Back from Liberty 7/20

[24butterfly]

Hard to believe, but a year in the planning is over...Those of you that are going, here are my opinions (so don't chastise me):

 

We met a couple on this board, and took a limo to Civit. I honestly couldn't find the train station, and the ship is located at pier 25--a good distance from the station. I did not see any cabs, nor did I see a ship's shuttle. As someone who is a do-it-yourself--I'd take a car any day. You never touch the luggage and you don't have to worry if you're going in the wrong direction. It was HOT and to lug luggage...

 

The ship--is beautiful We had a balcony cabin and we used it. I fell asleep on it one day. The rates charged daily for Euros ranged from 1.22-1.28.

 

Venice. Pulling into the Grand Canal was beautiful. We didn't dock where all the other ships docked, but 4 bridges and a short walk to St. Mark's Square. You can catch the 1, 41, 42 and 82 steps from the ship. Be sure to buy a ticket, as we were asked when we were on the vaporetto. I couldn't find any knockoffs (darn!) but someone at my table said a lady was fined for buying one. In one of my fashion mags, it IS true that Italy and France are cracking down on fakes. Anyway, I looked for nice leather bags and didn't see anything nice either. Loads of beautiful Venetian glass, tho'.

 

Rome. It's HOT, noisy, crowded. Well worth seeing the great arts and monuments. Had no problems w/$. I charged dinners, and just got a bill from one card--$1.20 per Euro. We took the train from the airport into Rome. 9.5 Euro, but the luggage was a hassle. We had one large rolling one each, plus a carry-on. No pickpockets waiting to claw you as you got off the train, nor did we encounter any in Rome. However, we did encounter some beggars.

 

Dubrovnik. There's a ship shuttle--$5 pp, o/w, $10RT. Take it. It's too far to walk, and a taxi will cost you more. THey take Euros for the wall--4.5...I didn't think it was worth walking the wall, next time we'll take a boat to a surrounding island. The city itself was crowded....I'd still take the boat to an island--you can do the town in about an hour...

 

Cannes. You are tendered by the Port of Cannes boat. 10 mins to shore if that. Getting off the ship was a bit of a hassle, as it was 10:00am, they had called tender #8 and we were 18. I wasn't happy, but then all of a sudden they called 3 tenders at once....The sail-away was beautiful.

 

Sicily.(Messina) We took a tour to Taormina. I tried to look for the train station but couldn't find it. It took about 1 hour to get to Taormina from Messina anyway....Nothing really in Messina....Taormina is verycute, quaint and expensive. We only had 45 mins to shop and get back to the meeting place. It's a hilltop town, so I'm not sure where a train would take you, nor did I see any taxis or people taking taxis to the town.

 

Barcelona. They had cancelled our tour as the minimum amt of people had not been met. So we went to the Costa Brava on their tour. Small beach, no changing room, nice water... True, many people had trouble getting back to the ship, us included, but there were at least 3 other mega-liners there as well. Barcelona provided free city shuttles, but not enough. Tablemates said they had taken a barcelona Highlights tour and SHopping--only 20 mins to shop (!) and they said it looked like something set up by the bus company.

 

Livorno. Having been to Florence and Pisa a couple of times, we opted for Lucca. Couldn't see the train station from the Port, and only 3-4 taxis were waiting. Don't think they wanted a fare to the train station. It was a 45 min bus ride to Lucca. My husband liked it; I'm glad I saw it, it's a rocky cobblestoned street and walled town--not much to see or to buy. Really, untouched by tourists.

 

Naples. Having done Capri, etc., we walked around Naples, took the funicular. We felt safe there, xcept when crossing the street. It's them or you, and just hold out your hand and they'll stop. Otherwise, we'd still be waiting.

 

I thought the food was excellent, down pillows, down comforter and thick plush towels. I thought the cabins were a few feet bigger than usual.

WAKE UP CALL: DO NOT pick up the phone to program. THey finally figured this out on the last night and printed it. Lots of people were having problems b/c of this.

Room service was great, and so was the Casino to us....

