Liberty Review November 1st Eastern Carribean

[pursediva]

Carnival Liberty

Eastern Caribbean

11/01/08 to 11/08/08

 

 

NOVEMBER 1, 2008...Saturday....

 

We had an early flight on November 1st. Had to leave the house at 4 am...made for a long day. We arrived at FLL at 10 am right on schedule. We chartered a shuttle for the 40 of us who needed one. There was a total of 47, 7 had their own arrangements. Top shuttle picked us up outside the terminal at 11 am and took us to the Port of Miami, we were there by 12:00. FYI...Top Shuttle was $25.00 per person round trip, they supplied me with their cell number and were very prompt. They Loaded and unloaded all the luggage, we had three 14 person vans, pulling cargo U-Hauls. Top Shuttle pulled up to the port, and a ported was there to greet us. He took care of all the luggage for my group, and I went around and collected tips for him. I tipped him a little extra for myself and asked if my case of water could make it onboard...and sure enough it did.....

 

The terminal was beautiful and very clean. The lines went very fast. A lot less confusing then in the past. Before you knew it we were upstairs getting our picture taken and boarding the ship. Very fast and painless experience.

<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/mamajhoffman/?action=view&current=PB020080_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/mamajhoffman/PB020080_2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

We were all starving so we choose to eat first. We went right to Emile's for lunch. Along the way we found the Deli and ordered freshly made Smoked Salmon on a bagel with cream cheese and a Reuben. Both were very good. We filled up for sure then off to check out our rooms.

 

This is our first experience with having a balcony, it was fabulous! Our teenage kids were right across the hall from us. It was a perfect set up. We had the dead bolt open when we were in the room or just had the door open so they could come and go. It was a nice experience to have a balcony. We have had inside cabins, then a window, back to an inside. I think after having a balcony, I would do an inside again, if the price was right, but I really would LOVE a balcony again!

 

Sri was our cabin steward, he was great. I tipped him early as some of you suggest.... didn't think he did anything extra special for us, he looked a little put out to be honest. Others in the group didn't tip early and received the same treatment we did. The bottle of Vodka we ordered from Bon Voyage ($40.00) was in our room when we arrived. Very nice to have to make our own drinks. We did carry on wine and had some rum runners full too.

 

The Life Boat Drill was Hot and crowded but was fast and painless..... We were ready to sail away!

 

We went to our room to watch sail away and that was great. But saying this we did miss the deck party, but were able to watch it on the TV all week.

 

We explored the ship and made ourselves familiar with things. Our luggage arrived very promptly, we all unpacked and were off before you knew it.

 

Dinner in the dining room was great. Our table was in the very rear of the ship center, with the most amazing view of the sunset I have ever seen. Edwardo and Mitchell were our waiters. They were great and worked very hard for us. We all ate very well and A LOT!!! Everyone at our table ordered at least 2 maybe 3 appetizers and Entrees. Mitchell worked hard for us getting in the line and bringing us all that food. Of course we tipped them extra cash at the end of the cruise for all the extra work they did for us!

 

Show-time, was fabulous!!! We danced at the disco, then off to bed at midnight, after a Very long day....

 

As for the kids, they went to the teen club (Club O2) and played a game with the other teens on the ship, got to know some of them and ended up hanging out throughout the week.

 

<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/mamajhoffman/?action=view&current=PB010170.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/mamajhoffman/PB010170.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br><a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/mamajhoffman/?action=view&current=PB010176.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/mamajhoffman/PB010176.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[pursediva]

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/mamajhoffman/PB010170.jpg

[pursediva]

ok this isn't working with the pics.....i have a full review, how do i add the pics? Please help....

[valancy1]

It looks like you have your pictures on Photobucket, so that's good.

 

Go to the picture you want to display in Photobucket. Immediately beneath each picture are 4 codes.

 

Look for the one that says IMG CODE and click in the box. You'll see a little window pop up that says "COPIED".

 

Come back here into your reply. Place the cursor where you want the picture to display and press CTRL and V. OR you can RIGHT CLICK and choose PASTE. Don't touch anything that is pasted in... leave it there.

 

Then it should work. Hope this helps.

[pursediva]

if this works we are good to go....

