To Past and Future Liberty Cruisers

[SleevesEnd]

In order to do my homework for my upcoming (but far, far, away) Liberty cruise, I've compiled as much info and questions that (as far as I can tell) have been posted to or by SanFranBay Cruiser, RatherBCruisin and Tweetjazz as responses to questions. Thanks to the lucky cruisers for posting so soon! The following notes from them are meant to be used with SanFranBayCruisers original full post as well as CC's official review. I've also compiled the questions which I'll post separately so any of the cruisers can answer. Thanks again to all! Here is the info portion:

 

Rome Airport - it's a zoo! Several people barely made their flights due to the confusion at this airport.

 

The ship is pretty much like the Glory, beautiful open spaces, light and airy, huge Lido area, and that "cant get there from here" 3rd,4th,5th floor plan. Neverless this was a dream cruise.

 

Boarding was a cinch. We landed at 8:55 AM from Atlanta and our AIRPORTCONNECTION.com driver was waiting for us after immigration. It took apporx 1 hr to get to the port. We had a smooth ride in and brought our luggage to the waiting handlers. There were quite a few and it was well organized. We BREEZED through check-in (no Disneyland lines here) and were on the ship in 30 minutes!!!

 

Our rooms were not ready this early, so we were invited to go to LIDO for brunch and to wait until approx 12:30 for the rooms.

 

No show the first night and come-as-you-are dress as MANY people were without luggage( we were told as high as 40%), so bring a change of clothes in your carryon!

 

many had requested the late dining but were bumped to early. I guess the Europeans on board are used to later dining and when we North Americans asked for late dining, too-- well it was way too full. This was a bit of a problem with port days, as many had to rush back from sighseeing to dine.

 

Best side of ship: Both sides are good in Venice but, port side is BEST! (oh no! the ship will be listing with all the CC members on port!)

 

A word about the beds-- HEAVENLY!!! Beautiful, comfortable mattresses, high thread count sheets and comforter cover, 2 NICE pillows each. A wonderful experience. Other than that the cabin is about the same as Glory. Nice hairdryer, 110/220 volt plugs, balcony was the same size, but the furniture was new aluminum and mesh type, a little big for the space as you had to move either the table or chairs to get in and out.

 

We brought Euros and KUNAS from American EXpress office. They did exchange onboard ( contrary to notice with tickets), but you will get a much better rate at ATM almost anywhere.

 

coke card - it's way too much. It was $75. Cans are only $1.50

 

Time of Muster Drill: I won't swear by the time but, it was absolutely early and around the 5:15 mark, and there were people boarding AFTER the drill took place.

 

Make your reservations when you board for Harry's and for the Salon, you'll get your first choice for times this way.

 

We went to lunch at the "Fish and Chips" restauarant. We had Calamari/Zucchini/Onion fritters and an awesome Boullibase. It was not crowded at all at this time, but we went later in the week and the word was out re: the food and the place was mobbed.

 

The dining room meals were my favorite, We ate there every breakfast and dinner.

 

Kids: kids on board were well behaved, with one or two exceptions but that's to be expected on ANY cruise, on ANY cruise line. We did go into the game room and to us adults, it looked like lots of choices for the kids. The slide was open but, I can't recall which days but the kids were really having a blast on it and it was fun just watching them! I didn't really see Camp Carnival but, I did see the counselor's leading some of the kids around and they were all laughs and giggles...so I'd have to say they enjoyed themselves!

 

Teens (from a teen) I thought there were just as many teens as on a Caribbean cruise, or pretty close; I met a LOT of kids. There were tons of things for teens to do, as usual on a Carnival ship, but I found a lot of teens had earlier curfews [and were more tired] than usual because they had to get up early for tours, etc. I was in the age group 15-17, which is a new program for teens called Club 02. The teen disco is called Without Batteries and is located on the Promenade deck..most of the Club 02 activities took place there. An arcade is also attached to the teen disco, which is open to all kids (of all ages). There was a girl who was almost 15, and they let her be in Club 02, although I know they are not always that lenient. Some of the activities included Battle of the Sexes, Language Crash Course in Italian, Spanish, French, and Croation, Sunset Whirpool Hang, Black Jack Tournament, Hip Hop Dance Class, Blind Date, Ms. Liberty Beauty Pageant, Toga Party, etc..

