I am hopelessly lost... please help!!

[sftnslky]

I will start off apologizing. I have so many questions and trying to find the answers is very confusing to me. :confused: As a family we have typically only sailed on Disney many times. This time however I am going with my oldest daughter and her hubby and my 3 grand kids. To say that all my other kids are not happy is an understatement. I was a teenage Mom to my oldest..then got wise and waited to start my family up again LOL so my oldest is 33 and I have 4 teenagers at home.. But I digress ;)

 

We are sailing out of Galveston Tx on Sept 4th on Liberty Of The Seas. The questions are as follows....We booked a Family Ocean View Stateroom. On paper it looks very large but I am finding very conflicting reviews...including some who say there is a balcony and some that say there isn't one. To be more specific we are staying in cabin #7200 so any thoughts, comments would be very welcomed.

 

Second....I have several questions about the kids clubs.. Are they really closed all during the afternoon? After a certain time at night do you have to pay? Do they keep the kids if you decide to go into port without them? If the baby is a few weeks from turning 3 will she still have to go to the nursery? Do you have to reserve your hours in the nursery prior to boarding? And how much is each hour? On Disney the kids clubs literally take up more the half of one FULL deck.. How big are the kids clubs on the Liberty? What can the kids do if they do not want to participate in the hourly activity...like is there computers, video games, movie theater?

 

Third...There are tons of "extra" restaurants on the ship... Are they all included? Does your wait staff move to each dining room with you each night? Or.....wait??? is there only one dining room???? Sorry there are 3 main dining rooms on Disney and you do a rotation with your wait staff. Where are the soda fountains located at? Are the pools on board nicely sized or more like a large bathtub...which is Disneys downfall. Are there quick service "free" restaurants up on the main [typically] pool deck? Do you have to pay for the water activities..ie flow rider, water slides?? Is the ship Non-Smoking? Lastly at least for now lol how do we get our boarding time pass? I can't seem to find anything about it online.

 

Thank you to everyone who takes their time to not only read this but to supply this frazzled Mom with answers. :)

[xpcdoojk]

One main dining room, with 3 levels, two are traditional early and late and one is my time dining, so you pick within in limits. The windjammer (buffet) is also included, the others are not,

 

Most of the things like flowrider are free.

 

JC

[molsonschooner]

cabin 7200 does not have a balcony from the deck plans I have

[Langley Cruisers]

Cabin 7200 looks out onto the bow (front) of the ship. There is no balcony but there is a large window.

 

The ship is not non-smoking, but smoking is prohibited in cabins and on balconies. There will be designated smoking areas around the ship, and the casino is a huge indoor smoking area, so just know that.

Edited April 7, 2016 by Langley Cruisers

[racerxspeedy]

This video has the same room on deck nine (9200). This should help show the layout. I think 7200 is not quite as deep. You will need to keep the curtains drawn at night.

 

[wolfganghowell]

Third...There are tons of "extra" restaurants on the ship... Are they all included?

Main Dining, Windjammer, cafe Promenade and Sorrentos are included

Does your wait staff move to each dining room with you each night?

Nope only one Main Dining Room. You can do Traditional Dining - same table, time and waiters or you can do My Time Dining - pick your time but sometimes your table or waiters will be different. You can request the same ones.

 

Are the pools on board nicely sized or more like a large bathtub...which is Disneys downfall.

Decent

 

Are there quick service "free" restaurants up on the main [typically] pool deck?

Windjammer buffet

 

Do you have to pay for the water activities..ie flow rider, water slides??

Nope

 

Is the ship Non-Smoking?

The only smoking areas are outside on deck 4, the casino, one area on the pool deck and one area in front of the Sky Bar (also outside).

 

how do we get our boarding time pass?

Boarding is as follows: Wedding parties, Suites and Pinnacles, Diamond + and Diamond, Emerald, Gold and everyone else. Since this is your first Royal cruise, most likely you will be able to board around 12:30. But don't hold me to that. :D

[sftnslky]

This video has the same room on deck nine (9200). This should help show the layout. I think 7200 is not quite as deep. You will need to keep the curtains drawn at night.