[pursediva]

thanks Debra....I have read your review, i guess it is time for mine...I didnt take any pics of food, and I always do...made me mad, but I know what it looked like and I know you do too........

[pursediva]

I am starting over.....I know how to do the pics now......

 

 

Carnival Liberty

Eastern Caribbean

11/01/08 to 11/08/08

 

 

NOVEMBER 1, 2008...Saturday....

 

We had an early flight on November 1st. Had to leave the house at 4 am...made for a long day. We arrived at FLL at 10 am right on schedule. We chartered a shuttle for the 40 of us who needed one. There was a total of 47, 7 had their own arrangements. Top shuttle picked us up outside the terminal at 11 am and took us to the Port of Miami, we were there by 12:00. FYI...Top Shuttle was $25.00 per person round trip, they supplied me with their cell number and were very prompt. They Loaded and unloaded all the luggage, we had three 14 person vans, pulling cargo U-Hauls. Top Shuttle pulled up to the port, and a ported was there to greet us. He took care of all the luggage for my group, and I went around and collected tips for him. I tipped him a little extra for myself and asked if my case of water could make it onboard...and sure enough it did.....

 

The terminal was beautiful and very clean. The lines went very fast. A lot less confusing then in the past. Before you knew it we were upstairs getting our picture taken and boarding the ship. Very fast and painless experience.

 

We were all starving so we choose to eat first. We went right to Emile's for lunch. Along the way we found the Deli and ordered freshly made Smoked Salmon on a bagel with cream cheese and a Reuben. Both were very good. We filled up for sure then off to check out our rooms.

 

This is our first experience with having a balcony, it was fabulous! Our teenage kids were right across the hall from us. It was a perfect set up. We had the dead bolt open when we were in the room or just had the door open so they could come and go. It was a nice experience to have a balcony. We have had inside cabins, then a window, back to an inside. I think after having a balcony, I would do an inside again, if the price was right, but I really would LOVE a balcony again!

 

Sri was our cabin steward, he was great. I tipped him early as some of you suggest.... didn't think he did anything extra special for us, he looked a little put out to be honest. Others in the group didn't tip early and received the same treatment we did. The bottle of Vodka we ordered from Bon Voyage ($40.00) was in our room when we arrived. Very nice to have to make our own drinks. We did carry on wine and had some rum runners full too.

 

The Life Boat Drill was Hot and crowded but was fast and painless..... We were ready to sail away!

 

We went to our room to watch sail away and that was great. But saying this we did miss the deck party, but were able to watch it on the TV all week.

 

We explored the ship and made ourselves familiar with things. Our luggage arrived very promptly, we all unpacked and were off before you knew it.

Dinner in the dining room was great. Our table was in the very rear of the ship center, with the most amazing view of the sunset I have ever seen. Edwardo and Mitchell we our waiters. They were great and worked very hard for us. We all ate very well and A LOT!!! Everyone at our table ordered at least 2 maybe 3 appetizers and Entrees. Mitchell worked hard for us getting in the line and bringing us all that food. Of course we tipped them extra cash at the end of the cruise for all the extra work they did for us!

 

Show-time, was fabulous!!! We danced at the disco, then off to bed at midnight, after a Very long day....

 

As for the kids, they went to the teen club (Club O2) and played a game with the other teens on the ship, got to know some of them and ended up hanging out throughout the week.

[valancy1]

thanks Debra....I have read your review, i guess it is time for mine...I didnt take any pics of food, and I always do...made me mad, but I know what it looked like and I know you do too........

 

:D

 

Can't wait to read it... now that I posted something I'm subscribed, so it will be fun to read and see it again. I LOVE LADY LIBERTY!!!

[pursediva]

NOVEMBER 2, 2008 Sunday...Day at Sea

 

What can I say, it was a rainy day! But we made it one of the most fun days on board. We started drinking early that day. Visited all our friends on board. Went on an adventure aboard the ship. Laughed until we cried found the "secret door" on deck 6 forward. It is NO secret, it just maybe something you might not have found before. It was raining, hard the wind was blowing and we were at the front of the ship, needless to say I was soaked, but we got some great photos. Found Fish and Chips for lunch. Wine tasting at Harry's at 1 p.m. was very disappointing. It took until 2:00 to get started, it was $10.00 each. Come to find out half the people in there DIDN'T pay! We did make out our own fun. We were the table laughing and joking around. The wine was alright, but we did make our own fun.