DISEMBARRKATION: I doubt it will ever be perfect, but I think it went as smooth as it will ever be. We took their transfer to the airport. Only saw 3-4 taxis at the pier and these were gobbled up. Civit. is a small town and that's why so little # of taxis. Again, after the cruise, you're a bit tired and believe me, you don't want to lug a 400 pound suitcase to a trainstation. It's quite a distance. There were NO SHUTTLES TO THE TRAIN STATION. Again, I'm glad we took a limo to the Port, and a transfer to the airport. Everyone was very nice.

 

True about a previous posters post re: the "sunken casino"....Also, the internet had probs so lay off those who didn't post.....Smooth sailing throughout the cruise......If you have any quest. I'd be happy to answer if I can.....Those of you that are going--it's fantastic....

[LRene]

Any idea what the problem with the Internet was? I'll have my own wireless laptop and, unfortunately, will have to check in on business while traveling. Did the problem seem to be a "range" issue with the satellite or a temporary issue that they may work out? Any info you have may ease my mind. Thanks.

[FamilyFive]

Thanks for the review....especially about the shuttles provided/.

[Jodles]

Thanks for a great review!! We are on the sailing on the 13th August - can't wait.

 

I have a question - it may seem obvious, but as we have never been on a cruise before, let alone a Carnival cruise, please bear with me!! I understand that there's a soda card available for soft drinks, but what about water? I drink about 3 litres of bottled water a day, and I'm worried that it's going to cost me a fortune! Or is water free?

 

Thanks!

[FamilyFive]

Thanks for a great review!! We are on the sailing on the 13th August - can't wait.

 

I have a question - it may seem obvious, but as we have never been on a cruise before, let alone a Carnival cruise, please bear with me!! I understand that there's a soda card available for soft drinks, but what about water? I drink about 3 litres of bottled water a day, and I'm worried that it's going to cost me a fortune! Or is water free?

 

Thanks!

Jodles....

No water card but a great idea. Have sailed with Royal Carribean & Princess & the water is ok to drink on board. So there an unlimited supply of water. The table staff usually keeps your glass full when in the dinning rooms. It's one of those things that I love about the dinning rooms :D silly. We always buy bottled water when we are off ship. We bring a six pack on board & keep chilled in the fridge for the next day. Not sure what Carnival's policy is about bottled water brought on board but we have never had a problem w/the other ships.

Hope this helps.

 

By the way, did you figure out transport to Rome?

[Cruzluvin]

Thanks for your review. I am going to be one of those that take the train to Civit..So, I guess I will let people know how it goes when I get back. I am hoping it is OK.

[Juliadlf]

Thanks for the review. Always great to read everyones point of view.

[24butterfly]

If you buy water ashore, I highly highly doubt that it will be confiscated. Also, in your cabin, there's a bottle--I think it's $3.50 or something like that--per bottle. My husband just opens 'em up regardless.....I take small bottles of water ashore w/me when we do xcursions, but you can taste the difference--not a big deal tho'--it's not drinkable--it's just the difference btwn sink water and Evian. I get the water from the Lido buffet or from the bar. Ask for a big glass w/ice. Bring your own liter bottles and just fill 'wm up there.... THe soda cards I think are 19$ for kids--not sure for adults. Also--pls let me know of your adventure in taking the train to Civit...I'm telling you--it''s HOT and to LUG all that luggage--for the few $ you're going to save--it's worth it (and I'm a huge public transport person). Also, when we took the train into Rome from the airport, it certainly was a pain to get the luggage into the train and we couldn't find seats. If there is a next time into Rome, we're taking a car....Let me know how your cruise is--you're in for a real treat...

 

OH!! I wish I had brought CLOTHESPINS. On sea days, once in a while it can get windy. Next cruise I will....

[OhJinkies]

If you buy water ashore, I highly highly doubt that it will be confiscated. Also, in your cabin, there's a bottle--I think it's $3.50 or something like that--per bottle. My husband just opens 'em up regardless.....I take small bottles of water ashore w/me when we do xcursions, but you can taste the difference--not a big deal tho'--it's not drinkable--it's just the difference btwn sink water and Evian. I get the water from the Lido buffet or from the bar. Ask for a big glass w/ice. Bring your own liter bottles and just fill 'wm up there.... THe soda cards I think are 19$ for kids--not sure for adults. Also--pls let me know of your adventure in taking the train to Civit...I'm telling you--it''s HOT and to LUG all that luggage--for the few $ you're going to save--it's worth it (and I'm a huge public transport person). Also, when we took the train into Rome from the airport, it certainly was a pain to get the luggage into the train and we couldn't find seats. If there is a next time into Rome, we're taking a car....Let me know how your cruise is--you're in for a real treat...

