Liberty Review, 8 Day Southern, June 20-28

[cruisergrandma]

What a great cruise!

 

Since we live only 60 miles North of Atlanta we decided to drive down to Port Canaveral. We left at Noon and arrived at our hotel around 9:30. Not a bad drive once you get out of Atlanta! We were booked into the Country Inn and it was our first stay there. A word to GPS users – ours kept telling us we were going to have to turn left to reach the hotel so we were in the left lane. We were quite surprised to suddenly see the hotel on the right! Quick lane change but, we made it fine. The hotel was very busy with lots of cruisers checking in but the staff was efficient and very friendly. The hotel is nice and our room was very clean. We had a pool view and could see across to the intercostal. Very pretty view. We had a King room and the bed had 4 pillows. The pillows were so tiny that it was impossible to get comfortable enough to sleep so I got very little sleep. My husband, being a retired firefighter, can sleep anywhere so he was fine. One reason we booked the Country Inn was because of the list of hot breakfast items shown on their website. We were very disappointed when we got to the breakfast the next morning. Almost none of the items listed were actually there and what was there was terrible. We could have saved money by booking a hotel with a continental breakfast and next time that is what we will do. We were on the first shuttle (10:30) to the port. It was nice and it was on time and the driver was quite entertaining.

 

We are platinum so we were escorted straight to check in and boarding the ship within 15 minutes. They boarded Diamond cruisers first and then everyone else (Platinum and FTTF) right afterward. I don’t like this. Those of us who earned Platinum status should get priority over those paying for the privilege. Since we were boarding early we were told that even Platinum cabins would not be ready until 12:30 so we headed to Lido. We found a great seat next to the window and enjoyed our lunch. It was not very crowded at all except for a small line at Guy’s Burgers. After eating we walked around the ship for a bit and then headed to our cabin. We dropped off our luggage and went back out on the ship.

We had never been on the Liberty and found it a bit more elegant (or less garish) than a lot of our previous ships. We took a lot of photos of the ship and the port before our muster drill which was quick and painless and then we set sail. Even with 16 previous Carnival cruises we had never been to any of the scheduled ports and we were really looking forward to them.

 

Since we had early dining we headed to our cabin to change and get ready for dinner. We normally travel with friends and/or family and this was our first trip for the two of us in several years. We requested a large table so we could meet some new people. When we arrived in the dining room we were greeted with a beautiful table for 8 beside the back windows. It was a stunning view all week! Only 1 other couple was there. They were about our age – he was a retired airline pilot and she was a homemaker. We found a lot in common and really enjoyed their company. No one else joined us that night or for the next several nights. On the 4th or 5th evening another couple came to our table. Again about our age and we found that they live within 30 miles of us! It always adds to the cruise when you have good table mates with whom you share common interests.

 

This was our first time trying the “American Table” menu and it was fine. They seem to have done away with a lot of the Appetizers, Soups and Salads and that was disappointing. They did have Shrimp Cocktail and Caesar Salad every night. Entrée selections were limited but they were sufficient. Everything arrived hot and properly prepared. The dessert menu was very limited and we did not try very many of the items. We ate a lot of Ice Cream and Banana Splits. They did have the Chocolate Melting Cake every night and they offered Pie a La Mode every night. They do not list what kind of pie and you have to ask. They did keep the Grand Mariner Soufflé which is my favorite. If I had seen the dessert menu first that night I would have skipped the meal and just enjoyed 2 soufflés! Yes, I know you can preview the menu on your television but I had not done that.

 

Our first two days were sea days and we truly enjoyed that. We relaxed more than we have in years and were quite refreshed before arriving in our first port. I did a ‘Head-to-Toe’ treatment in the SPA and really enjoyed it.

