Live from the LIBERTY of the SEAS 3/26/17 sailing

[BecciBoo]

Cindy you doing another OCD review? Loved your Alaska trip.

 

We are cruising right after you.

[sldispatcher]

 

'Special' dessert created by waiter for kids

 

 

 

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[sldispatcher]

From last night

 

 

Hope they are readable

 

 

 

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[sldispatcher]

The review from yesterday is coming...it is just going to be in 3 parts...and was way too tired too post last night.

 

 

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[Junkhouse]

The review from yesterday is coming...it is just going to be in 3 parts...and was way too tired too post last night

Thanks for taking the time from your vacation to give us an up to the minute review. You mentioned earlier that the slides were slow. The trick to going fast is putting your weight on your heals and shoulders that the rest of your backsides are not touching the slide.

[ace1zoe2]

Cindy you doing another OCD review? Loved your Alaska trip.

 

 

 

We are cruising right after you.

 

 

 

I will probably do some type of review but probably not live. Eats into my vacation too much [emoji12]

 

I'm also taking a group of 10 friends, 5 who have never cruised and 2 more have never cruised RCI. Think I may be a little tied up showing them the ropes so to speak.

 

Just booked another Alaska for next June just the cruise portion from Seward to Vancouver with 5 port days. I booked it as a group and got some pretty good OBC for everyone.

 

Thanks for reading my long, long Alaska cruisetour review.

 

Cindy

 

 

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[sldispatcher]

Saw drink cards today. $75

 

For the person who asked about Holiday Inn Express at the Seawall, we really liked it. Large rooms. Ample parking. Away from most of the crazy part of Galveston.

[sldispatcher]

Jamaica Me Crazy - Part I

 

RCCL obviously took the very best parts of Golden Corral and mixed them with Shoney's on a Mother's Day Sunday lunch to come up with the Windjammer. Okay, it's not THAT bad, but our Jamaica stop had everyone in there at seemingly one time. Before the RCCL flamethrowers come out, yes, I'm aware that peak times occur before docking. Yes, I'm aware that room service can be offered, etc. etc. etc. Not my first cruise. This isn't about the crowds, but the quality. Food being subjective and it also being a buffet, there is only so much one can do with it.

 

The design is extremely crowded even during the off peak hours. Things flow, but the bump-into-others rate is high with relatively narrow passageways. The entrance can look like the portal to a 50 yard line lower deck seating SEC football game with the flow of people in and out during the peak times.

 

This backfired on them as well for other parts of the ship. Mainly the aft elevators. 8 may have been enough for a TV show, but not here. (And yes, apologists, I know there are stairs and I use them.) Just plan to go ahead of time to any destination if the elevators are going to be used. It is not uncommon to have to wait for 3 or even 4 just to find space to where you are going. There was some intelligence built into how they work, but you have to watch it to pick up on it. Also, the port side elevators had one reserved for "priority service" so you might consider the starboard side to be faster.

 

Ah Falmouth.

 

I suppose it is too far for RCCL to get LOS on this itinerary to make a run for a private island, so we use this port where the wired fence part is to keep the people out of the institution (port). One foot out of the nice, modern facilities and you are transported to 3rd and 4th world conditions quickly. There is a major contrast between Jamaica and Grand Cayman. The port is not especially scenic as an area, but it does serve as a contrast between the flat lands of the Caymans or Cozumel from the previous 2 days.

 

Some notes for those who are still reading. As far as the Junior Suite is concerned, the bathtub is a nice feature maybe, but it is not full length and the height of the sides is not safe for anyone with even the slightest of mobility problems. The sneak in closet (don't think it really qualifies as walk in) is quite ample and a nice feature. The room itself, although not posh, is spacious enough compared to regular rooms to be worth the small investment in my book.

 

Again, back here, there is almost zero foot traffic outside of the door.

 

On the Royal Promenade, I've noticed almost no rooms with the curtains open.

 

The carnival barkers selling everything from lunch in specialty dining spots to the drink cards, are out in force today. They clog up quite a bit of space, but if people didn't fall for it RCCL wouldn't do it. I don't find it as annoying as some people do, but the fact that they are relentless with it in almost every aspect of the cruise is what probably chases some people away.

[sldispatcher]

Jamaica Me Crazy - Part 2

 

Excursion reviews don't normally get full court press coverage from me here, but I thought I'd spend a little time here discussing our tour today.

 

You need to know up front I almost always avoid ship sold tours. I try to find private operators through Viator or online searches so that we can be in smaller groups. We did that for Falmouth as we wanted to do Dunn River's Falls and tubing. In case you didn't know it, the falls are an hour away from the port. They are near Ocho Rios. The roads aren't bad, but they are curvy. Our bus driver and guide were courteous and the 16 passenger vehicle was spotless.