 

OH!! I wish I had brought CLOTHESPINS. On sea days, once in a while it can get windy. Next cruise I will....

 

Was the refrigerator in your cabin cold enough to chill a bottle of water from room temperature? Those things sometimes don't chill so much as just maintain the temperature!

 

We have a balcony on our October 12 sailing. What would you have used the clothespins for? I plan to bring some "binder clips" for the shower curtain, etc.

[Sybird]

Thanks for your review. We have gained some hints for our Sept 6 sailing. We have four questions:

1) What is the dress code(shorts?) during the tours of each city?

2) Should we bring euros from the U.S. before we land in Rome/ How much? We will be in Rome 3 days b/4 the cruise

3) Was there a tour to the Isle of Capri?

4) If not booking Carnival tours, are credit card usable intaking tours throughout the cruise?

Welcome home. Thanks for the reviews

[FamilyFive]

If you buy water ashore, I highly highly doubt that it will be confiscated. Also, in your cabin, there's a bottle--I think it's $3.50 or something like that--per bottle. My husband just opens 'em up regardless.....I take small bottles of

 

24Butterfly, thanks for the water update.

[24butterfly]

Thanks for your review. We have gained some hints for our Sept 6 sailing. We have four questions:

1) What is the dress code(shorts?) during the tours of each city?

2) Should we bring euros from the U.S. before we land in Rome/ How much? We will be in Rome 3 days b/4 the cruise

3) Was there a tour to the Isle of Capri?

4) If not booking Carnival tours, are credit card usable intaking tours throughout the cruise?

Welcome home. Thanks for the reviews

 

Sorry for the delays--stupid internet was down here...

 

1) You can wear shorts if you're visiting cities....xcept if/when you go into religious institutions. Even then, they have scarves to cover shoulders and heads. Sometimes my knees were covered, sometimes not, nobody made a deal over it, xcept maybe in the vatican. I tried not to look like a tourist, but we just have that "look" about us...I/we didn't wear any sloganed or city named t-shirts.

2) I always bring euros w/us b4 we go. It all depends on what you're going to spend--r u going out to dinner?? Charge it. One bill came and I got 1.20 to the Euro. You'll need $ for incidentals--such as water, coffee, gelati, etc..Depends on how many you are--maybe figure $60 per day and that's probably an overestimate. If you want to eat lunch somewhere--it all depends...R U taking a car or the train into Rome? THEY ONLY ACCEPT EUROS. NO CREDIT CARDS. You can always buy $ on the ship....

3) Yes, there was a tour to Capri. You dock in Naples right next to the hydrofoil that takes you there if you want to go on your own. Be sure to be back in time, tho'....It looked like there were hydro's every 15 mins/half hour or so.

4) I'm not sure I understand your last question, but if you don't book your tour now, you can book it on the ship at the shore xcursion desk OR ON YOUR TV. Hope this helps, have a great time, don't worry about anything...

[24butterfly]

Don't know why this is so far down on the pages....

[SPKR]

please advise if you receive any information regarding bringing a laptop. I'm not great at these boards, just email me: kblit@aol.com. THANKS

[Simcoe]

I too plan on bringing my laptop, and would like to know if there is any extra set up that I will need to do to get onto the internet. Can't wait for our Sept. 6th cruise.

[not Cozumel again cruiser]

Hi- would also like to know if anyone has any info on the "wi-fi" or internet on Liberty as we are considering a cruise but need to keep in touch with our kids. We read somewhere that this ship has wi fi but don't know much else- on some ships you have to but their card or pay a fee to use the internet on your own computer........Thanks in advance for any info

[not Cozumel again cruiser]

Uh- that would be- "buy their card" Thanks

[kferre817]

My husband and I are also sailing on 8/13. Have you heard how you reserve a car to the pier? It's about 1 1/2 hrs away. We were planning on taking the 3 hour pre-embarkation tour of Rome since it provides transportation to the pier. This is my first cruise and I'm thrilled.