 

We hung out most of the day with friends and family. Making the best of a rainy day.

 

Captains Party, was a lot of fun. It was hot but there were free drinks and dancing. We made it on the TV. The show was Wonderful World and there was a late night adult comedy show for each seating.

 

Elegant Night.....

We had family photos done, and had one fabulous dinner. After we all stayed dressed up and went to the show and out dancing. We closed the disco, ate burgers and ice cream and off to bed.

It was a great day at sea, even though the weather didn't agree.

 

The kids went to Club O2 for a scavenger hunt of the ship to familiarize themselves with places around the ship.... played Guitar Hero with Ashley- the club advisor.... went off and did their own thing for a while then went back to the club later that night for free smoothies and music.

 

 

NOVEMBER 3, 2008 Monday...San Juan arrival 5 p.m..

Our 18th Anniversary.

 

We ordered room service every morning for coffee. It always arrived fast and hot. Today we thought we would try breakfast in the dining room. I have to say Breakfast is the only thing I could complain about on the whole ship. No matter where you went, you had to wait in lines or forever at the table for your food, our waiter never even refilled our coffee cups, resulting in COLD breakfast everyday. We finally got smart and had yogurt, cereal, and bagels with our coffee delivered to our room instead of the alternatives. Making us much happier. The omelet line was just OK, but several times burnt. And the wait was at least 20 minutes or so. I am sure if you got up early you didn't have to wait that long, but this was my experience.

 

By 11:00 we had drinks in our hands, and a bag to go to the deck to find a chair. You know one of my biggest pet peeves on cruising are chair hogs! Why do you feel the need to throw your stuff on a chair and leave. I like to lay out for 1 hour tops, then leave. Not claiming my chair for the day. I guess I do not get this mentality of people. One of my friends was just as guilty. She got up at 7:30 saved chairs all day, never finding her family until after lunch. She made me very mad, and we went some places else to sit. Anyway I found a chair that had just a towel on it and asked the people next to it if we could sit until they came back and they said they didn't know who's towels they were, So we sat and NO ONE came back all day. Today was a day of celebration of our anniversary, drinking, sun and fun!!!! Oh yeah, nap in the sun too.

 

Docked in San Juan at 4 p.m., We had burgers, chicken fingers and fries for dinner, OMG so good. We were off the ship by 6 p.m. The only thing I wanted to do for our anniversary was go to Senior Frogs for Yards!!! It was so much fun! Loud music and dancing on chairs, the kids had a lot of fun too!! We filled up on our yards and headed back to the ship. Tired apparently because we passed out at 8 p.m. and that was the end of that. A great day for sure!!!

 

 

[pursediva]

NOVEMBER 4, 2008, Tuesday...St. Thomas, USVI

 

We had a private tour at 9:30 a.m. $25.00 each, booked today with BURLIE.

26 of us from the group went on two open air buses! She had two coolers packed for us. Our first stop was by my request to KMart so we could get booze (yes you can buy booze at the Kmart), ice, supplies and snacks for the day. We also bought a 12 pack of Coke and a case of water to bring back to the ship for the kids... had no problem bringing back food or drinks.

 

 

I can not brag enough about this trip.... we had so much fun. It was the best. The island was a little slow going, due to election day, everyone was campaigning on the street sides, so the traffic moved slow. We took advantage of this and yelled Obama for president whenever we could. People on the island yelled back, if they could have voted they would have voted Obama. We toured the entire island, and had a fabulous day. Coki beach was beyond beautiful. The snorkeling was unbelievable and it was HOT! the water was clear and warm. It was $5.00 to snorkel, and $5.00 for a chair. We had so much fun there. We could have stayed all day. But with the limited time, we were there for 2 hours. Back on the bus for the rest of the tour. Breath taking views of the island, beaches. It was my favorite tour of the cruise.

Annette our tour guide and her daughter. This is our whole group..