 

 

Thank you so much for the video.. But now i'm super worried... That cabin is TINY for 6 people. I don't know what the sq footage is, but it literally looks the same size as a Ocean View Disney Cabin that only sleeps 3-4. Goodness, goodness, goodness.. what am I going to do????

[melski]

I just came off of Liberty on the March 20 sailing.

 

1. I don't know anything about your room. However it does say Family Ocean View so I'm thinking its ocean view and no balcony. You put the room in the cruise critic stateroom section and see if anyone has posted a review of it.

 

2. Kids clubs are open from 9-12, 2-5 and 7-10. After 10 pm, they are open until 2 am but there is a late night fee. No fee for any other time. There are port days where it doesn't close in the afternoon, I think they are open from 9-5 and then 7-10. I never used late night.

 

3. My experience is that they are pretty strict on ages. That being said, if you are on a cruise where there aren't tons of kids, they may be willing to accommodate. The almost 3 must be potty trained...no pull ups. I haven't ever used the nursery but the rooms were a decent size. They are sectioned off 3-5, 6-8 and 9-11.

 

4. If you don't want to use the nursery, there is an arcade (you add money on their sea pass card). They show movies at the pool and occasionally in the Platinum Theater. When we were there, they showed Kung Fu Panda 3 twice in the Platinum Theater. There are also Dreamworks characters visits on the Promenade....Po, Madagascar (Alex, Gloria), Puss in Boots, Shrek and Fiona although my kids don't know much about Shrek. There is a cupcake decorating class that does have a fee but everything else is free.

 

5. All 3 dining rooms serve the same menu. Traditional was on decks 4 and 5 and my time on deck 3. You would have the same wait staff each night (even if you reserve my time at about the same time each night).

 

6. Pools small but kids splash area is a nice size. Food from Windjammer or they do serve some food poolside on sea days. Also on the Promenade there is food Sorrentos (pizza) and the Cafe (sandwiches)...mostly free but specialty coffees, ben and jerry ice cream and cupcakes had a charge.

 

7. Ship is mostly non-smoking except for casino and on starboard side of pool deck. Easy to stay away from those.

 

8. Flowrider free unless you want semi-private lessons. Rock climbing free, water slides are free too.

 

9. I think you need to be closer in to get your Set Sail pass (30-45 days?). I usually do it a week or 2 in advance as I don't want to lose it.

 

Hope that helps somewhat! Liberty is a great ship and my family of 4 kids ages 16 to 4 had a great time!

[sftnslky]

the casino is a huge indoor smoking area, so just know that.

 

Thank you for your response.. We don't drink alcohol or gamble so thankfully we will not be around any smoke.

 

[melski]

Thank you so much for the video.. But now i'm super worried... That cabin is TINY for 6 people. I don't know what the sq footage is, but it literally looks the same size as a Ocean View Disney Cabin that only sleeps 3-4. Goodness, goodness, goodness.. what am I going to do????

 

We are a family of 6 but never book the Family Ocean view mostly because it only has 1 bathroom. Can you try to look at prices for 2 adjoining rooms if they are available? Not sure the cost difference but we always go with the adjoining rooms. Are you using a TA? If so, I'd be contacting them.

[melski]

That video isn't of a room that would sleep 6. I thought the ones that slept 6 had a bunk bed area too.

 

This is on RC website info for that room.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/cabinclass/cabinTypes/cabinType/cabin/home.do?shipCode=LB&cabincls=O&cabinType=FF&br=R&deckCode=07&shipName=Liberty+Of+The+Seas+++++++++++&cabinTypeName=Family+Ocean+View+Stateroom

Edited April 7, 2016 by melski

[CruiseDancer]

That video isn't of a room that would sleep 6. I thought the ones that slept 6 had a bunk bed area too.