 

I mentioned the time earlier because of the distance, food access, etc. You need to plan if you are one that needs a snack regardless of how much breakfast you have had.

 

Dunn River Falls, well, let's just say was interesting. It was crawling, literally with people. You can go and look at them with a day pass, or you can climb them, literally climb them. Our tour was a climb and it was exhilarating and crazy at the same time. It was also extremely crowded.

 

When they warn you that you need to be agile and athletic, they were not kidding. Also, water shoes are an absolute must. You start at the beach and form a human chain holding hands. From there the assault begins in what was nearly an implausible if not impractical thing to do. When I say climb the falls, I mean climb the falls. Not the nice dry rocks along the edge...I'm talking about rushing water sometimes ankle deep. And you will get wet head to toe. Big steps and little steps. Nothing but rock, water, and your shoe grips. Sometimes ankle deep, sometimes chest high in pools. It was a Jamaican ropes course with water.

 

Before you think that you can't do it, the two persons at the front of our human DNA chromosome twisting up the falls were in their late 70's. He had one knee replaced and needed the other done. They could have exited 3 times and did not.

 

Photographers film and go with you the entire way. The leader did it barefoot!

 

Tired and feeling accomplished, we scrambled out of there and on to our White River tubing which was extremely well managed and quick to do. FINALLY we were at the lunch stop before heading back to the ship. Oh what a beautiful sight a cruise ship is when you've been away on an excursion.

 

Another of our group had a private island tour and enjoyed immensely.

 

LOS was already bustling by the time of our 3:30 return. Sailaway was easy, peaceful and without any fanfare.

 

After 3 days of activities, we were all looking forward to a couple of days at sea.

[sparkinator99]

Jamaica Me Crazy - Part 2

 

Excursion reviews don't normally get full court press coverage from me here, but I thought I'd spend a little time here discussing our tour today.

 

You need to know up front I almost always avoid ship sold tours. I try to find private operators through Viator or online searches so that we can be in smaller groups. We did that for Falmouth as we wanted to do Dunn River's Falls and tubing. In case you didn't know it, the falls are an hour away from the port. They are near Ocho Rios. The roads aren't bad, but they are curvy. Our bus driver and guide were courteous and the 16 passenger vehicle was spotless.

 

I mentioned the time earlier because of the distance, food access, etc. You need to plan if you are one that needs a snack regardless of how much breakfast you have had.

 

Dunn River Falls, well, let's just say was interesting. It was crawling, literally with people. You can go and look at them with a day pass, or you can climb them, literally climb them. Our tour was a climb and it was exhilarating and crazy at the same time. It was also extremely crowded.

 

When they warn you that you need to be agile and athletic, they were not kidding. Also, water shoes are an absolute must. You start at the beach and form a human chain holding hands. From there the assault begins in what was nearly an implausible if not impractical thing to do. When I say climb the falls, I mean climb the falls. Not the nice dry rocks along the edge...I'm talking about rushing water sometimes ankle deep. And you will get wet head to toe. Big steps and little steps. Nothing but rock, water, and your shoe grips. Sometimes ankle deep, sometimes chest high in pools. It was a Jamaican ropes course with water.

 

Before you think that you can't do it, the two persons at the front of our human DNA chromosome twisting up the falls were in their late 70's. He had one knee replaced and needed the other done. They could have exited 3 times and did not.

 

Photographers film and go with you the entire way. The leader did it barefoot!

 

Tired and feeling accomplished, we scrambled out of there and on to our White River tubing which was extremely well managed and quick to do. FINALLY we were at the lunch stop before heading back to the ship. Oh what a beautiful sight a cruise ship is when you've been away on an excursion.

 

Another of our group had a private island tour and enjoyed immensely.

 

LOS was already bustling by the time of our 3:30 return. Sailaway was easy, peaceful and without any fanfare.

 

After 3 days of activities, we were all looking forward to a couple of days at sea.

 

this sounds amazing.

I am terrified to ever try a non ship scheduled excursion. Watched a lot of those videos of people being left behind as the ship sails away.

[ace1zoe2]

this sounds amazing.

 

I am terrified to ever try a non ship scheduled excursion. Watched a lot of those videos of people being left behind as the ship sails away.

 

 

 

Those are the drunks who were partying at Senor Frogs. Not the private excursions. They make sure to have you back on time. Their livelihood depends on it. Just read reviews before booking. We've done private excursions all throughout the Mediterranean, Alaska, Canada and just about every island throughout the Caribbean and never once came close to being late. Most drop you at the ship at least 1-1.5 hours before all aboard.