 

Our first port was Aruba. We had booked a private tour with Cerry at “Private Island Tours Aruba”. He books by the hour and we had scheduled 3 hours. We were picked up at port in a nice SUV. Cerry is from the island so he knows it well. We learned a lot from him and got a great over-view of the island. We went to both side of the island and saw all of the popular sites and they are really beautiful. We were surprised to find that most of Aruba is desert. We were expecting a tropical paradise and that is not what we found. Most of it is barren with cactus instead of palm trees. The palm trees were actually brought onto the island to make it more tropical. The resort area is a tropical paradise with lots of palm trees, green grass and gorgeous beaches! We had a great time and I highly recommend Cerry. He dropped us off in the shopping area and we did make a few purchases. We are not big shoppers but, we do like to try to find something locally handmade in each port we visit as well as small items for the grandkids. I went looking for a shop called “Mopa Mopa” after seeing pictures and descriptions online. Mopa Mopa is made only in Aruba. There was a shop at the cruise terminal but it was closed when we arrived. The Mopa Mopa shop is located on a back street and most people did not seem to know about it. We kinda stumbled on it by accident and are very glad we did. The items are beautiful and we brought home a few items.

 

During the shop talk onboard ship we were sold a coupon book for just $25. It offered free items and discounts in each port as well as other ports in the Caribbean. We were told the coupons were good through 2015 but, when we looked at them they said they expired in November 2014. We also found that a lot of the items were no longer available or items we did not even want. I do not recommend purchasing the coupon book. Even their main selling point – a $149 diamond necklace from Diamonds International is not much. In Aruba (our first port) I went in with my coupon and asked for the free necklace. I guess we did not look much like diamond buyers (which we are not) and we were told that they were out of the necklaces and we would have to check at another port. Another salesman walked by and said there were a few in the back so we did get ours in Aruba. It is right pretty but is just a metal of some sort (as opposed to sterling, etc.) and the diamond is more like diamond dust. Good costume jewelry but certainly not worth their advertised $149 price! Worth getting for free.

 

Our second port was Curacao. Once again we had booked a private tour. This time with Martin at Martin Tours. We were met at the port with another nice SUV and we headed out. This tour was so much fun because Martin is so much fun! We laughed and laughed all during our tour. We did a great tour in 4 hours seeing many, many beautiful sights. Shete Boka National Park is absolutely beautiful and Martin took us to areas not accessible by the large tour busses. We made many stops and never felt rushed at all. Once again Curacao is a bit desert in some areas but we thought it was even more beautiful than Aruba. We were dropped off in town and did a bit of shopping, saw the floating market and walked across the swing bridge before returning to ship. Our only disappointment is that they do not do handcrafts in Curacao – at least we could not find any nor did Martin know of any. Once again I highly recommend Martin if you are heading to Curacao.

We had another sea day before reaching Grand Turk. LOVE the sea days! No telephones and no computers ! ! ! !

 

We had heard a lot about Grand Turk. When I would ask about it I heard that it was a beautiful beach day. Apparently nearly everyone just goes to the beach or to Margaritaville’s pool. I did not speak with one single person who had taken a tour other than snorkeling or diving. Since my husband and I are not beach people (we love to look at them but burn too easily to spend time there) we wanted to do an island tour. I was unable to locate a single tour operator for a private tour so we booked Carnival’s Historic Homes, Town and Museum Tour. It is a small air conditioned van so it was perfect. We left the port area and our guide Tracy preceded into town. He pointed out many historic building, giving history on each, as well as several small hotels. We saw the old prison (drive by) and heard interesting stories about it. Our first stop was at St. Mary’s Anglican Church. It was built in the 1800’s and it lovely. It has gorgeous stained glass windows that were added I believe she said in the1980’s (could be wrong about that date). An elderly lady from the church tells you the history of the church and the plays a hymn on the organ. The sound is like a huge pipe organ but it is only a small electric organ. It was so lovely we requested another hymn and she obliged. Could have spent the entire day there just enjoying the music. We then stopped at the Grand Turk National Museum. We had a guide (Fred) who told us about the artifacts there, we watched a short film about the salvaged shipwreck (thought to be Columbus’ Pinta) and they have a small gift shop. They do carry items made in the Turks & Caicos but prices were very high so we did not purchase. Our next stop was the lighthouse. It is a beautiful spot and there are wild donkeys (friendly) roaming the grounds. We then went to the Salt Museum. This is a salt flat with a small area where they show short films telling you about their salt history and they have a gift shop. We then returned to the port. You really learn a lot on this tour and find out that there is much more there than just a beach. We shopped a little at port and headed back to ship.

