First Cruise on Liberty of the Seas-Western Caribbean

[Saegan]

Hey everyone!

 

I am about to go on my first cruise EVER and am extremely excited! :) I will be on the LOS for 5 nights heading to Belize City & Cozumel, Mexico. Any advice for first time cruisers on this ship along with experiences you would love to share would be greatly appreciated!

 

Here are some questions I have for you all: :o

 

1. How is the food? (best/worst place to eat)

 

2. What are the best times to try the flowrider? (least crowded times...I will probably be so nervous with everyone watching me fall down haha)

 

3. Best events/shows on the cruise

 

4. How is the Spa/Gym? (I heard they had extra showers?)

 

5. What items should I bring for my room? (exp: alarm clock, power strip, earplugs, extra hangers?)

 

6. Will there be a "White Night?"

 

7. Can I bring water bottles/sodas onboard?

 

8. If I already paid pre-gratuities, do I still need to tip the staff with cash for their services?

 

Sorry for all the questions! I just want to be sure I am ready for this cruise by knowing what to expect. :)

 

Also....I already have excursions booked for cave tubing in Belize & going to Xcaret Park in Cozumel....any suggestions/advice for these two excursions?

 

Thanks so much!

[Clarea]

Can answer a couple of questions.

 

Water and soda are technically prohibited, but that rule is usually not enforced.

 

Prrepaid gratuities cover your stateroom attendant and helpers, and your dining staff.

[jeditden]

2. What are the best times to try the flowrider? (least crowded times...I will probably be so nervous with everyone watching me fall down haha)

If you don't get off in a port, or if you get back early, that's the best time. Also the first day is usually less crowded, just pack your suit in your carry on.

3. Best events/shows on the cruise

Saturday Night Fever was fun! The Captain was making an announcement as it was going on, and the cast couldn't speak so the just "froze" in place until he finished, then "rewound" themselves back a few lines.

 

4. How is the Spa/Gym? (I heard they had extra showers?)

Yes they do. If you are staying in a smaller room, and are staying close to the Gym, send your guy to the gym to shower. Sauna was free 2 years ago.

 

6. Will there be a "White Night?"

There wasn't when we were on 2 years prior.

 

8. If I already paid pre-gratuities, do I still need to tip the staff with cash for their services?

Subjective. We usually tip at least our steward and wait staff a few more dollars cash.

 

 

Also....I already have excursions booked for cave tubing in Belize & going to Xcaret Park in Cozumel....any suggestions/advice for these two excursions?

Cave Tubing was great! We did it with an outside company, as it was cheaper and included lunch. But the tender process was a nightmare when we went to Belize, so you may want to plan ahead for that. We waited over 2.5 hours to get off. If you set the excursion thru RC, you should get priority tender off ship though. One of the best excursins we ever took was the Xrails to Jade Caverns in Cozumel. So much fun. So dusty though.

 

Have fun!

Edited December 19, 2014 by jeditden

[ivanrocko]

 

3. Best events/shows on the cruise

 

 

 

Best Shows: RC Liberty of the Seas (Encore: And Ice Spectacular Show; Saturday Night Fever Broadway Musical; and In the Air show).

 

 

 

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[ivanrocko]

Hey everyone!

Here are some questions I have for you all: :o

 

1. How is the food? (best/worst place to eat)

 

 

 

The best: MDR dinner service and food.

(Lobster Bisque, Seafood Salad, Fisherman's Plate Lobster tail & Shrimps, Veal osso buco, Lamb chops, Tiramisu).

 

The Worst: MDR breakfast service.

 

 

 

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[b-sizzle]

Here's my input for a different point of view...

 

1. How is the food? (best/worst place to eat)

I thought the food was good, but everyone's opinion could be different on this. I ate in the MDR every night and always found something to choose even though I'm vegetarian. I didn't have a bad meal on the whole trip.

 

2. What are the best times to try the flowrider? (least crowded times...I will probably be so nervous with everyone watching me fall down haha)

I'm not sure about least crowded times but have heard to sign up for group lessons instead of private lessons. People tend to not show up and you could possibly end up with a one-on-one for the cost of a group lesson.

 

3. Best events/shows on the cruise

My favorite show was "In the Air". I thought "Saturday Night Fever" was good but a little too slow. The entire entertainment cast is extremely talented.

 

4. How is the Spa/Gym? (I heard they had extra showers?)

Sorry, can't comment on the spa or gym.

 

5. What items should I bring for my room? (exp: alarm clock, power strip, earplugs, extra hangers?)

I've seen it recommended many times, but an over the door shoe organizer is a great way to keep track of your toiletries in the bathroom.

 

6. Will there be a "White Night?"

There is a white night, although I didn't see a huge number of people dressed in white. It's not advertised very well.

 

7. Can I bring water bottles/sodas onboard?

I didn't try personally, but I've heard it's hit or miss.

 

8. If I already paid pre-gratuities, do I still need to tip the staff with cash for their services?

It's a nice touch to tip an extra $1 for drinks if you appreciate the service you've been given. I also gave my room steward an extra tip ($25) on the last night along with my waiter and assistant waiter ($20 & $10). It's obviously a personal choice and everyone is different. The extra $55 didn't break the bank for me and I'd like to think it made them feel appreciated.