 

This is on RC website info for that room.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/cabinclass/cabinTypes/cabinType/cabin/home.do?shipCode=LB&cabincls=O&cabinType=FF&br=R&deckCode=07&shipName=Liberty+Of+The+Seas+++++++++++&cabinTypeName=Family+Ocean+View+Stateroom

 

The video shows the bunk room starting around 1:19. But, it does seem small for 6 people. If it is available, you may want to check out the family promenade. It is the width of two cabins, so it has more space to move around. We had our family of 5 - mom and dad, 2 teenage boys (both over 6' tall), and a 10 year old.

[MNfamilycruiser]

We are a family of 6 but never book the Family Ocean view mostly because it only has 1 bathroom. Can you try to look at prices for 2 adjoining rooms if they are available? Not sure the cost difference but we always go with the adjoining rooms. Are you using a TA? If so, I'd be contacting them.

 

I would second this - one bathroom for 6 people is not much. Also not a lot of privacy. You could split up 3 and 3 - You with the 2 older kids and the parents with the youngest. I could possibly cost a little more than what you have now, but it really might be worth it.

[racerxspeedy]

Thank you so much for the video.. But now i'm super worried... That cabin is TINY for 6 people. I don't know what the sq footage is, but it literally looks the same size as a Ocean View Disney Cabin that only sleeps 3-4. Goodness, goodness, goodness.. what am I going to do????

 

Sorry to hear you will be having 6 in this room. The deck 8 layout might be slightly better: 8200 video here:

 

[mollyeilis]

At least in the 6-8 and 9-11 year old rooms, it's activity-based. There's really not much else you're allowed to do if you don't want to join in. They don't allow the free access to videogames that Disney does (and IMO thank goodness).

 

They aren't closed ALL afternoon. Have breakfast with the kids, drop them off. Get them for a lunch and round of minigolf, drop them off. Pick them up for dinner. 10pm was pickup time for the 9-11 club on Freedom on our cruise 2 weeks ago.

 

 

 

What are you going to do? Get a room for yourself and a grandkid. Sounds a LOT nicer than cramming everyone into one room. My cousin did that with her family of 4 plus her mom, on a room on Disney Dream, and they said it worked but it sure didn't seem like it!

[mistshar]

Where are the soda fountains located at? :)

 

From this statement, it looks as if you are not aware that you have to pay extra for all sodas. You can buy them individually on the ship or buy a drink package.

 

Hope you have a wonderful cruise!

[sftnslky]

From this statement, it looks as if you are not aware that you have to pay extra for all sodas. You can buy them individually on the ship or buy a drink package.

 

Hope you have a wonderful cruise!

 

:confused::confused: You have to pay for soda or iced tea? WOW that could get very expensive with 6 folks... How much is a soda? And a drink package is that alcohol...we don't drink so just wondering.

[sftnslky]

At least in the 6-8 and 9-11 year old rooms, it's activity-based. There's really not much else you're allowed to do if you don't want to join in. They don't allow the free access to videogames that Disney does (and IMO thank goodness).t!

 

I know everyone feels very differently about this.. but this was a godsend for our family. Our twin boys have Aspergers and could NOT participate in the organized activities. The only fun they had was being able to play on the computer or video games.

 

Are the kids ever allowed to use the computer stations or the video stations?

 

And if i'm understanding you right.. the kids club is closed for 4 hours everyday from the afternoon and early evening? And all the activities shut down at 10pm?

[bethco]

With 6 sharing a cabin with 1 bathroom, I would suggest that some folks use the showers in the fitness center. Your cabin is well located for doing that.

 

This ship has just had water slides added during the dry dock this winter. I actually saw her on Sunday docked in Galveston when we were there for the day. DH and I are booked on this same sailing.

[foxgoodrich]

:confused::confused: You have to pay for soda or iced tea? WOW that could get very expensive with 6 folks... How much is a soda? And a drink package is that alcohol...we don't drink so just wondering.

 

It's not the same as the Mouse with free soda! You do have to pay for soda - I think it's $2-3 each soda. Iced tea is free.

 

Somebody else will have to give you the info on the alcoholic drink packages as we've never done them.