 

We had another relaxing sea day was our final day on ship.

 

A few things:

 

To all of the Carnival White Shirts or to John Heard – the FTTF cheapens the Platinum perks that your loyal cruisers have earned. I certainly have no problem with you making a few more dollars if people are willing to pay but – they should not have the exact same perks (embarkation and debarkation) as the Platinum guests. At least let us board between the Diamond and the FTTF. Those of us who earned Platinum status should get priority over those paying for the privilege.

 

We love the casino even though we do not gamble with a great deal of money. This was the first cruise where they actually took everyone at the tables into the Players club and tracked them. Previously it was just the slots and the big gamblers at the tables. Now they scan your sign and sail card each time you present cash to purchase chips. Key here is to convert your chips to cash and start over each time you change tables. They only track the cash and not the chips. Even with the little bit we gamble – twice we got plates of treats delivered to our cabin and once the pit boss bought us drinks.

 

The only problem we had with the buffets is the lack of choices. All of the buffet lines now serve the exact same thing. A few years back each one was different so you had choices. They did have Fish & Chips, Guy’s Burger’s and the Taco Bar as well as the Mongolian.

 

There was also a problem with opening times at the buffets. We went up for lunch one day at 12:30 pm and only 1 of 4 buffet lines was even open – and this was a sea day so everyone was on board! This was the only day we had a really long line!

 

The Sea Day Brunch is nice but a bit too much for us. Service was super and the food delicious however, we personally prefer the buffet for both Breakfast and Lunch.

 

I just do not understand why the ‘Free Drink’ coupon is only good at the Brunch. A free drink is a free drink so what does it matter when or where you get it?

 

Loved the omelet stations. Having them separate takes the roadblocks out of the buffet line. And, of yes, the omelets were delicious.

 

The shows were really good. The Liberty still has a live band as well as the older style stage shows. Both ‘Just Rock’ and ‘Wonderful World’ were really good. We do not normally like comedy shows but we did go see Max Winfrey and his show was the best of the entire cruise. He is very talented and very funny.

 

The band ‘Music Boardwalk’ at the Casino Lounge was really good. They play mostly 50’s and 60’s music and drew a huge crowd every night. Lots of people were dancing and really enjoying themselves. The only complaint is that they need a larger area with more seats. They were lots of people standing due to lack of seating.

 

Did a little shopping onboard but not much. The shops always were a bit cluttered looking like they were in transition – new items being put or something. I also do not understand the ‘limited time’ sales they do. They had bracelets on display one day and they were quite nice (Pandora style). It must have been around 2-2:30 and I wanted to purchase a bracelet. I was told that I would have to come back at 3:30 because they were not for sale until then. Really? They were not covered up and nothing said they could not be sold until a certain time. What does it matter? One day I asked if they carried children’s tee shirts. I was told yes but they only put them out on the last day of the cruise. Why do that?

 

Debarkation was a breeze. We were doing the Platinum self-assist and were told to meet at a certain place at 8:00. Well the ship docked early due to a medical emergency so hubby and I decided to go on down to our assigned lounge at 7:00. When we got there our group had already started leaving the ship. We got straight in line and were off the ship by 7:05. Did not even wait for the hotel shuttle. We caught a cab and were back to our vehicle in a flash.

 

Loved the cruise and sure did hate coming back to the real world ! ! ! !

[nydney1]

Thanks for the review. We are on the Liberty at the end of the month. Do you remember what the Platinium gift was?

[cruisergrandma]

We got travel mugs. Very nice but heavy if you are flying.

[WoodyWindy]

What a great cruise!

They boarded Diamond cruisers first and then everyone else (Platinum and FTTF) right afterward. I don’t like this. Those of us who earned Platinum status should get priority over those paying for the privilege.

...