 

 

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[Nemomof3]

this sounds amazing.

I am terrified to ever try a non ship scheduled excursion. Watched a lot of those videos of people being left behind as the ship sails away.

I believe most of those videos are people who were just out on their own shopping or having a few drinks. These companies are the people who live there's livelihood. Getting people back late would tank their business. It would be all over these boards "joe's tours made me miss the ship" no one would use them. If you feel more comfortable then use who you want but local tour guides missing the boat are few and far between. Some even have their own guarantee they wouldn't do that if they had to pay out very often to get people to the next port.

[sldispatcher]

Rant On

 

Just a shout out to the fellow cruisers...I know no one on CC would do this, but it took 5 days before some cerebrally challenged folks showed their true colors......and one of the reasons we attempt to avoid Caribbean cruises....

 

Balcony door left wide open PLUS coat hanger in cabin hall door to create a cross breeze I suppose. So entire aft corridor of the port side of ship feels like a sauna in the hallway.

 

I suppose the clearly written signs, etc. mean nothing to those folks as their synapses were blocked from making the leaping connections of logic required to think "my actions will impact others". I'm guessing they would be the first ones offended if someone started smoking next to them.

 

Speaking of which, I was a bit startled by the casino being a smoker's haven onboard. I suppose I missed that. I don't gamble or smoke, so that doesn't matter, but it is a great path from the front to the back of the ship before/after a show.

 

Rant over.

[Skippy]

Thanks for the Dunn's river falls review. I know dh and I and possibly my 8 year old would be capable of doing it, but if the water goes pretty deep than that's probably not a good choice for my 6yo. She's also more risk averse than my older one.

Would the rafting/tubing be a better bet for them?

[Alwayshome]

Thanks so much for your review! I swear the young man on the lounger looks just like my son! My husband said, "Why is Jake on a cruise ship?" Of course, he would be wearing Tar Heels instead of Ducks, but oh well. We were on the LOS in May. Our only complaint all week were the screamers on the balcony next to us and the very rude early 20 somethings who chose to lounge on the steps so that we could not use them. With the elevators always packed, it made getting around rather difficult. Wonder why anyone would decide the stairwell (and leaving their food remains there) was fun while on a cruise?

[Skippy]

Where are the stairs in relation to the elevators? On the Carnival splendor there were 3 banks of elevators and the stairs were right next to the elevator. My son liked taking stairs. He would run up 8-10 flights no problem and beat the elevator half the time. We did a mix of both.

[sldispatcher]

Stairs are right there with the elevator

 

 

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[sldispatcher]

Jamaica Me Crazy - Part 3

 

Some quick hits...

 

1. There needs to be a stop to the insanity of "service dogs"/"service animals" onboard ships and planes when they are not related to helping a blind person see...period. The idea of being in a condition where you cannot be separated from your pet for 7 days without some sort of meltdown is ridiculous. If a person is at that point, stay at home. I can see 10 years from now, if we don't stop this, that every sailing will be full of family pets. This evening, I saw them. One dog being pushed in a stroller, the other one big enough to need a saddle to ride. Neither human was blind. Shouldn't be allowed. Period. Same for airplanes.

 

 

2. The MDR continues to be one of the stronger features of the ship. On our Jamaica stop night, the grilled pork chop was done just right. The sole was delicate. The desserts again seem to be a standout for RCCL which you cannot always say about other cruise lines. Just try HAL for a week and you'll see what I mean. Is the MDR perfect? No, but you try feeding 3500 people plus a night and get it right for everyone for a week and see how you feel.

 

3. Entertainment has been varied and overall a good quality. The comedian, whose name escapes me for a moment, was sharp and witty enough to be funny for all ages.

 

4. The $7.95 room service charge, if it is still in place, looms at times in my head as a real pain for a lot of people and will direct behavior. That is probably what they are after anyway. Behavior modification by way of a charge. Look at what happened to overhead bins when the baggage fees hit. We'll see if there is noticeable changes in the onboard eateries when that occurs.

 

5. Along the same vein, I would recommend that they send out folks after midnight ...if just one, to sweep the hallways for room service trays. There are so many trays left out overnight. It is unsightly and unnecessary in a ship this large that at least one person cannot be sent out after midnight to pick up trays. Again, this is probably in part due to being in the Caribbean. It seems like IQ's drop many points on these sailings. Sorry, you know it is true.

