LOS - October 20th sailing review

[love2cruiseseattle]

We just returned from our October 20th sailing on The Liberty of the Seas.

 

Arrived to FLL and stayed at the Hampton Inn in Plantation, FL. I highly recommend.

 

We caught the cruise transfers from FLL which left the airport at about 11:15 am and we were on the ship by 12:30 pm. They have check in by deck #'s and there was also a Platinum and higher and suite line.

 

Once on board we went to the Windjammer and had a quick bite to eat. The problem with the WJ is when there are lots of people it is hard to find a place to sit, so my suggestion is find a place first and have one person sit while the others go and get there food. The food was okay and the service was good. During our week we ate there for breakfast and lunch.

 

After lunch we toured around the ship and it is massive and we were able to get into our cabin by 1pm. We had a balcony 9610 and it was nice and the bed was comfortable. Our luggage came by 5pm.

 

I bought a soda package and my only complaint is that when I went to get a soda (coke) in the Windjammer there were a few times when they did not have coke, at dinner one night in the dining room the assistant waiter asked if we had any complaints and I told her and someone was over a few minutes later saying it would not happen again and that the soda guns were broken. He wanted to send us a bottle of wine, but our table were not big drinkers, but it was a very nice offer. After that day there was always lots of coke available.

Dinner in the dining room was good, service was very good and we had great table mates.

 

The activities on board were the same as previous cruises, sexy legs, belly flop, love and marrige, quest, etc.

Did not play bingo this year, but did make a few donations into the casino. Ken Rush the CD announced that the 2nd day of our cruise someone hit a slot machine for $260,000. We did see one lady hit for $1,600.

 

We did not have problems finding a place to sit around the pool, but there are still plenty of chair hogs.

 

Ports of call:

Labadee: Shopping and relaxing at the beach

 

Montego Bay: Bob Marley museum, tour around the island and shopping

 

A WORD OF CAUTION TO MEN WHEN GOING BACK ONTO THE SHIP AND GOING THROUGH THE JAMAICAN SECURITY - ONE OF THE LADY SECURITY GUARDS WAS GRABBING MEN'S FAMILY JEWELS. This happened to many of the guys. I said something to one of the RCCL people and they said well I guess she likes him.

 

Grand Cayman: 7 Mile Beach excursion - the bus they put us on was an old school bus without AC. The beach was beautiful, but too hot even with a beach umbrella. We ended up catching a taxi back to town and doing a little shopping.

 

Cozumel: Taxi into town and shopped. The weather that day was so nice with a cool breeze.

 

One of my complaints is I think RCCL should have their excursion staff actually go on the excursions so when asked a question they can answer it. I had a question about Sandals and the excursion person had no idea at all and I asked about how deep the water is when swimming with the stingrays and again they did not know. I have since found out it comes up to about your waist.

 

The ice show was good and the comedians were good. I was not really thrilled with the RCCL singer and dancer shows.

 

Getting off of the ship, we were brown tags and were off of the ship and waiting for our luggage by 8am. Then the SLOW DOWN BEGAN. Our luggage finally came at about 9:15am, they should really have the luggage out before they call your tag color. Then when we got on the bus we sat for another hour until they got it loaded with people. We had a later flight and had extra extra time to kill.

 

Overall the cruise was a great time, there were lots of people from all over the world, about 800 alone from the UK and about 500 kids. I thought the ship at times was too crowded mainly in the shopping area when they were having sales.

 

I will probably stick with the Voyager class ships or smaller in the future.

 

Please let me know if anyone has any questions.

[FunCruiser56]

We were on this cruise too! Had a wonderful time. We were happy with most everything. Wish they would change the menues since they are getting old after having almost the same ones for the past 3 cruises!

We got on in about 15 minutes getting to the port at 12:15, we were in the WJ by 12:40. Getting off the ship we had lavender tags and we were on our way to the FLL airport by 7:50 and even managed to get an earlier flight at 10:05!

We too did not care for the production shows, comedy was good- our teens were delighted to meet Rondell from the Disney show. The ice show was great. We took our teens to the Quest and thought it was very tame with Ken Rush wearing the same smiley face underwear from 4 years ago on the Navigator...:eek:

We sailed with 2 other couples and we all agreed this was one of the most friendly crew we have had, many going out of their way to get us what we wanted. And the most comfortable beds ever!! Although the kids thought the sofa bed was like sleeping on a rock-they did not miss any sleep though!

 

While we did not use the flowrider it was alot of fun watching others, some girls need to go with the suggestion of wearing a tshirt and some guys need to tighten the string in their swim shorts....;)

 

We enjoyed this ship alot with plenty to do and see. Great for familys. We thought kids were well behaved this trip and this was the most international bunch of pass we have ever encountered- all friendly and enjoyable to visit with.

This ship is HUGE, we like a little smaller and can't imagine what Genisis will be like...