 

Internet on the ship - was up and down a lot...keep in mind there were only 10 or 12 computers at The Web for over 3,000 passengers. There was ALWAYS a line. I didn't bring any wireless equipment but, perhaps someone else can add this information.

 

Ships temperature was pretty good, the dining room felt cold at times but, not to the point where I felt I needed a wrap or anything.

 

Beggars - literally in every port of call and in Rome, again more in the detailed review

 

Pickpockets/Stealling - we eyewitnessed a purse snatching in Venice but, it wasn't a cruise ship passenger- again more on this later. And, don't let this negative deter you, Venice is still my favorite port of call for the trip!

 

Getting around Rome: We used the Metro (subway) system. Again be advised that pickpocketing is a major concern so be alert if you use mass transit but, it was a quick and easy way around the city. I can't remember the price but, I think it was 4 or 5 Euros for a 24 hour pass. And no, didn't get the chance to order fried artichokes...some how I doubt they'd messure up to my grandmother's anyhow

 

As far as the Amalfi coast, I was happy with the tour booked through Carnival, the reason being that we were a tad late getting back (as many tours were that day) and they did hold the ship. I can't imagine a private tour company offering anything "better"...there is only one road that runs along the coast. And yes, there were a few children on this tour, very well behaved I might add, however, the younger ones did fall asleep. If you can, try to sit on the right side of bus.

 

Naples: In Naples we were told that the folks "on our tours" would debark from one door at the front of the ship and the folks" doing Naples on their own" would have a second door to do their debarkation. Kudos to Carnival to figure our how to accomodate those of us who generally do tours on our own!

 

We also saw a change in the tender day-- Villefranche- those of us who wanted to get off early were told to meet at a certain place on the ship WITH our COMPLETE PARTY-- (they would not hand you a sticker for a late person in your group). Then we were loaded on the first tender. ADDED to our tender were folks on their first tour. This made for a speedy and efficient debatkation by tender- not an easy feat!

 

Dubrovnik - the old city is fairly close and if I am recalling correctly, there were taxi's available but, I hope someone can confirm this for me. I can't imagine the taxi fees would be a lot.

 

Dubrovnik - We were assaulted by shuttle busses who would take you in and our of the old city for 10E each person round trip. Preyy reasonable for a couple but not for our group of 6-- that would have been 60E for a $10-12E fare each way! We got a cab- what a trip. These people wll want to take you on "Panorama" for 150E per cab!!! wE FINALLY JUST GOT INTO A CAB AND SAID TAKE US TO TOWN. The driver was not thrilled, but it only took 10 min, so he was back at the ship to pick up another group in no time. He did point out that the Taxi stand is at the right side of the area from whre you go into the old town.

 

Dkubrovnik - We walked into the Old City and looked in the old churches and monuments. Beautiful. A few words if you are doing this city on your own:

1. Go in the morning. After 1pm it was MOBBED!!!

2. Go all the way through the town-- don't just stop at the very touristy shops on the main drag. We went into town and to the lft, up alleyways and down streets and found some lovely shops that were selling original artwork and one shop that was handmaking linens with silk they had spun from silkworms they raised!

3. Eat off the main drag. We had a wonderful lunch when we stopped on one of the upper streets and sat down. They have lots of local seafood specialties and are very happy to give you suggestions. Damage was about 15E each including wine and beer.

4. Go to the little port area. Again, local women doing crafts and we were able to charter for a little ride to Loupid (SP) to see some of the scenery.

5. Friends of ours took the Ships tour to Cravat and loved the area, but did not have time on the tour to get to the Old town.

6. Heres the best tip--- When you are finished and going to the Taxi it is generally disorganized. We went to the shuttle bus and asked for a 1 way to the ship. They were happy to oblige for 5E each (at that point there were only two of us) and we saved ourselves hours of waiting in the very slow and competetive taxi line.