A few things:

 

To all of the Carnival White Shirts or to John Heard – the FTTF cheapens the Platinum perks that your loyal cruisers have earned. I certainly have no problem with you making a few more dollars if people are willing to pay but – they should not have the exact same perks (embarkation and debarkation) as the Platinum guests. At least let us board between the Diamond and the FTTF. Those of us who earned Platinum status should get priority over those paying for the privilege.

 

...

 

I just do not understand why the ‘Free Drink’ coupon is only good at the Brunch. A free drink is a free drink so what does it matter when or where you get it?

 

 

Thanks for sharing! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I am certainly looking forward to being able to get on a ship again!

 

I just wanted to speak to a couple of your concerns (note: I am not affiliated with Carnival in any way. These are just my personal opinions/observations)

 

On FTTF:

I am a "road warrior" for my job, and of necessity a fairly high elite with several airline and hotel programs. I am well aware of and appreciate the perks that come with this status. However, I don't begrudge anyone the ability to pay for a comparable level of service. In fact, I fully expect that some who has paid for a First class ticket, or a high floor suite, would be rather miffed that I have access to these things (if not at 100% availability) for "free".

 

So, I am somewhat bemused when I see other elites get out of sorts when the service providers decide to do their duty to their shareholders and attempt to remonetize some of the benefits.

 

On free drink time limits:

This falls into the same category as rebates or other promotions, regardless of industry. Restrictions reduce the exposure to the cost of the goodie. They know even if they make the offer broadly, only a certain percentage of people with either bother to even try getting the benefit (rebates) or will do so within the listed restrictions.

[cruisergrandma]

Thanks for sharing! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I am certainly looking forward to being able to get on a ship again!

 

I just wanted to speak to a couple of your concerns (note: I am not affiliated with Carnival in any way. These are just my personal opinions/observations)

 

On FTTF:

I am a "road warrior" for my job, and of necessity a fairly high elite with several airline and hotel programs. I am well aware of and appreciate the perks that come with this status. However, I don't begrudge anyone the ability to pay for a comparable level of service. In fact, I fully expect that some who has paid for a First class ticket, or a high floor suite, would be rather miffed that I have access to these things (if not at 100% availability) for "free".

 

So, I am somewhat bemused when I see other elites get out of sorts when the service providers decide to do their duty to their shareholders and attempt to remonetize some of the benefits.

 

On free drink time limits:

This falls into the same category as rebates or other promotions, regardless of industry. Restrictions reduce the exposure to the cost of the goodie. They know even if they make the offer broadly, only a certain percentage of people with either bother to even try getting the benefit (rebates) or will do so within the listed restrictions.

 

 

I never considered myself 'elite'. The Platinum perks are something Carnival offered for their loyal cruisers. It is not the same thing as flying first class on an airline as most frequent flyer miles are not first class and if you manage that then you earned it - it is not 'Free'. I don't begrudge anyone I only feel that there should be a distinction or it is not a loyalty perk at all. I do not ask for upgrades or anything else not do I expect them. But, if a company offers the perks then they should provide them. It also has nothing to do with shareholders. I do understand that the free drink coupons being limited means that most people will not use them at all. It is another of Carnival's non-perks.

[t1adams]

I never considered myself 'elite'. The Platinum perks are something Carnival offered for their loyal cruisers. It is not the same thing as flying first class on an airline as most frequent flyer miles are not first class and if you manage that then you earned it - it is not 'Free'. I don't begrudge anyone I only feel that there should be a distinction or it is not a loyalty perk at all. I do not ask for upgrades or anything else not do I expect them. But, if a company offers the perks then they should provide them. It also has nothing to do with shareholders. I do understand that the free drink coupons being limited means that most people will not use them at all. It is another of Carnival's non-perks.

 

 

 

I totally agree with your thoughts on this. Great review! I'll be doing this cruise next April. We are only about 25 minutes north of Atlanta. We are thinking of driving down the morning of the cruise, leaving home a out 5:00am. We should arrive by lunchtime. However, if we can get a room and parking for the week for the price of most public parking alone, we will consider staying the night before. How much did the hotel cost? Also, what day did they do the welcome back party? Our cruise switches out Bonaire for Curaçao which should be interesting.