We made it back to the ship just in time. The traffic was horrible, but they did their best to get us back on time with 20 minutes to spare.

 

Dinner in the dining room, as we sailed off for St. Martin.

 

The kids spent the afternoon with their new friends and went to the club at night for a fun dance party and a group photo so Ashley could show people on other cruises how much fun it is to meet new people

[pursediva]

NOVEMBER 5, 2008, Wednesday .... St. Martin...St. Maarten, NA

 

Another private tour today, we got up and it was raining again! Well, you have to make the most of it, right? So some people bailed due to the rain, but we still toured. Bernard picked us up at the information desk there. His brother Slim took us on the island tour. We had an air conditioned bus and 18 people went. Slim had a cooler with beer, soda, water, rum and rum punch for us. Wow, it was great. He took us shopping first. Lots of great deals. Then sightseeing. He knew where to go to get out of the rain. We never experienced the rain again until we got back to the ship. We went to Orient Beach, the regular end, not the naked beach, as we had our kids with us. The kids rented boogie boards for $5.00 And had a blast. Chairs were $7.00 here and we only stayed 1.5 hours, so it was a little expensive. One complaint here, the locals would not leave us alone... Wanting to sell us everything they had. I really was getting mad, having to constantly saying "NO Thank You" the whole time.

Back on the bus for lunch in the french section. Slim took us to a local BBQ, it was fabulous! The more touring of the island. We didn't see rain all day. Our tour guide knew how to avoid it.

 

We went to the beach and watched the planes land over our head. OMG, that was fabulous! The boys loved that it was a topless beach to, they got to see Boobies, ha-ha, facts of life. Didn't bother me. We were back to the ship in plenty of time, and when we got there it was still raining. We were glad we went on the tour and didn't cancel because of the rain.

 

Dining Room, out to the shows the marriage show rocked! Carnival Legends was the show of the night, which was like American Idol- where vacationers volunteered to sing on stage, there were judges and all. Dancing again. Karaoke was fun and the Piano Bar was too. Fun was all over the ship. OH.. and Mexican midnight buffet (the only midnight buffet of the cruise).

 

The kids went back to the club after dinner to find that the little kids from Camp Carnival had taken over their club, so they went up to the Lido deck for the huge deck party, went swimming and in the hot tub.

[pursediva]

NOVEMBER 6, 2008, Thursday..Fun Day At Sea.....

 

It was a HOT... beautiful day!!! The slide was open for the first time today. Today we found two chairs together, surprisingly, laid out and relaxed for a hour or so. It was HOT!!! Nice, but hot.

Second Elegant night. Great food. The show was fantastic.

 

The kids went swimming, played basketball and ping pong... got pictures taken together... and a dance party back at Club O2.

 

NOVEMBER 7, 2008, Friday...Fun Day At Sea...

 

Nice relaxing day, not much sun...but a great day.. Bingo, debarkation talk, a nice lunch. Mongolian Buffet was excellent. You get all the raw food and they cook it in front of you. GREAT. Played Roulette in the casino, won $78.00. It was a fun hour. Private party in the Hot and Cool Disco for my group...lots of drinks, lots of fun and dancing!!!!

Dinner in the dining room. Game shows, shout about music, Phat Cat's comedy show... time for bed.

 

The kids enjoyed the last day of the cruise with their new friends and went swimming, ate lots of ice cream... played basketball... took pictures. And after dinner they went to the Club for closing ceremonies with email/myspace/facebook exchange so they can keep in touch.

 

NOVEMBER 8, 2008, Saturday.... Time to go Home...

 

Self assist is the ONLY way to go. Take your bags and walk off the ship. We were off in 20 minutes. The lines were long, but they moved very fast.

Top Shuttle picked us up and took us back to FLL.

 

I can not say enough good things about this cruise. It was an absolutely wonderful cruise!!

 

 

 

 

 

I am sad to be home...I can not wait for another cruise.

They offer a deal now, if you put $100.00 down on another cruise you get $100.00 on board ship credit which can be used in addition to any other deals. You have five years to use it, and the money is fully refundable. So we bought 2. We always get two cabin so I was really excited about the new deal. Time to plan my next cruise.....

