26, same itinerary...I am loving your pictures way more than my own. Noticing things I didnt notice on our trip, which means we just have to try her again! Cant wait to see your thoughts on Belize and Roatan! Keep em coming! (and GO STEELERS)!;)

[New2Cruising24]

Thank you! Re-living our cruise is exactly what I'm doing while working on the review. When I was looking at Carnival's webcams for Liberty and Glory (both alternated Western/Eastern) to see how the weather looked and how calm or rough the water was, one of the sailings appeared to have water so smooth and perfect weather through out. I know it was in March but can't remember if it was Liberty or Glory now. I hope you were on the one I'm talking about - it looked like great weather.

 

It very well may have been us, let's say yes, it was :) We had a great week of weather and beautiful calm seas the entire time. Liberty is now one of our favorite ships, it was a wonderful cruise.

 

Thanks again for your wonderful review! :D

Edited May 15, 2014 by New2Cruising24

[pghsteelerfan]

Thanks and you can count on it!!!!

 

Great, I'm so glad and I will be looking forward to it.

[pghsteelerfan]

Really enjoying your review. Thanks for sharing

 

Thank you and thank you for following.

[pghsteelerfan]

Perfect explanation. I guess I am lazy. I also have two little ones (DS 8 and DD 4). DH and DD like to sleep in so I get coffee a few snacks and chocolate milk and DS and I hang out and look at the ocean.

 

Not lazy, you're enjoying vacation. I should actually try ordering coffee some morning on our next cruise, whenever that may be. That sounds like something I could get used to. :)

[pghsteelerfan]

I have been to both Mr. Sanchos and Nachi Cocum. I also used to live in Cancun. You had bad luck on the day you went. 360 days out of the year the beaches are just like the Corona commercial, and the other 5 the weather turns them into Glaveston. It's wierd.

 

I prefer Nachi Cocum, but my wife strongly prefers Mr. Sanchos. To each his own. Either one is a good time.

 

Oh, I think I could get used to living in Cancun. :) As for our day, I wouldn't exactly say we had bad luck - it could have been pouring down rain instead and it was so much better than the weather we left (snow and cold). We were almost 100% sure we would not see snow. We sure had a fun day at Nachi (loved the food). We just need to get back again and a great excuse for another cruise.

[pghsteelerfan]

This is an incredible review!! We were on the Liberty 4/19-4/26, same itinerary...I am loving your pictures way more than my own. Noticing things I didnt notice on our trip, which means we just have to try her again! Cant wait to see your thoughts on Belize and Roatan! Keep em coming! (and GO STEELERS)!;)

 

Thank you! I hope you had great weather on your trip. What did you think of Liberty? We loved the ship but we love all the ones we've been on. Great excuse for another trip, right? I'm actually starting on typing up the written part of the review for Belize this afternoon, so I'm hoping to get that posted soon. We had a wonderful day and Belize ended up being our favorite. Roatan will soon follow. Thanks for following and yes, GO STEELERS or as us Yinzers say, GO STILLERS!!! :)

[pghsteelerfan]

It very well may have been us, let's say yes, it was :) We had a great week of weather and beautiful calm seas the entire time. Liberty is now one of our favorite ships, it was a wonderful cruise.

 

Thanks again for your wonderful review! :D

 

So glad you had great weather and calm seas for your cruise on Liberty. We were on Miracle for a Western Caribbean cruise out of Tampa in March 2006 (went to Costa Maya, Mexico instead of Roatan but think that's before ships started calling on Roatan) and we had perfect (sunny and nice and hot) weather and smooth seas then. This time was a little different but a great time anyway. And thank you again. :)

[CruzinTamela]

What a wonderfully detailed review - your pics are amazing! I sail on the Liberty this coming Saturday and now I am more excited than ever!!!! Thank you!!

[sueandtimj]

Same cruise...how cool is that? I've had others comment that they were on a cruise just before us. Just noticed you were on Valor a few weeks before we were last year. What did you think? That was my all time favorite. Love that itinerary.

 

A friend of mine recommended Paradise Beach to us, after I made reservations at Nachi Cocum. How did you like it there? Is it an all-inclusive or do you just have to pay to get in or rent loungers? I don't regret going to Nachi and we thought it was well worth it for the price and what all is included.

 

That would be disappointing, especially for kids, to go to Mr. Sanchos and see the water toys on the beach and unable to use them. Hopefully they told people in advance that the water toys couldn't be used that day so they could change plans if they wanted.

 

How did you enjoy the cruise overall?

 

We loved the Valor cruise and hope to do it again some time. We ended up flying to San Juan out of Ohio rather than Michigan and had to drive 4 hours but the difference is price for the our flight was $400 per person (x 4 people). I think if we could find an inexpensive flight from Michigan, we'd do that itinerary again.

 

We loved Paradise Beach and will probably go back there if we ever end up back in Cozumel again. You pay as you go. It was $3 pp to get in which included a lounge chair, umbrella, use of the pool, bathrooms etc .... They ask that you buy food or drink worth $10 pp, but no one is keeping track of that. We bought bands for the boys to use the water toys (they were $15 pp).

 

The food and drink were good and the prices were very reasonable.

 

As for the cruise, we had a wonderful time. Trying to decide what to do next year!

[Daonlyone2000]

Great review. I am on the liberty next month going to Grand Turk, St. Thomas, Tortola, and St Maarten. Can't wait.