 

 

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[kona_wahine]

I've had FTTF twice, once in pt canaveral and once in miami. Both times weddings, then diamond and platinums went before us. I'm surprised to hear they let plats and FTTF go together.

 

Sounds like a great trip. I really want to go to Aruba. Curaçao sounds beautiful too.

[NoName]

Thanks for taking the time to write a review of the Liberty. I cruised on her a few months ago and had a great time. She is one of my favorite ships.

 

I enjoyed your review, however I disagree with your take on FTTF vs. Platinum. I will be platinum after my next cruise, and I did purchase FTTF for my last cruise and felt it was worth every dollar spent. However, I do not feel that cruisers "earn" platinum perks, nor do I feel we "paid for them". We pay for exactly what we receive...a nice cruise vacation. The "perk" part for me is that very soon, I won't have to pay $50.00 for the wonderful privileges I enjoyed with FTTF!

 

It is my understanding that Platinum cruisers were only given the privilege of having their stateroom ready early because FTTF had this privilege. I think it is very nice that Carnival extended this privilege to Platinum cruisers.

 

The platinum perks are Carnivals way of giving their long term, repeat customers a little something extra to show their appreciation, a gift if you will...... When I receive a gift, I appreciate it in the spirit it was given and say, "Thank you". It is wrong to begrudge someone else purchasing what you were given for free.

 

Thank you Carnival for both the FTTF program as well as the Platinum program!

[rocketship]

Thanks for sharing! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I am certainly looking forward to being able to get on a ship again!

 

I just wanted to speak to a couple of your concerns (note: I am not affiliated with Carnival in any way. These are just my personal opinions/observations)

 

On FTTF:

I am a "road warrior" for my job, and of necessity a fairly high elite with several airline and hotel programs. I am well aware of and appreciate the perks that come with this status. However, I don't begrudge anyone the ability to pay for a comparable level of service. In fact, I fully expect that some who has paid for a First class ticket, or a high floor suite, would be rather miffed that I have access to these things (if not at 100% availability) for "free".

 

So, I am somewhat bemused when I see other elites get out of sorts when the service providers decide to do their duty to their shareholders and attempt to remonetize some of the benefits.

 

On free drink time limits:

This falls into the same category as rebates or other promotions, regardless of industry. Restrictions reduce the exposure to the cost of the goodie. They know even if they make the offer broadly, only a certain percentage of people with either bother to even try getting the benefit (rebates) or will do so within the listed restrictions.

 

I came here to express almost the same exact thoughts about FTTF as you. I dont understand the people who complain about FTTF going in at the same time as platinum. FTTF is a very limited offering and not sold by the thousands per ship. If anything, these people actually paid for the privilege of having a higher level of service and should receive that. I think Carnival made a good compromise by prioritizing them just behind diamond, but ahead of gold.

 

I will add one more thought to what you are saying regarding the free drink coupon. Carnival expects people to drink at night, out at their bars and casino. By giving a free drink at these times/places, they would be losing revenue from the sale of a drink. So by limiting the options of when/where you can redeem, allows them to give you a drink, at a time of day when you arent as 'prime' to buy one and not lose the revenue at night. It makes complete business sense.

Edited July 2, 2014 by rocketship

[golfadj]

I came here to express almost the same exact thoughts about FTTF as you. I dont understand the people who complain about FTTF going in at the same time as platinum. FTTF is a very limited offering and not sold by the thousands per ship. If anything, these people actually paid for the privilege of having a higher level of service and should receive that. I think Carnival made a good compromise by prioritizing them just behind diamond, but ahead of gold.

 

I will add one more thought to what you are saying regarding the free drink coupon. Carnival expects people to drink at night, out at their bars and casino. By giving a free drink at these times/places, they would be losing revenue from the sale of a drink. So by limiting the options of when/where you can redeem, allows them to give you a drink, at a time of day when you arent as 'prime' to buy one and not lose the revenue at night. It makes complete business sense.