[cb at sea]

I think the best breakfast is in the dining room! I think the worst is the buffet.....at least, in the DR, you are served, and you don't have to search for butter, or syrup or whatever....it's all on the table in front of you!

[tidygirl]

Flowrider- Don't worry about people! They will laugh at you, cheer you on and have fun watching you! I strongly suggest girls either wear a one piece or a swimshirt over a bikini! I have seen some girls lose at least one side or all! Guys make sure your swimshorts are tight also! (have seen more than I wanted to see )

Things to bring- a clock is handy as they don't have clocks in the room, I also followed someones suggestion from here to bring a battery operated tea light for a night light (worked great) I always bring an extension cord as we sleep using fans and that gets it closer to the bed.

Shows- we watch them all but the ice show is really good!

Bringing drinks on board- Always have 5 or 6 - 20 oz bottles of Diet Mt Dew divided between our suitcases for weight reasons on flights. Never have they been taken

[paulh84]

We're also taking the same cruise as a our first cruise. We're not all-inclusive type people and cruising never interested us, but we're going to give it a try. I'm very exciting about it now that plans are made and we're only a few weeks away. There is so much good info found here that has been greatly helpful. While we're on the topic of somewhat general questions, I'll go ahead and toss in a few that I haven't been able to find definite answers to.

 

With the $35 Select drink package (basically beer and wine) is sparking wine/champagne considered part of the wine menu or just non-sparkling varieties?

 

We were planning on one of us getting the Select package and the other getting the Premium. I don't drink much other than beer or wine. I'm assuming it's not frowned upon to switch up the drinks from time to time?

 

I'm looking most forward to laying in the sun on deck, preferably with a view of the water and some place quiet(er). Where are the best/worst places? I'm typically an early riser so I don't have an issue getting up and around early to get a good spot. (Don't worry, no chair hog here. I give those people the stern side eye!) I've been looking at the deck plans but they're not much help in that regard.

[vrock]

We just did the same cruise a couple of weeks ago. I can answer a couple of your questions. I brought a six pack of bottled water i put it in a small bag with a luggage tag and it made it to our room no problem. Our favorite shows were the ice show and the air show was awesome. They did have a white party.

 

We did prepaid gratuities but left extra for our room steward. We tipped for room service. Have a great time it is a wonderful ship with an outstanding crew.

[OTownNick]

From what I hear, Xcaret is great but you don't have enough time to really get your money's worth. I like Nachi Coccum, an all inclusive beach in Cozumel.

 

I absouketely loved Saturday Night Fever.

 

As food is subjective, I recommend eating in Chops one night, the MDR another night and the Windjammer. Then the next 2 nights you can see which you like best and repeat, I love the Windjammer for dinner because the food and selection are great, way better selection an the MDR and you eat at your own schedule. Plus they have sushi rolls.

[AeroBaldness]

Siting in studio b waiting to disembark Liberty for what was by far the best cruise we've had. The gym has lots of showers along with a steam room and sauna. Our tour in Ocho Rios was cancelled on Thursday so I put the money towards a deep tissue massage. I get sports massages quite a bit and was worried it may be too light. I was very pleased that one of their personal trainers is also a masseuse and the massage was amazing. Wish I could recall her name, she was from Portugal. There was a white night as well as a quest. The MDR food was great and last nights lobster tails were the biggest we've seen. In the air was outstanding but we walked out of Saturday Night Fever. From what I could gather there has been recent cast turnover and they all seemed out of sync with what appeared to be missed lines and one dancers wig even flew off.

[Videochicke]

It was my first time on the flowrider. Bottom line, your ride ends by falling. Most in about a second or two after the attendant lets go of your hand. The fall happens so fast you have no time to think about how you will fall. Some land easy. Some land hard. My wrist and head hit the ground together. While it didn't hurt badly, I didn't like the feeling of falling onto your head so tried it only the one time. They have other times where you can ride it on a belly board. That was fun and easy to do. Way more worth it than standing for a second and getting hurt. My wrist and neck still hurt.

 

Some cruise hints from one fist timer to another--there is soap and shampoo and a blowdryer in your room.

All towels, including pool towels and towels for the beach are provided.

You can see where the ship is on a map on channel 40 on the tv in your room. It also shows you the apparent wind speed on the deck. The wind ranged from one mph to 50 mph. Anyone with long hair needs a hairtie outside.

Turn your cell off or use airplane mode. One couple on board had a $1500 cell phone bill on a vacation because of roaming charges.

Get a watch. All things run on ship time. Your cell will change timezones. Ours went to gmt then to island time. You can change the settings in your cell to NYC time to avoid the changes.

Bring a flat magnet of some sort for your door--makes it easy to spot.

The carpet in the elevator has the day of the week on the floor. You can easily lose track!

The pizza place, Sorrentos, on deck 4 is open until 1am. The pizza is free and so is the coffee, some sandwiches and desserts, and ice water is available. We always brought a glass of water to our room before bed.

You can order what you want off the menu in the main dining room. Feel like 2 appetizers--go for it!

