Liberty 10/25

[CantWait08]

So here goes my first cruise review:

 

GETTING THERE

 

We flew into FLL and took the TriRail to Miami. This worked out pretty good. It was only $3 per person from FLL to MIA, and then about $20 from the last stop to our hotel. We stayed at the Fortune House hotel about 5 min from the port. Very nice for the price, with queen bed, living room, and kitchen for under $100. It was located next to the Conrad Hilton.

 

EMBARKATION

 

We arrived at the port at 10:15 AM. There were about 50 people there when we arrived. We were given "zone 1" passes as we entered the terminal. We were on the ship soon after the 150 or so VIP cruisers were on board. We enjoyed our first tastes of the Lido deck by 12:00pm. The process was very smooth and organized. Arriving early was great, thanks to those who posted previously about do and don'ts of embarkation.

 

FOOD

 

The food was "good" overall. The Lido deck staff was "good". They were quick to clear your finished plates, and to say hello. The dining room staff was only "OK". They never learned or asked our names. They also forgot to bring our appetizers whenever we ordered a third one to split. We had to remind them each time, they seemed offended if we ordered three apps for the two of us. The bar staff in the show rooms were "excellent" every time we ordered from them.

 

More to come, maybe some pictures as well

[Terre]

Looking forward to more of your review. We loved the Liberty.

[CantWait08]

ROOM

 

We were on the Spa deck. This room was great. Although rumored to be converted to balcony's during drydock, this was not the case. The room still has floor to ceiling windows. The room was spacious and very quiet. Our room steward Jay greeted us by name every time we saw him. He took great care of our room all week long. There was no noise from the spa or camp carnival above at all. With only 18 rooms this deck was very quiet with no traffic ever. It was a great location as well for getting around the ship, except for the trips to the back of Lido deck for pizza.

 

SHOWS

 

The shows performed by the carnival performers were great. They performed one of the shows for the first time ever this week and did a very good job. The singers were better the second show and the dancers were very entertaining both shows. The comedians main stage shows were dull, their late night shows were better and are definitely R rated.

Steve (cruise dir) and James (asst CD) were awesome. Very entertaining and funny. There morning shows were funny and informative. Bingo although fun was not worth the money. They only gave out $100-$200 most games, with a jackpot at night of about $500. The Wedding game was hilarious, and family feud was a good time as well. Entertainers on the smaller stages were good overall, sometimes a bit routine though.

 

WEATHER

 

I know its October, but what happened to the sun. It rained all but 1 day and the sun was only out in full for parts of two days. Better luck next time i guess.

 

PORTS

 

Cozumel- Dirtier than I remembered. Very pushy workers along the shopping strip. We did the Chankanaab/ Discover Mexico excursion. It was ok, Models of the ruins throughout Mexico and works of art from each region. Then Chankanaab beach and dolphin area. The restaraunt at the beach was great. There was no snorkeling allowed because of the rough seas.

 

Grand Cayman- Cancelled because of weather. The tender boats (5) were next to the ship apparently ready for us to get on when they announced they were canceling this port due to weather.

 

Ocho Rios- Once again very pushy around the shopping area. We did the ATV excursion. The Excursion was excellent. Very friendly staff and great overall tour. Once again we could not get in the water due to the rough seas.

[LizaMM]

Thank you for jumping in and doing your first ever review!

 

I am wondering.....how was the entertainment during the day? Sounds like the weather was not wonderful....were you able to enjoy the Lido Deck??

[CantWait08]

The daytime entertainment was spotty. There was always music or the big screen going. The activities for adults were minimal. They had 2 or 3 things each afternoon. Bingo was a joke. Three cards for $20, for a chance to win $100 to $200. When they are selling $2000 plus worth of cards each time. Just my opinion.

Lido deck food was great. The sandwich shop was awesome and the pizza was good. The Slide and pools were closed because of wind and bad seas often.

The casino had lots of daytime tournaments and prize drawings.

The spa ran great specials throughout the week, including half off at times.

[SL HomeschoolMom]

Thanks for the review. Do you know if there was fruit punch in the dispensers on Lido?

[CantWait08]

Lido deck drink options were two lemonade and two iced tea at each station.

[SL HomeschoolMom]

Thanks for letting me know. I'll probably bring some onboard with us then.

[CantWait08]

Answers to some Liberty questions:

 

There was no fruit punch on Lido deck

The ship is in great condition

The Spa rooms were not converted to balcony's

Steve Knisely was a great cruise director, James his asst was hilarious as well.

The hot tubs on Lido were filled with kids most of the time.

The Dining room food was only OK.

Lido deck always had something good. (omelets and sandwiches were great)

[rick&james]

Being on this cruise i was very disappointed about the Lido deck the pool was open only a few days and the missed grand caymen day it was closed as well as the hottubs and slide so nothing to do but sit in the room and watch CNN International lol or pay money to watch a movie.....