 

Venice - no the casino and the shops are closed while in port and overnight in Venice

 

Barcelona - you are not within walking distance to go shopping. There are taxis but there is a line, plan well in advance, get off the ship early and get back early, the traffic in this area is bad, lots of ships both cruise ships and commerical ships and lots of deliveries being made.

 

Barcelona on your own: you shouldn't have any problems, just make sure you get a taxi back to the ship early. We hit heavy traffic upon our return and a few people were running for the ship at the last minute.

 

Pisa - sorry can't help you out with this one, I didn't really notice taxis!

 

Final debarkation: It was so speedy and well organized that we (blue 22- those parties who had early flights, but NOT Carnival transfers) were off by 7:15AM!!!

 

Flight the day of debarkation: we had a 1:50pm flight and even with the aggravation and hassles of checking in, we still had over an hour to spare. You should be ok with a 2 pm or 3pm flight.

[Shipbound]

I will be going on her 3/18/2006 to the western carribean. Can't wait!!!!!!

 

Gary.

[Frequent Floater]

GREAT job condensing for us SleevesEnd

Thanks!!!!

[Frequent Floater]

Thanks!!!! Sorry another one Anyone recieve the Liberty pin?

[Cyn29]

thanks for additional info Sleevesend.:)

[mc'smom]

Wow

you have been busy

great job !

[Chaazz]

Great job, Sleevesend. Thanks loads.

[jeno]

In order to do my homework for my upcoming (but far, far, away) Liberty cruise, I've compiled as much info and questions that (as far as I can tell) have been posted to or by SanFranBay Cruiser, RatherBCruisin and Tweetjazz as responses to questions. Thanks to the lucky cruisers for posting so soon! The following notes from them are meant to be used with SanFranBayCruisers original full post as well as CC's official review. I've also compiled the questions which I'll post separately so any of the cruisers can answer. Thanks again to all! Here is the info portion:

 

Rome Airport - it's a zoo! Several people barely made their flights due to the confusion at this airport.

 

The ship is pretty much like the Glory, beautiful open spaces, light and airy, huge Lido area, and that "cant get there from here" 3rd,4th,5th floor plan. Neverless this was a dream cruise.

 

Boarding was a cinch. We landed at 8:55 AM from Atlanta and our AIRPORTCONNECTION.com driver was waiting for us after immigration. It took apporx 1 hr to get to the port. We had a smooth ride in and brought our luggage to the waiting handlers. There were quite a few and it was well organized. We BREEZED through check-in (no Disneyland lines here) and were on the ship in 30 minutes!!!

 

Our rooms were not ready this early, so we were invited to go to LIDO for brunch and to wait until approx 12:30 for the rooms.

 

No show the first night and come-as-you-are dress as MANY people were without luggage( we were told as high as 40%), so bring a change of clothes in your carryon!

 

many had requested the late dining but were bumped to early. I guess the Europeans on board are used to later dining and when we North Americans asked for late dining, too-- well it was way too full. This was a bit of a problem with port days, as many had to rush back from sighseeing to dine.

 

Best side of ship: Both sides are good in Venice but, port side is BEST! (oh no! the ship will be listing with all the CC members on port!)

 

A word about the beds-- HEAVENLY!!! Beautiful, comfortable mattresses, high thread count sheets and comforter cover, 2 NICE pillows each. A wonderful experience. Other than that the cabin is about the same as Glory. Nice hairdryer, 110/220 volt plugs, balcony was the same size, but the furniture was new aluminum and mesh type, a little big for the space as you had to move either the table or chairs to get in and out.

 

We brought Euros and KUNAS from American EXpress office. They did exchange onboard ( contrary to notice with tickets), but you will get a much better rate at ATM almost anywhere.

 

coke card - it's way too much. It was $75. Cans are only $1.50

 

Time of Muster Drill: I won't swear by the time but, it was absolutely early and around the 5:15 mark, and there were people boarding AFTER the drill took place.

 

Make your reservations when you board for Harry's and for the Salon, you'll get your first choice for times this way.

 

We went to lunch at the "Fish and Chips" restauarant. We had Calamari/Zucchini/Onion fritters and an awesome Boullibase. It was not crowded at all at this time, but we went later in the week and the word was out re: the food and the place was mobbed.

