Another 3 Generations report: 8 day Eastern Liberty, Sept 13-21, 2014

[CruzinScotty]

I'm enjoying your review and photos of my favorite ship. Looking forward to the rest, and thanks so much for taking the time and effort to do a photo review:)

 

Be careful what you ask for. :D

 

She's my favorite ship and I have some pics to post that I've taken all three times I've sailed her.

 

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[SMSACE6]

Be careful what you ask for. :D

 

She's my favorite ship and I have some pics to post that I've taken all three times I've sailed her.

 

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There are never enough of them for me:D

[CruzinScotty]

So, here are the things we like about the Best Western, Cocoa Beach: it’s ocean front, so even without a view, it’s a short walk to the shore. They have a pool. It’s directly across the street from Publix – you can walk or drive depending on how much you need. It’s a block from the Cocoa Beach Pier. And, there’s a Dunkin’ Donuts a block away as well. ;)

 

Ma and Pa were the only ones in town and hungry for dinner. In fact,Ma/Pa arrived before me. I had requested rooms near each other; so they got a free upgrade to an ocean view room as well. SCORE!

 

We headed over to the Cocoa Beach Pier, where we ate at Pelican's Bar and Grill. This is one of 3 restaurants at the Pier. One is on land, two are over the water. The Atlantic Ocean Grille is a little fancy for us tonight - we've got Formal nights on the ship. ;)

 

Sorry, I wasn’t in FOOD PORN mode yet. I ordered shrimp tacos (delish!) while Ma/Pa shared the “Bait Pail”. There was fried: fish, clams, oysters and gator; along with fries. The 2 of them couldn’t finish it; I even helped with the gator.

 

Gator – taste like chicken? That’s always the comparison meat, right? Well, it’s closer to chicken than beef or pork; but it was stronger/gamier. 2-3 pieces were good; but it’s better as an appetizer than an entrée.

 

Afterwards, it’s time for more pictures. I just love the colors (and not just of my shirt!)

 

 

 

 

And, here is the ocean front building from the pier. We had rooms on the side - facing the pier.

 

 

When we got back at the hotel, everyone had arrived. The EC’s came to visit, we were all here except for Thing 1 or 2. She lives 45 minutes away; no need for a hotel tonight.

 

Something new for me: I went with DB/DSIL/Thing 1 to Publix for drinks. I had some water with me; but they were getting wine as well. I don’t drink much and haven’t done the wine thing before. I bought 2 bottles. Ma/Pa were gracious enough to carry one on as their own.

 

Next, it’s CRUISE Day!

[funinthesun1964]

Thanks for doing the review on the Liberty. Definitely one of my favorite ships out of the ones I have sailed. Considering a sailing in March 2015 again, so looking forward to hearing about your experiences.

 

Also - you said that you were on a cruise in 1974? Would you happen to have any pictures of that trip? Can you remember details? I love hearing about cruises and seeing photos from the 70's or before!

[fourkittys]

You couldn't have picked a better picture to start off your review. The Liberty was on my bucket list for next year but they are sending it to Puerto Rico and there's NO way I'm sitting on a cramped plane for another two hours. We live in Indiana and two hours total is more than enough in those sardine cans they call airplanes , LOL!

Your initial review has me all excited for what comes next. I love detail and food porn pictures.

We sailed out of Port Canaveral several times and love the port. Also we have stayed at the Best Western and were upgraded to a suite with a balcony overlooking pool #2. WE LOVED IT!..The people working there are SO friendly. We had a small problem with the door and it was fixed immediatley . Don't forget the great breakfast they provide with HOME MADE banana bread. We complimented the kitchen staff and they gave us a plate full to take to our room. YUM! We will be sailing on the FOS in Nov. and have booked the BW (and hoping for anotheer upgrade, lol!) On with the show!!!!!!!!

[CruzinScotty]

Thanks for doing the review on the Liberty. Definitely one of my favorite ships out of the ones I have sailed. Considering a sailing in March 2015 again, so looking forward to hearing about your experiences.

 

Also - you said that you were on a cruise in 1974? Would you happen to have any pictures of that trip? Can you remember details? I love hearing about cruises and seeing photos from the 70's or before!

 

Thanks!

 

You said you were considering a March sailing on the Liberty next year? You DO know she's being repositioned next year to San Juan some time in March, right?