[sldispatcher]

Day 5 - At sea

 

The sun was creeping around the edges of the cabin curtain telling us it was time to make a decision..turn over or turn out. I went up for a much calmer Windjammer breakfast. The air has the humidity that if you could see it would be causing just as much drag to the bow of the ship as the blue water below. Only a few white caps dare break the surface as the gently rolling waves do their thankless job of providing texture to the view. It is truly the deep blue sea.

 

Speaking of texture and conditions, the overall condition of the ship is up to par with such a massive vessel. Can you find a few areas? Sure. Does that alone take away from the ship? Not at all. The beds are firm and the mattresses are fairly thin. The pullout sofas will handle someone up to about 4 feet tall. Maybe 4 1/2. After that, things will have to get diagonal. Our ottoman became a handy sofa bed extender.

 

Even with as many people as are onboard, you rarely meet people in hallways. The elevators bays at Deck 11 and 5 are obviously the busiest.

 

Golden Corral, also known as the Windjammer, got crowded by 9am. Really crowded.

 

Lunch was in the MDR where there was not quite the slam-the-food-on-the-table-in-a-hurry service today. I like the made to order salad bar. By this time we are getting tired of eating anyway. Mysteriously, several seem to have room for dessert no matter the conditions.

 

There was lots of overdue napping done today. I LOVE days at sea. I know they drive some people crazy. Not me. That is real vacation.

 

Giovanni's was our dinner selection tonight. It was the second formal night of the cruise and they had the prime rib and lobster in the MDR. Giovanni's was also serving the lobster. Of course, anyone who is familiar with lobster knows that what is usually served has the size and appearance of a genetically enhanced crawfish tail on most cruise lines. This was no different. The tail was about 3 inches long. The server was nice enough to have us an entire plate of them already out of the shell so everyone could try one.

 

Speaking of which, we had almost the entire menu as she insisted that we just order our entrée and she would take care of everything else. That is fun considering our group of 9 is large enough to sample so many items. This was the richest of the dishes we have had on the ship to this point. I'll post pics soon enough although there are several available with a simple search. I would say the eggplant and the grilled shrimp were standouts. However, I really liked my Osso Bucco which was the waitresses recommendation.

 

Next door, in a separate area of the Windjammer was what appeared to be the Chef's Table dinner taking place. It was a nice setting. Our group was not at the culinary level to participate in that, but those are usually some of my favorite activities.

 

As we motor northward, we are edging up on the end of the cruise. To be honest, some cruise itineraries and lines you can get to this point and wish you had more time. Others, you are thinking it is time to get off.

 

But we have other anxious travelers waiting our return so they can begin their vacation.

 

We'll leave the LOS in great shape for you. But we have one more full day to relax before we do that.

[LBumb]

great job

[BecciBoo]

And one less couple using our stateroom:halo: We precount the days by Sundays, in our case Saturdays since we start there on the 22nd.

 

Thanks for your review which has helped it go faster and for causing me to drool several times.:eek:

 

Lately, even on our line of choice, we are ready to come home by the last day. Just an age thing....

 

I love the sea days the most as well....actually, I really don't need to get off the ship at all....for me its all about the Big Blue.

[Kellie in Texas]

@sldispatcher, you said "Dunn River Falls, well, let's just say was interesting. It was crawling, literally with people. You can go and look at them with a day pass, or you can climb them, literally climb them. Our tour was a climb and it was exhilarating and crazy at the same time. It was also extremely crowded."

 

We are on the Liberty in June; DH and both DS's are itching to climb the falls. I however am not. I've read other descriptions that mention the wooden stairs that go down the side of the falls. For the falls climbers, do you walk down those stairs to the bottom before starting the climb up? What I'd like to do is walk down the stairs and then walk back up the stairs at my own pace, watching my climbers as they go up and taking pics as they go. Will that be do-able?

[BecciBoo]

Kellie go to YouTube and look for the vids of it, a picture is worth a 1000 words.;p

[tOSUSteve]

Jamaica Me Crazy - Part 3

 

Some quick hits...

 

1. There needs to be a stop to the insanity of "service dogs"/"service animals" onboard ships and planes when they are not related to helping a blind person see...period. The idea of being in a condition where you cannot be separated from your pet for 7 days without some sort of meltdown is ridiculous. If a person is at that point, stay at home. I can see 10 years from now, if we don't stop this, that every sailing will be full of family pets. This evening, I saw them. One dog being pushed in a stroller, the other one big enough to need a saddle to ride. Neither human was blind. Shouldn't be allowed. Period. Same for airplanes..

 

 

You need to do some research on service animals - they are not just for blind people.

 

 

 

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[Kellie in Texas]

@BecciBoo, yeah, I've seen videos and pics. I just want to make sure that they don't end up somewhere and I'm at the opposite end of the world. ;)