Your Seapass has the last 3 numbers of your room on it.

There is a reading light on the light by the bed.

There are elevators on each side of the boat in both the front and back. The carpet by the elevators is orange on one side of the boat and blue or green on the other. Pay attention to whether your room is on the side with the orange or blue green carpet. Makes it easier to find your room.

There is lots of storage room under the bed. Suitcases fit easily.

[Saegan]

Thanks everyone for all the advice and tips!!! :)

 

-Do the rooms have irons? (To fix wrinkled clothes from the suitcase)

 

-Some of you said you put sodas in suitcases and water bottles in small bags....when it comes to embarkation, do they look inside suitcases/bags for security reasons?

[tidygirl]

@ Saegan- Sorry no irons are available. This is a hard one for me as I like my clothes ironed (Hubby says I iron whether it needs it or not lol) Some people have success with Downy wrinkle release i just hang things as quickly as possible and deal with the wrinkles!

I do put my soda in our luggage I can't say if they ever checked that or not. We had a bottle of honey in a suitcase all bubble wrapped and it was checked, but I think it was the airport since it was an international flight.

[majarosh]

You could give your fancy schmancy clothing to the cabin steward to be "pressed" EXTRA cost naturally.

 

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[likesummer]

How long will it take to get off a cruise ship, including customs, getting luggage, and any other formalities? I'm asking because I'm going to pick up the rental car. Thank.

[Clarea]

How long will it take to get off a cruise ship, including customs, getting luggage, and any other formalities? I'm asking because I'm going to pick up the rental car. Thank.

If there are no delays, it should take no more than 30 minutes to get out of the terminal. However, on our return to Galveston last September, it took abou 90 minutes because customs was extremely slow.

[Glitch1928]

What date are you sailing? Our first cruise is this one on the 1/17! Are we on the same cruise?

 

 

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[jaspercat]

If there are no delays, it should take no more than 30 minutes to get out of the terminal. However, on our return to Galveston last September, it took abou 90 minutes because customs was extremely slow.

 

Bob, that might work for Oasis and others, Liberty docks at that awful pier in FLL -- it was close to an hour and a half from time I left the ship, walked to terminal, out of line to get my bag, bag in line to go through customs, and out of terminal. Oasis -- left the ship and out in less than 30 minutes -- best terminal!

[Clarea]

Bob, that might work for Oasis and others, Liberty docks at that awful pier in FLL -- it was close to an hour and a half from time I left the ship, walked to terminal, out of line to get my bag, bag in line to go through customs, and out of terminal. Oasis -- left the ship and out in less than 30 minutes -- best terminal!

I agree with you, the disembarkation process on Liberty at Port Everglades terminals 24/25 has been very slow for whatever reason. I would also budget 90 minutes for a Liberty disembarkation, unless you are one of the first to get off.

[Glitch1928]

If we carry our own suitcase, would the process be any faster? I anticipate only having one suitcase and a carryon. How far would we have to lug them to get through customs and to the taxi stand? I realize the trek from the cabin would be added to that. 😏

 

 

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[Clarea]

If we carry our own suitcase, would the process be any faster? I anticipate only having one suitcase and a carryon. How far would we have to lug them to get through customs and to the taxi stand? I realize the trek from the cabin would be added to that. 😏

 

I believe there's a good chance you could clear customs faster the earlier you get off. So if you can handle self-assist disembarkation, and get in line early, you would minimize your chances of being delayed.

[Justmekaren918]

Seagan When will you be on Liberty? I will be on Liberty March 28. I am so looking forward to enjoying Liberty and her class. Discovering lots of new fun.

 

I have just cruised on Brilliance and Vision. I would say to bring a fan, maganets and maybe an eraser white board for notes. One's and fives for tipping if someone has given exceptional service. Casino and Guest services can cash travelers checks. A can of air freshner for your bathroom the bathroom is tiny. Neck chain and holder for seas pass card; is your everything.

 

Getting onto Vision was pretty quick and easy. I was on Vision in minutes.

 

I packed a 6pk of water and my 2 wine bottles. I did get stopped for my carryon bag, but my guess the bag was to dense to see. Bag was checked and off I went with all my stuff. I am polite and I don't say a word unless asked. You can't help them.

 

I have to say disembarkation at FLL was slow and behind. Very chaotic both ways. Some van service down stairs was offering rides to different airports so it saved me having to walk down to the taxi area.

 

Enjoy your trip and don't feel you need to do and see everything in that first day and hours.

[lovetotravel06]

LOL... One tip here made me literally lol (maybe it's just me though and is a good tip I might add). The other tip I found amazing. See below!

 

Bring a flat magnet of some sort for your door--makes it easy to spot.

 

My "lol"... I've always had good luck with those number things outside the door!! :)

 

The carpet by the elevators is orange on one side of the boat and blue or green on the other.Pay attention to whether your room is on the side with the orange or blue green carpet. Makes it easier to find your room.

 

DID NOT KNOW THAT!! Awesome tip!! Especially for first timers! I bet I've cruised Liberty (or Freedom/Indy) well over a dozen times and didn't know that until this very second! Shows how observant I am I guess!!