 

The dining room meals were my favorite, We ate there every breakfast and dinner.

 

Kids: kids on board were well behaved, with one or two exceptions but that's to be expected on ANY cruise, on ANY cruise line. We did go into the game room and to us adults, it looked like lots of choices for the kids. The slide was open but, I can't recall which days but the kids were really having a blast on it and it was fun just watching them! I didn't really see Camp Carnival but, I did see the counselor's leading some of the kids around and they were all laughs and giggles...so I'd have to say they enjoyed themselves!

 

Teens (from a teen) I thought there were just as many teens as on a Caribbean cruise, or pretty close; I met a LOT of kids. There were tons of things for teens to do, as usual on a Carnival ship, but I found a lot of teens had earlier curfews [and were more tired] than usual because they had to get up early for tours, etc. I was in the age group 15-17, which is a new program for teens called Club 02. The teen disco is called Without Batteries and is located on the Promenade deck..most of the Club 02 activities took place there. An arcade is also attached to the teen disco, which is open to all kids (of all ages). There was a girl who was almost 15, and they let her be in Club 02, although I know they are not always that lenient. Some of the activities included Battle of the Sexes, Language Crash Course in Italian, Spanish, French, and Croation, Sunset Whirpool Hang, Black Jack Tournament, Hip Hop Dance Class, Blind Date, Ms. Liberty Beauty Pageant, Toga Party, etc..

 

Internet on the ship - was up and down a lot...keep in mind there were only 10 or 12 computers at The Web for over 3,000 passengers. There was ALWAYS a line. I didn't bring any wireless equipment but, perhaps someone else can add this information.

 

Ships temperature was pretty good, the dining room felt cold at times but, not to the point where I felt I needed a wrap or anything.

 

Beggars - literally in every port of call and in Rome, again more in the detailed review

 

Pickpockets/Stealling - we eyewitnessed a purse snatching in Venice but, it wasn't a cruise ship passenger- again more on this later. And, don't let this negative deter you, Venice is still my favorite port of call for the trip!

 

Getting around Rome: We used the Metro (subway) system. Again be advised that pickpocketing is a major concern so be alert if you use mass transit but, it was a quick and easy way around the city. I can't remember the price but, I think it was 4 or 5 Euros for a 24 hour pass. And no, didn't get the chance to order fried artichokes...some how I doubt they'd messure up to my grandmother's anyhow

 

As far as the Amalfi coast, I was happy with the tour booked through Carnival, the reason being that we were a tad late getting back (as many tours were that day) and they did hold the ship. I can't imagine a private tour company offering anything "better"...there is only one road that runs along the coast. And yes, there were a few children on this tour, very well behaved I might add, however, the younger ones did fall asleep. If you can, try to sit on the right side of bus.

 

Naples: In Naples we were told that the folks "on our tours" would debark from one door at the front of the ship and the folks" doing Naples on their own" would have a second door to do their debarkation. Kudos to Carnival to figure our how to accomodate those of us who generally do tours on our own!

 

We also saw a change in the tender day-- Villefranche- those of us who wanted to get off early were told to meet at a certain place on the ship WITH our COMPLETE PARTY-- (they would not hand you a sticker for a late person in your group). Then we were loaded on the first tender. ADDED to our tender were folks on their first tour. This made for a speedy and efficient debatkation by tender- not an easy feat!

 

Dubrovnik - the old city is fairly close and if I am recalling correctly, there were taxi's available but, I hope someone can confirm this for me. I can't imagine the taxi fees would be a lot.

 

Dubrovnik - We were assaulted by shuttle busses who would take you in and our of the old city for 10E each person round trip. Preyy reasonable for a couple but not for our group of 6-- that would have been 60E for a $10-12E fare each way! We got a cab- what a trip. These people wll want to take you on "Panorama" for 150E per cab!!! wE FINALLY JUST GOT INTO A CAB AND SAID TAKE US TO TOWN. The driver was not thrilled, but it only took 10 min, so he was back at the ship to pick up another group in no time. He did point out that the Taxi stand is at the right side of the area from whre you go into the old town.