 

They added FTTF just after cheapening the perks of platinum and dont think that was right.

 

We were on the same cruise and a few comments.

 

Max Winfrey was outstanding one of the best flyons we have ever seen.

 

Jim Brickman the last two nights in comedy club was hilarious.

 

Having a rock band on the promenade nest to the casino is just plain dumb. Too noisy to hear the music, no room to dance and rather smoky. They have a nice lounge on deck 4 which is hardly used. Or a lounge next to the back lounge.

[cruisergrandma]

I totally agree with your thoughts on this. Great review! I'll be doing this cruise next April. We are only about 25 minutes north of Atlanta. We are thinking of driving down the morning of the cruise, leaving home a out 5:00am. We should arrive by lunchtime. However, if we can get a room and parking for the week for the price of most public parking alone, we will consider staying the night before. How much did the hotel cost? Also, what day did they do the welcome back party? Our cruise switches out Bonaire for Curaçao which should be interesting.

 

 

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We paid around $175. Included the room, breakfast and parking. There are cheaper options. Just do a search for a park and cruise. I would be careful about the long drive the day of the cruise. As we came home there was a huge traffic jam in Jacksonville. All I could think was "I hope there are no cruisers tied up in that." I don't remember which day had the Welcome Back Party. We do not go. I did get the invitation just don't remember which day.

[wantocruisemore]

Thanks for your review. We love Liberty and would like to do the southern itinerary some day.

 

We also like cruising out of Cape Canaveral since we can drive down from NC. But we stayed at Comfort Suites for around $150 for 5 of us for a 2 room suite. The breakfast was one of the best I've ever seen and it included free parking and shuttle to/from ship.

[beachbumfl]

Thanks for the review, going on this same itenarary in August. Can't wait to get onboard and explore the Liberty. This will be my 7th Carnival Cruise and 1st on a 2.0 upgraded ship.

[golfadj]

I totally agree with your thoughts on this. Great review! I'll be doing this cruise next April. We are only about 25 minutes north of Atlanta. We are thinking of driving down the morning of the cruise, leaving home a out 5:00am. We should arrive by lunchtime. However, if we can get a room and parking for the week for the price of most public parking alone, we will consider staying the night before. How much did the hotel cost? Also, what day did they do the welcome back party? Our cruise switches out Bonaire for Curaçao which should be interesting.

 

 

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Would never travel so far day of a cruise. Any hiccup and you miss the ship.

 

Radaisson was about $ 140 for room, parking and shuttle. Or drive 300 miles or so stay at motel and go rest of the way and do off site parking.

 

Repeat guest party was last night of cruise.

[Lovefuninthesun]

I totally agree with your thoughts on this. Great review! I'll be doing this cruise next April. We are only about 25 minutes north of Atlanta. We are thinking of driving down the morning of the cruise, leaving home a out 5:00am. We should arrive by lunchtime. However, if we can get a room and parking for the week for the price of most public parking alone, we will consider staying the night before. How much did the hotel cost? Also, what day did they do the welcome back party? Our cruise switches out Bonaire for Curaçao which should be interesting.

 

 

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Doing Liberty in October -- even though we only live across the state in Tampa, we are spending the night before in a hotel -- makes things run so much more smoothly day of the cruise.

 

We are booked in the Comfort Inn -- $120 for room, breakfast, full week parking and shuttle to/from port! Just to park at the port would be $120.

 

We thought the Radisson was pricey for the same thing -- $145 without breakfast, $165 with breakfast.

[SkyMaster]

I too, appreciate your review, and I too agree with 99% of what you said. I sailed "Liberty" last month, and had a FANTASTIC time aboard. I LOVE the fact that the ship has received all the 2.0 FOOD upgrades, but still has the 1.0 shows, which are head and shoulders above the "Playlist Production" shows. The best of both worlds, IMO.

Thinking of booking "Liberty" again for the fall. Can't wait to get back aboard.