 

I'll have to look for pics from the 1974 cruise. But, until then; if you go back to my 2012 report; when we got to St. Thomas, I took a "trip back in time" and showed pictures of St. Thomas taken in 1978 when I was on the Carnivale. It's fun to see me in a "Fun Ship" t-shirt. :D

 

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[CruzinScotty]

Your initial review has me all excited for what comes next. I love detail and food porn pictures.

We sailed out of Port Canaveral several times and love the port. Also we have stayed at the Best Western and were upgraded to a suite with a balcony overlooking pool #2. WE LOVED IT!..The people working there are SO friendly. We had a small problem with the door and it was fixed immediatley . Don't forget the great breakfast they provide with HOME MADE banana bread. We complimented the kitchen staff and they gave us a plate full to take to our room. YUM! We will be sailing on the FOS in Nov. and have booked the BW (and hoping for anotheer upgrade, lol!) On with the show!!!!!!!!

 

You're in the right place and I'm glad to see you liked the BW as well. Sometimes, I hate to recommend something and then have others not share my enthusiasm. ;)

 

Breakfast is coming soon, I do have one picture.

 

BUT, did you say BANANA BREAD? Oh no - we missed it!!! I'll just have to make sure we don't miss it next time.

 

So, that gives me reason to start planning another cruise, right? The banana bread at the Cocoa Beach, BW - right? :D

[mommiemudd]

Thanks!

[CruzinScotty]

Saturday, September 13th: EMBARKATION DAY!!

[CruzinScotty]

The Best Western has a free buffet breakfast. A nice start to the day. They’ve added a new pancake maker since last year. No pic, but it looks like a photo copier. You push a button and place your plate on the counter at the end. In a minute, you have two piping hot pancakes ready to douse in syrup! I didn’t have any, but they looked good.

 

You can see them here with all those nice healthy bananas and yogurt:

But, no banana bread. LOL

 

Now, its’ time to head to the terminal. With the cruise discount, you have to go to check out in the lobby to obtain your certificate with a receipt attached.

 

Last year, we were on the Dream; leaving from Terminal 10. Now, the Sunshine and Liberty are both in Port Canaveral and as luck would have it (not); both are in port today. Because the Destiny-stretched-Sunshine is considered the newest ship in the fleet; it gets priority. So, we go to a different terminal. Terminal 6 is the Royal Caribbean Terminal, buy they have no ship in, so the Liberty is there. This means for us drivers, we park at one terminal; but when we debark, it’s at the other one. This also means the Carnival staff are out of sorts because they are not in their home terminal. I spoke to a very nice person directing traffic. I told him we had a caravan of 4 cars; but he said they were only unloading 2 cars at a time, with a walk to the terminal for those getting out. I also spoke to a very nice man who took our luggage. Pop and W’ma were with me now. When he saw Pop’s cane, he told me to drive further up to let them off so they didn’t have to walk too far.

 

Coming up: a very modern song, with the words changed again. ;)

[funinthesun1964]

Thanks!

 

You said you were considering a March sailing on the Liberty next year? You DO know she's being repositioned next year to San Juan some time in March, right?

 

I'll have to look for pics from the 1974 cruise. But, until then; if you go back to my 2012 report; when we got to St. Thomas, I took a "trip back in time" and showed pictures of St. Thomas taken in 1978 when I was on the Carnivale. It's fun to see me in a "Fun Ship" t-shirt. :D

 

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Yes, I know that she is going to SJ...I'm considering the repositioning cruise!

 

Thanks for looking for the pics. I'll have to check out your 2012 report to see the Fun ship t-shirt!

[CruzinScotty]

Next, at the terminal, I met the Parking Police. I stopped where I was instructed and was yelled at by this young guy. I’m not allowed to park there, yada, yada, yada. Yea, but I was TOLD to park here, I’ll be here for 30 seconds. He points to his watch and says, “30 seconds”. Geez…. Once he saw Pop and his cane, his expression changed, but not his attitude. I told Pop/W'ma to wait right where I dropped them off, over in the shade. Parking Policy guy tried to make them move. Pop said no; my son needs to know where to find me!

 

“Why you gotta be so RUDE, don’t you know he’s human, too. Why you gotta be so RUDE, he’s gonna get on that ship anyway. Get on that ship, get on it anyway. Get on that ship, get on it anyway. Yea, no matter what you say, he’s gonna get on that ship anyway!”