Any questions,

no fruit punch,

no grand gala buffet,

[arom729]

Were you under the impression that new deal was permanent?

[LizaMM]

Thanks for your review and photos!

 

I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your cruise!

 

I do have a question.....how was the Big Screen on the Lido deck during the day? Did you still get to enjoy live band music?

[pursediva]

excuse me I don't understand what you are trying to tell me....:confused:

[KAP622]

Where is the Mongolian Buffet? What kind of food do they have?

[pursediva]

Thanks for your review and photos!

 

I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your cruise!

 

I do have a question.....how was the Big Screen on the Lido deck during the day? Did you still get to enjoy live band music?

 

It was an excellent vacation!!

 

The big screen was great, especially on election night, they had a big party on the Lido deck and had CNN on. The night of Mardi Gras deck party they had everyone up there that was dancing..Very fun.

 

The screen did not interfere with the music from the bands. It was all great!

[pursediva]

Where is the Mongolian Buffet? What kind of food do they have?

 

The Mongolian Buffet is in the middle of all the buffets.....ok..first you come up the main elevators then go towards the back of the boat..on the right side, there is a grill, cheeseburgers, hotdogs, chicken fingers, fries, onion rings, chips and salsa..lots of stuff for nachos...then keep walking through the doors and on your left is the deli..they have hot and cold sandwiches...AWESOME!! Just past that you enter the next buffet area the first line on your left is the Mongolian Buffet...they had fresh veggies, rice noodles, chicken, calamari, pork, with sauces. They cook it right in front of you. It was fresh flavorful, and HOT!!! It was out of this world! If you keep walking and go up the staircase inside there is the fish and chips...nice and quite up there, awesome food!!! We ate there a few times. I wish I could have eaten more, but I was full the whole time..... And of course if you keep going to the back of the ship, you will find pizza, salads and on the other side ice cream 24/7.

[pursediva]

Were you under the impression that new deal was permanent?

they said it was a new program on just two ships in the fleet..

the deal is 3-5 day you get $50. OBC

7 day you get $100 obc

12 day or more you get $200.

that is the best deal if you can get away for that long....I can't :(

we were invited to a private party that explained it all... many in my group signed up for it....

[BettyPC]

Thanks for your great review! Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation.

[valancy1]

they said it was a new program on just two ships in the fleet..

the deal is 3-5 day you get $50. OBC

7 day you get $100 obc

12 day or more you get $200.

that is the best deal if you can get away for that long....I can't :(

we were invited to a private party that explained it all... many in my group signed up for it....

 

Just so everyone knows... we found out the hard way. Even though it doesn't state this on the certificate, you cannot use this with Military discount. :(

 

We booked our September cruise (military discount) and sent in our certificate. Carnival called this week and said we couldn't use it because we have a military discount.

 

FYI.

[Tapi]

 

We went to the beach and watched the planes land over our head. OMG, that was fabulous! .

 

 

I'm so mad! Our driver actually discouraged us from going to Maho Beach! Looking at your pictures, I see that it was OK to go! He made all sorts of excuses (beach eroded from hurricane, sections blocked off, blah, blah. Oh well!

[rebeljohn]

Enjoyed your review and pics............Thanks for posting them.............

[abitaturbodog]

Loved your review! Loved the pictures--your family is having so much fun in all of them!

 

Did you have traditional dining or anytime? If anytime, can you tell me how that worked and if there was a wait to be seated.

 

Thanks!

[pursediva]

Loved your review! Loved the pictures--your family is having so much fun in all of them!

 

Did you have traditional dining or anytime? If anytime, can you tell me how that worked and if there was a wait to be seated.

 

Thanks!

 

Thank you!! We all had a blast.

We did traditional dining, we had a large group of 47, i was able to do all the seating arrangements for everyone. I like having the same table and waiters for the week. We also had early seating, so we could eat again later. The waiters get to know you and what you like and they make suggestions as to what you would like to eat and remember if you want tea or coffee after dinner. I requested window seats for all and we had the best seats in the dining room;..It was great.

I also heard they do not have the sining and dancing in the dine when you want dining room. I would miss that. That was a GOOD time. When they got up on the tables and danced it was fun.