 

"SKY"

[golfadj]

I too, appreciate your review, and I too agree with 99% of what you said. I sailed "Liberty" last month, and had a FANTASTIC time aboard. I LOVE the fact that the ship has received all the 2.0 FOOD upgrades, but still has the 1.0 shows, which are head and shoulders above the "Playlist Production" shows. The best of both worlds, IMO.

Thinking of booking "Liberty" again for the fall. Can't wait to get back aboard.

 

"SKY"

 

And Cory was one of the best CD's we have come across.

[bailey57]

Thanks for the detailed review. I'm sailing Liberty in 38 days (not that I'm counting). :rolleyes: Appreciate the island tour operator comments - still deciding what to do, and both tours sound good. Can I ask the price of the tours you took?

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the report!

[Keith1010]

Thanks for the review and glad you enjoyed the cruise.

 

Keith

[RWolver672]

I only feel that there should be a distinction or it is not a loyalty perk at all.

 

There is. You get the perks for free. The rest of us have to pay for it. It's no different than you getting free laundry and we have to pay for it. Nobody ever complained about that.

[cruisergrandma]

Thanks for the detailed review. I'm sailing Liberty in 38 days (not that I'm counting). :rolleyes: Appreciate the island tour operator comments - still deciding what to do, and both tours sound good. Can I ask the price of the tours you took?

 

Cerry in Aruba charges by the hour. You can schedule as much time as you want. We did 3 hours. Cost was $45 per hour. That is for up to 4 people. Martin in Curacao charged $150 for a 4 hour tour for up to 4 people. It is wonderful to do a private tour. In our case it was hubby and I with a tour guide. We went at our own pace, saw what we wanted to see, stopped when we wanted to stop and asked all the questions we wanted to ask. We always try to do a private tour when possible.

[WoodyWindy]

I never considered myself 'elite'. The Platinum perks are something Carnival offered for their loyal cruisers. It is not the same thing as flying first class on an airline as most frequent flyer miles are not first class and if you manage that then you earned it - it is not 'Free'. I don't begrudge anyone I only feel that there should be a distinction or it is not a loyalty perk at all. I do not ask for upgrades or anything else not do I expect them. But, if a company offers the perks then they should provide them. It also has nothing to do with shareholders. I do understand that the free drink coupons being limited means that most people will not use them at all. It is another of Carnival's non-perks.

 

"Elite" is simply the term used for people who have earned a level of status through membership in a loyalty program, so as a "Platinum" you most certainly fall into that group. As a cruise elite, you have the added benefit of receiving your status for life, whereas frequent fliers and sleepers have to re earn every year in order to maintain their benefits.

 

If you compare the elite membership charts for Carnival, Hilton, and American Airlines, you will see that - other than the elements specific to land, sea, or air - the general kinds of benefits for the various tiers are very similar across the programs.

 

Almost all of those perks can also be purchased, whether on their own, or whether they normally come with certain levels of accommodation (e.g. First Class, Suites, etc...). AND they are all subject to change at the whim (subject to any notification requirements) of the companies' respective marketing/finance/etc... departments.

 

So, enjoy what you have (whether "earned" or "paid for"), and don't begrudge others for having the same thing regardless of how they acquired it. This isn't a zero-sum game.

 

Happy Cruising!

[jemeerka]

thanks for your review. I was on this trip as well and really enjoyed the Liberty. I honestly didn't notice that the FTTF people were boarding the same time as the platinum members. It went really fast. When I got onboard, at 11:00, my cabin was ready for me even though the women in the lounge had made an announcement that they wouldn't be....I'm glad you enjoyed your trip! I am heading back out with them again next week........

[golfadj]

thanks for your review. I was on this trip as well and really enjoyed the Liberty. I honestly didn't notice that the FTTF people were boarding the same time as the platinum members. It went really fast. When I got onboard, at 11:00, my cabin was ready for me even though the women in the lounge had made an announcement that they wouldn't be....I'm glad you enjoyed your trip! I am heading back out with them again next week........

 

We also got on board at 11 but our cabin was not ready. We just left our stuff and went for a stroll.

 

Earliest time to board ever.