 

So, it takes a while to park our 4 cars; the parking attendant makes it sound like the garage is almost full. Up on level 3; it was just fine. Time to start the check in procedure.

 

The Alcohol Police: There was a lady that checked each case of water DB had with him (he was carrying for 6 of us). After she finished, she just walked away and the rest of us sailed on thru. I heard later on the trip from someone that they had every single bottle of water opened up…. No consistency.

 

 

Tomorrow: DON’T “Hop on Pop”, and another chorus of “Rude”……

Edited September 25, 2014 by CruzinScotty

[blarko]

It's never too early to see this:

 

 

:D

 

I was on this cruise as well and am looking forward to reliving it through your pictures and review.

 

Sent from my KFTHWI using Forums mobile app

[funinthesun1964]

Hey get me some of that chocolate cake would ya? I need a snack :)

[CruzinScotty]

I was on this cruise as well and am looking forward to reliving it through your pictures and review.

 

Blarko; welcome aboard. Please join in if we crossed paths. Or, if we've gotten to a show/event I didn't attend, please share.

 

 

Hey get me some of that chocolate cake would ya? I need a snack :)

 

You might just see a few more chocolate pictures this cruise. :D'

 

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[CruzinScotty]

Before we go any further; I need to make a statement.

 

I asked earlier in the thread if it was OK for me to post a link to a you-tube video because I hadn't read the Copyright infringement thread close enough. I have re-read that one and believe it is OK if I do so.

 

But, what I'm not clear on is the other songs I've mentioned, or plan to mention. It says that you can't post portions of text from other places on the internet. Or, if you do; you need to post a link to the entire "article/web page".

 

I'm not sure how this effects music. I'm posting this info as a separate thread in the hopes a Mod will post and clear things up.

 

So far, I've only posted songs that I have changed the lyrics to.

 

Lyric information is available in many, many places on the web; and it's not cruise related info that would take away from info learned here.

 

But, in the interest of following the rules (unless I hear otherwise); I want to post links to the particular places I got the lyrics for the two songs I've mentioned so far:

 

I Left My Heart in San Francisco (by Tony Bennett):

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/tonybennett/ileftmyheartinsanfrancisco227436.html

 

Rude (by Magic!):

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/magic/rude.html

 

If you happen to know the answer for sure to this question; please post here as well.

 

And, if the Mods say I really can't do this at all; I will abide. I was trying to set the mood for the day/thread; but that may not be something people are enjoying anyways. Let me know your thoughts on that as well.

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[CruzinScotty]

When I started my 2012 report; I let people know that we knew that a group of 9 then (and 11 now) would not always want to do the same thing.

 

So, often, I will say how many people joined in on a particular event. Other times it will just be "we". How many of us it is - well - we'll just say we're mischevious and that Thing 1 and 2 didn't fall far from the tree. ;)

[092306]

Enjoying your review, looking forward to the rest!

[CruzinScotty]

Enjoying your review, looking forward to the rest!

 

THANKS!

 

And, speaking of the rest; another quick note. I'm waiting on a response about the music info I've already posted. Hopefully all is OK. I won't post any more until I know for sure.

 

But, if this thread happens to be closed; I WILL start a new one. I have everything saved. So, if you're subscribed and don't see anything for awhile - look for the new one.

 

Again, hopefully; things will be OK here.

 

So, back to our story.

Edited September 25, 2014 by CruzinScotty

[CruzinScotty]

I spoke about the Alcohol check, but didn't discuss the x-ray/body scan check. That's because it was a bit of a mess for us. Alcohol is supposed to be 2nd; but with our group, it ended up in the middle with security on both ends because of a delay.......

 

Pop has trouble getting thru the security screening every year – 3 years in a row……

 

One year, it was his baseball cap which has pins in it. He’s quite proud of it. He’s a WWII vet and quite often is thanked for his service by people that notice it. Last year, it was his belt buckle.

 

This year, the security scanner just kept going off. It wasn’t the hat. Is it his belt? Nope, the guy said it was “below the knee”. So, they took my Pop and pulled him out of line and wanded him. The first guy was decent, but the guy doing the wand was a real piece of work. After he was done and finding “nothing”; he made no effort what-so-ever to open the divider so he could get back in line, Pop had to asked to be let back in. Then, when I asked, “what did you find with the wand?”. His response was, “How the heck do I know, I wasn’t at the scanner”. That’s right, but you just wanded him, Mr. RUDE. ;)

 

Let’s go Pop, we’ve got a ship to get on anyways!