 

Bev

[LisaGoeke]

Thanks for the review. We're scheduled to go on the Liberty next October. We returned from the Freedom two weeks ago and I had the same complaint about our luggage -- we went out on the "last call" for our color, only to find that our color had not begun to come off and we waited, and waited, and waited....over an hour. :(

[tomko2]

Thanks for the review. We will be on the Independence next Dec.; our first "Freedom" class. We have an aft balcony (D1) so I am searching for any photos of D1 cabins especially aft.

Kathy:)

[love2cruiseseattle]

We were in a D1 (not aft) and will attach some pictures once I have them loaded, maybe later today. The cabin was a little bit bigger that we have had in the past, but we haven't had a D1 before. The bathroom is the same ole size:p , but with a sliding shower door instead of the attack of the shower curtain.

[GSuitesailing]

We were on this cruise as well and felt the staff was great, ship lovely, food presentation good, quality ok. The menu has not changed in our past 3 cruises either. It is getting old. We ate at Portifino and the service and food was superb. We also ate at Chops and the service and food was not as good as Portifino.

 

We were eagerly awaiting this cruise to be on a new class of ship, but found it to be just a "Larger" version of the Voyager Class ships. Same configuration, very few changes, still not enough elevators. We prefer the Voyager class as the flowrider, h20 zone, Clean Shave, boxing ring, and a few other additions did not really appeal to us.

 

We had white luggage tags and waited 1.5 hours for our bag, which was never found. We almost missed our flight home. After 10 phone calls to and from RC, we are now waiting and praying that they find the luggage. Their coverage for a lost piece of luggage is $300.00. That would cover the price of luggage and none of the contents.

[love2cruiseseattle]

I was talking to a lady yesterday who was missing one of her bags, I wonder if it was you?? That sucks, we met someone one year who saw someone take her bag and they were lucky enough to catch her outside and get it back. I hope they find your missing piece of luggage.

[mrefer13]

We experienced a luggage problem when departing from the Voyager. Someone had gone into our luggage, removed all of our purchases (vanilla, souvenirs) and threw a used napkin and empty sugar wrappers into the bag before zipping it back up.

This happened from the time they took our bags from the hallway to the carosel. Needless to say, we now have our "goodies" in a bag we carry off ourselves.

I couldn't believe how bold they were to throw their trash in our bags!

[love2cruiseseattle]

We experienced a luggage problem when departing from the Voyager. Someone had gone into our luggage, removed all of our purchases (vanilla, souvenirs) and threw a used napkin and empty sugar wrappers into the bag before zipping it back up.

This happened from the time they took our bags from the hallway to the carosel. Needless to say, we now have our "goodies" in a bag we carry off ourselves.

I couldn't believe how bold they were to throw their trash in our bags!

 

We bought those TSA approved combination locks (before that it was zip ties) and knock on wood we have had no problems.

[landj4always]

Do they really physically search you at the jamaica port?

[love2cruiseseattle]

Thanks for the review. We will be on the Independence next Dec.; our first "Freedom" class. We have an aft balcony (D1) so I am searching for any photos of D1 cabins especially aft.

Kathy:)

 

Here is a picture of our cabin shot from the balcony side of the bed, sorry this is the only picture I have. I have lots of the ship and the ports if you want to see any others.

[GSuitesailing]

Do they really physically search you at the jamaica port?

 

 

Yes, it happened to us. I am female, a female employee touched my stomach and went straight down after I walked through the detector. The detector did not go off to warrant a search. My 26yr old son went next and she actually grabbed his crotch. We were in Montego Bay this past Tuesday when this happened.

[GSuitesailing]

I was talking to a lady yesterday who was missing one of her bags, I wonder if it was you?? That sucks, we met someone one year who saw someone take her bag and they were lucky enough to catch her outside and get it back. I hope they find your missing piece of luggage.

 

Hello,

I am not sure if I spoke with you or not about the luggage. I did speak with several people. 10 phone calls to and from RCI and still no word, just the run around. Thank you for your good thoughts!

[joyceyw]

We just returned from this cruise at well

 

Although we had a great time we had some very rude and annoying neighbors that liked to come to their cabin at 3:00am and go on the balcony and scrape their chairs across the balcony and talk very loud.

 

As for Jamaica no one is our party was physically searched before getting on, not sure what that was about but there were 6 of us and we all went through without incident.

[tomko2]

Here is a picture of our cabin shot from the balcony side of the bed, sorry this is the only picture I have. I have lots of the ship and the ports if you want to see any others.

 

Thank you -- good picture. I like the colour scheme and glad to see the bed is positioned near the balcony -- love to see outside when we first wake up. Are your pictures on a website such as Webshots? Thanks again.

Kathy

[flannbarr]

Yes, it happened to us. I am female, a female employee touched my stomach and went straight down after I walked through the detector. The detector did not go off to warrant a search. My 26yr old son went next and she actually grabbed his crotch. We were in Montego Bay this past Tuesday when this happened.