 

Dkubrovnik - We walked into the Old City and looked in the old churches and monuments. Beautiful. A few words if you are doing this city on your own:

1. Go in the morning. After 1pm it was MOBBED!!!

2. Go all the way through the town-- don't just stop at the very touristy shops on the main drag. We went into town and to the lft, up alleyways and down streets and found some lovely shops that were selling original artwork and one shop that was handmaking linens with silk they had spun from silkworms they raised!

3. Eat off the main drag. We had a wonderful lunch when we stopped on one of the upper streets and sat down. They have lots of local seafood specialties and are very happy to give you suggestions. Damage was about 15E each including wine and beer.

4. Go to the little port area. Again, local women doing crafts and we were able to charter for a little ride to Loupid (SP) to see some of the scenery.

5. Friends of ours took the Ships tour to Cravat and loved the area, but did not have time on the tour to get to the Old town.

6. Heres the best tip--- When you are finished and going to the Taxi it is generally disorganized. We went to the shuttle bus and asked for a 1 way to the ship. They were happy to oblige for 5E each (at that point there were only two of us) and we saved ourselves hours of waiting in the very slow and competetive taxi line.

 

Venice - no the casino and the shops are closed while in port and overnight in Venice

 

Barcelona - you are not within walking distance to go shopping. There are taxis but there is a line, plan well in advance, get off the ship early and get back early, the traffic in this area is bad, lots of ships both cruise ships and commerical ships and lots of deliveries being made.

 

Barcelona on your own: you shouldn't have any problems, just make sure you get a taxi back to the ship early. We hit heavy traffic upon our return and a few people were running for the ship at the last minute.

 

Pisa - sorry can't help you out with this one, I didn't really notice taxis!

 

Final debarkation: It was so speedy and well organized that we (blue 22- those parties who had early flights, but NOT Carnival transfers) were off by 7:15AM!!!

 

Flight the day of debarkation: we had a 1:50pm flight and even with the aggravation and hassles of checking in, we still had over an hour to spare. You should be ok with a 2 pm or 3pm flight.

 

You mention tendering in Villefranche. I thought we are at Cannes on the Liberty? Please advise. I have a tour guide picking us up there so need it to be the correct city. Thanks

[cruisintom]

sleevesend----since you did not bring your wifi equipment, do you remember what the charge was for using it unlimited,or did they have a unlimited usgage charge or do they do the same charge as using their computer,i just bought me a laptop with wifi due to posts saying computer room is a zoo....16 days on the liberty, going to be nice to sit on my balcony and e-mail friends and chat instant messenger with them....thank you for any info you can give on wifi usage.

[SleevesEnd]

sleevesend----since you did not bring your wifi equipment, do you remember what the charge was for using it unlimited,or did they have a unlimited usgage charge or do they do the same charge as using their computer,i just bought me a laptop with wifi due to posts saying computer room is a zoo....16 days on the liberty, going to be nice to sit on my balcony and e-mail friends and chat instant messenger with them....thank you for any info you can give on wifi usage.

 

Cruisintom -- I wasn't one of the lucky ones who have cruised on the Liberty (yet), I just compiled bits and pieces of info the lucky cruisers posted so they'd be in one place. I see you found your answer on the "laptop" thread. Thanks for asking, I had the same question.

[betthemortgage]

Question above :

 

"You mention tendering in Villefranche. I thought we are at Cannes on the Liberty? Please advise. I have a tour guide picking us up there so need it to be the correct city. Thanks"

 

 

Answer: The Liberty tenders to Cannes NOT Villefranche. Those of you who might be interested in more about the inaugural Liberty sailing might want to reference my answers in this thread:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=4385097#post4385097

[jeno]

Question above :

 

"You mention tendering in Villefranche. I thought we are at Cannes on the Liberty? Please advise. I have a tour guide picking us up there so need it to be the correct city. Thanks"

 

 

Answer: The Liberty tenders to Cannes NOT Villefranche. Those of you who might be interested in more about the inaugural Liberty sailing might want to reference my answers in this thread:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=4385097#post4385097

 

Thanks, I saw VIllefranche on SleevesEnd's post and wondered if Carnival had changed another port like it did for the transatlantic landing. Now I see he was just compiling info. Thanks again.