Judy

[mistshar]

:confused::confused: You have to pay for soda or iced tea? WOW that could get very expensive with 6 folks... How much is a soda? And a drink package is that alcohol...we don't drink so just wondering.

 

Iced tea, juices, lemonade, and milk are included. The soda is, I believe, around $3.00 a can. I'm not sure of the exact amount. The soda drink package is $8.00 a day per person and you are not allowed to share.

 

Someone else may be able to add to this info or correct it if I am wrong.

[sftnslky]

Iced tea, juices, lemonade, and milk are included.

 

 

:o This is a relief. Where are the tea/lemonade stations at?

[MNfamilycruiser]

I know everyone feels very differently about this.. but this was a godsend for our family. Our twin boys have Aspergers and could NOT participate in the organized activities. The only fun they had was being able to play on the computer or video games.

 

Are the kids ever allowed to use the computer stations or the video stations?

 

And if i'm understanding you right.. the kids club is closed for 4 hours everyday from the afternoon and early evening? And all the activities shut down at 10pm?

 

The kids club isn't closed for the 4 hours on port days - only on sea days. Then you have swimming, splash-pad, waterslides, ice skating, rock wall, mini-golf, family friendly games etc. There is more than enough to keep them busy. The kids club is closed for 2 hours at lunch time, and 2 hours at dinner time. My kids are older now, but I remember something special for formal nights - that they could have pizza with the kids club then. Royal isn't Disney - but they are a family cruise line - they have things for families to do together and times when the kids can be busy elsewhere and the adults can have some time for themselves :D

 

You can get the water, lemonade, ice tea, milk in the dining room, in and near the Windjammer and possibly near the solarium (I haven't been on this class of ship for quite a while). They have beverage packages that are non-alcoholic.

[melski]

I know everyone feels very differently about this.. but this was a godsend for our family. Our twin boys have Aspergers and could NOT participate in the organized activities. The only fun they had was being able to play on the computer or video games.

 

Are the kids ever allowed to use the computer stations or the video stations?

 

And if i'm understanding you right.. the kids club is closed for 4 hours everyday from the afternoon and early evening? And all the activities shut down at 10pm?

 

The kids clubs are closed 12-2 and 5-7. That is it. You are supposed to use this time to feed your kids.

 

The activities don't shut down at 10pm but the free ones do. The kids clubs are open until 2 am. You just have to pay an hourly fee between 10 pm and 2 am. I find my kids are exhausted at 10 pm which is already 2 hours past their bedtime.

[LeeW]

First of all, you need to do a lot of research between now and September. Check the Royal and this web site and most of your questions will be answered. Remember that RCI costs half of a Disney cruise, so don't expect the same things you get with Disney.

 

As far as beverages go, there are several alcohol and several non-alcohol packages (or you can just drink water, tea, coffee and lemonade, juice at breakfast). The cheaper non-alcohol package includes fountain (gun) sodas only - either at any bar, dining room, or from a Freestyle machine if your ship has one. Around $8/day/pp. The other package includes bottled water, juices and premium coffee (but not Starbucks). Or you can buy soda cans at any bar for around $3 each. Lots of folks bring on cases of water and soda although this is technically illegal.

 

Dining options - a bunch available, most free. Room service free as long as you don't order after midnight. See the page below for the dining and beverage brochure - click on the link in the upper right corner that says "PDF" to download.

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/statichtmlpage.do?pagename=brochure_dining_guide_options

 

As far as printing out your boarding pass is concerned, you can usually do this as soon as you fill out your online checkin information on the web site. The last page of the online checkin will have the button available if you can print the boarding pass (might not be available yet for you since you are six months out.

 

Full documentation can be printed out about 49 days prior to sailing (although the only thing of real value is the last couple of pages, which are luggage tags).

 

RCI doesn't do the timed boarding reservations that Disney does - they give you a suggested time to arrive by deck. Most folks arrive when they arrive. Assuming the prior cruise didn't get off the ship late they will let you in the terminal around 11 and onboard around 12, or anytime after convenient to you. You won't be able to get to your room until around 1.

 

Enjoy the time researching your cruise and relax!