 

This groping thing is a bunch of crap. I will be in Montego Bay in three weeks and the more I hear about this s***hole, the more I want to tell them to go to hell and just stay on the ship. I have been to Jamaica for a week and to Ocho Rios for a stop on another cruise. They need our money a lot more than we need their island. They should think about that but they are probably stoned out of their mind to actually be able to think. Ya man!

[joyceyw]

This groping thing is a bunch of crap. I will be in Montego Bay in three weeks and the more I hear about this s***hole, the more I want to tell them to go to hell and just stay on the ship. I have been to Jamaica for a week and to Ocho Rios for a stop on another cruise. They need our money a lot more than we need their island. They should think about that but they are probably stoned out of their mind to actually be able to think. Ya man!

 

 

Again, not everyone experiened being physically searched. No one at our dinner table that evening mentioned being searched either.

 

I don't know why our group wasn't searched but I don't recall seeing anyone getting searched in the crowd that was waiting to get on either, we were in a long line to get through security and I didn't see anyone getting searched.

[flannbarr]

Of course everyone was not searched, but one person being groped is unacceptable unless even if there was due cause to do a physical search.

[cot427]

Thanks for the review. I noticed the same slow down on the Freedom for the Oct. 7 sailing. It must be Port of Miami and their system. It was horrible.

[TexCruise371]

We were on this cruise also. We stayed on the ship in Jamaica but one of our fellow male cruisers experienced the same groping that was mentioned earlier. Unbelievable.:eek:

 

I'll have to say that this was probably our favorite cruise. Maybe more so because of our newfound Cruise Critic friends that we met onboard.

 

Getting on the ship.....painless

 

I thought the food was good... I was not impressed with our waiter. Very slow and we were always way behind being served compared to the others around us.

 

Tablemates.....two wonderful ladies from Orlando!

 

Portofino's, I had the best steak that I have ever had in a restaurant setting. Fabulous!

 

Beds....Great!

 

Shows......I thought all the talent (singers, dancers) was very good but some of the themes were not my style. We really enjoyed Rondell and the ice show was fantastic.

 

Casino....I won $720 on Monday night and played on their money most of the week. We actually saw the $261,000 won on the slot. Same couple (man) won $80,000 the night before. They were betting $100 a spin.

 

Crowds...only a couple of times did I feel overwhelmed with the crowds. Mainly around the elevators. It just amazes me how some folks are just flat out rude in the Windjammer and around the elevators. :(

 

Getting off...again, painless. When it was our time to disembark, we went through Immigration and immediatly picked up all our luggage and headed out.

[love2cruiseseattle]

This groping thing is a bunch of crap. I will be in Montego Bay in three weeks and the more I hear about this s***hole, the more I want to tell them to go to hell and just stay on the ship. I have been to Jamaica for a week and to Ocho Rios for a stop on another cruise. They need our money a lot more than we need their island. They should think about that but they are probably stoned out of their mind to actually be able to think. Ya man!

 

My DH was grabbed and so were 2 other men that we spoke to. I did say something to one of the RCCL cruise director people and he said maybe she like him. I think it is something that should be addressed by RCCL.

[love2cruiseseattle]

Hello,

I am not sure if I spoke with you or not about the luggage. I did speak with several people. 10 phone calls to and from RCI and still no word, just the run around. Thank you for your good thoughts!

 

Were you the lady that was in one area and your male friend or DH was looking elsewhere? if that was you I was the lady that suggested you look around to see if you luggage fell off.

[love2cruiseseattle]

Thank you -- good picture. I like the colour scheme and glad to see the bed is positioned near the balcony -- love to see outside when we first wake up. Are your pictures on a website such as Webshots? Thanks again.

Kathy

 

Hi Kathy:

 

I do not have our pics posted anywhere, but if you want to list your email address I can send you some or tell me what you would like to see and I can post them here on this thread.

[joyceyw]

Of course everyone was not searched, but one person being groped is unacceptable unless even if there was due cause to do a physical search.

 

 

I see people in US airports being searched randomly without due cause all the time so why does the Jamaican authorities all of a sudden need to have just cause to randomly search passengers leaving their country? Its their house and their rules just like here in America. If I don't want to be subjected to random searches without due cause in the name of "homeland security" then I just wont fly, but since I need to fly to get to most places I travel I accept that at any given time I may be asked to do a random search.

 

 

And I really don't get what RCCL is supposed to due about rogue Jamaican port athorities. Maybe those people that were sooooo offended by being groped should have taken their concerns to the Jamaican authorities and filed a written report with them.

[Dengail]

WOW- here I thought that females were supposed to be searched by females and males by males-although I'm sure my DH would much rather have a female do it:):). Are they looking for stashed bottles or something?? They really grabbed the crotch?? Remind me to hide my bottles somewhere else!:)