 

Later, at lunch, EC2 told us what set off the security scanner; his tennis shoes. Some tennis shoes have mettle in the eyelets. Geez, a family member knows what sets off the scanner, but the guy getting up close and personal with his wand does not. Though not Carnival employees; among the many crew members that will get GLOWING remarks, certain Port Canaveral staff will be reported. Maybe, I need to contact the port directly. But, that can wait – we’ve got a whole LOT of fun to have!

 

Next: Faster to the Fun – worth it or not?

 

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Edited September 25, 2014 by CruzinScotty

[CruzinScotty]

So, The EC’s, being EC’s - are at Platinum level. We worked long and hard to get FTTF for the rest of our rooms. It’s a game of “FTTF Roulette” and I guess I was good at it. I got them all – at four separate times. WHEW.

 

Some think it’s a waste of money and another way for Carnival to get more $$ out of you. But, for us; it’s worth every dime. We go thru a shorter embarkation line; we can go directly to our rooms to unload our carry-ons and we get an early debarkation as well. We also used the VIP line at Guest Services a few times. We had no tender ports, but that’s OK. It works for us.

 

They were just starting to board when we finished getting our Sign/Sail cards. We stood right there so we didn’t have to walk as far around for those VIP’s/FTTF people that had arrived earlier.

 

It was 11:06 when I stood on the gang plank!

 

 

Time for traditional Liberty photos of the Atrium Lobby. Some welcome aboard music. And.....you've noticed me using different colored text? Well, it's because.....You know.....the lights, they change a colors just saying "Welcome Back!" :D

 

 

 

 

 

So, we went to the room, where I took the obligatory pics. But, instead of showing those next; it's time to start the REAL Food Porn!

 

Next: So many choices - WHAT to have for lunch the first day??

 

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Edited September 25, 2014 by CruzinScotty

[Jenny in TX]

Looking forward to reading your review....thanks for sharing!

[CruzinScotty]

GUY'S Burger Joint is where I headed. Sorry for the blurry menu:

 

 

The making of the burgers. They come out as large balls of meat. Look closely to see a few. They were really fast with that iron/flat-ner thingy they use:

 

 

The serving of the burgers. Sorry, I didn't get a pic of the toppings bar; it was too crowded:

 

 

 

I chose "The Ringer".

 

Um, it looks like Guy’s is the most popular choice for our gang today:

 

 

You can see ONE thumb up. It was actually, EIGHT thumbs – WAY UP!

 

But, there’s 11 of us, so there are some other choices to see.

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[CruzinScotty]

The Mongolian Wok looks good:

 

 

Make that the Mongolian Wok for two, please. With some nice fresh fruit:

 

 

How about some roast beef from the buffet:

 

 

And finally, more roast beef. Plus, some pizza; Ma gives the thin crust a thumbs up. I can't remember what the deli sandwhich was, but I'm sure it was good. :)

 

 

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[CruzinScotty]

We can't start off too fast; we've got a whole cruise to eat. Plus, we've got an extra day - this is the first 8 day cruise for most of us.

 

Here is "The Sweet Spot":

 

 

 

 

I only made two choices, the Lemon Tart and the Strawberry pops:

 

 

Let me say that the Lemon Tart was much better than I expected. Very good!

 

And, I only remember cake pops on 2 days. If you remember others, let me know. This is the 3rd year in a row they've had strawberry pops the first day. These are super moist and VERY yummy!

 

 

While I'm on the subject of desserts; my family has been in agreement on two things:

 

1. The cake type desserts, particularly at lunch - tend to be dry. You have to look at them closely; occasionally you'll see something nice and moist.

 

2. This week on the Liberty; there seemed to be a VAST improvement in the desserts at EVERY meal. It was especially noticeable at lunch. You'll see as the week progresses. But, go back and notice the crumb-type cake above. That does look dry; I don't remember anyone trying it.

 

In fact, I did NOT choose the chocolate cake shown above because I was't sure it would be moist enough. Another nameless family member (EC2 ;) ) got the chocolate cake with the expectation that it wouldn't be moist. She did this so she would only eat a bite or two. She had more than two bites. :)

 

Anyway - Strawberry Pops - GET one.....or two!

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