[kferre817]

For anyone who has already sailed on the Liberty.

We are sailing on the Liberty on 8/13/05. Our Honeymonn. This is the first time for both on Carnival and a 7+ day cruise.

Should we sign up for the excursions once we get on the ship?

Do the tips get charged on your card at the end of the cruise or do you leave cash in an envelope?

How do you reserve a car from the airport to the pier?

Is it true you can arrange for transportation from the Pier back to the airport once you're on the ship?

 

Please assist with any advice.

 

THANK YOU!!

[24butterfly]

For anyone who has already sailed on the Liberty.

We are sailing on the Liberty on 8/13/05. Our Honeymonn. This is the first time for both on Carnival and a 7+ day cruise.

Should we sign up for the excursions once we get on the ship?

Do the tips get charged on your card at the end of the cruise or do you leave cash in an envelope?

How do you reserve a car from the airport to the pier?

Is it true you can arrange for transportation from the Pier back to the airport once you're on the ship?

 

Please assist with any advice.

 

THANK YOU!!

 

OK--clothespins question: I'd bring them to hold down the towels on the lounge chairs....

You can pre-book your xcursions on the internet b4 you leave, also on your tv. Tips get charged at the end of the cruise on your account. There are 100's of posts on companies fm the airport to pier, or just do a limo+Rome search. Yes, you can arrange for transport back to the airport fm the ship--we took the ship's transfer. Sorry that this is so late--internet company was down again....

[Betty Lu]

Hi 24 Butterfly. We're planning to go to Lucca as we've already been to Pisa and Florence. How did you get there? You mentioned a bus, is that best or is there a train? Where did you get the bus? Thanks for your input.

[24butterfly]

Hi 24 Butterfly. We're planning to go to Lucca as we've already been to Pisa and Florence. How did you get there? You mentioned a bus, is that best or is there a train? Where did you get the bus? Thanks for your input.

 

 

We took a ship's tour. I'm all for a do it yourself, but I think taking a train is a bit of a hassle. The train station is not located right off the ship in Livorno. You have a ways to walk. Also, when we went, people were stranded at the Liv'no train station and called the ship. The Captain held the ship for about 1 hour til they got to the ship. THe ride to Livorno is at least 45 mins by bus anyway. No taxi's or not alot were waiting at the dock.

[drwong]

Hey Betty Lu - welcome back from the Black Sea! Got any pics to share? Any tips? (We've booked ourselves on the same cruise next year). You can send me the info simply by typing my user name, and adding @rocketmail.com to it!

 

We've found that Lucca is one of the less popular ships tours, not because of the sights, but because of the limited time in port. When you only have one day in Livorno, probably 75-80% of cruisers (many of whom tend to be first-timers) opt for one of the Florence tours. A lesser number (maybe 10%) go for one that mixes Florence and Pisa, and the rest are split between Lucca and San Gimigliano (or a Tuscan countryside) tour.

 

Depending on whether fellow cruisers have already booked one of the popular local guides mentioned on these boards, it's more efficient to gather a group of six and tailor-make a tour on your own - you can set your itinerary and squeeze in about twice as much as a ship's tour!

 

Richard

[SweetCin70]

Thanks so much for the helpful review. We're doing the Liberty for our honeymoon next year. I just wanted to know if the excursions really fill up fast? We received an email to book now as the majority are listed as "limited." Was that a big problem?

 

Did Carnival's prices change if you booked beforehand on excursions (to boat).

 

Thanks.

 

Also, what would you say the mix of people were? Agewise? Nationality? Thx.

[watersprite]

For the Florence stop, think of Cinqueterra instead, we took the train, just be sure you validate your ticket at the yellow machine BEFORE boarding or you have to pay again.

 

these 5 villages are glorious, you walk between, check out the area on the web, must be able to hike rough terrain, up and down hill,not great for kids as it is ITALY and no railings, cliff worn away to small path, but lifetime great experience for us. Bring water!