Carnival Liberty-Ocean Suite worth it over the balcony?

My wife and I are getting read to book our Southern Carribean Cruise on the Liberty out of San Juan on June 21st. We sailed on this ship two years ago on an Eastern Caribbean trip but had a balcony room. While it wasn't the largest or the most luxurious, it was sufficient. We splurged last year when we sailed to Bermuda on Celebrity (Summit) and got the Royal Sweet that adjoined the Penthouse Suite. We really felt THAT was worth it. It was a massive room, great balcony size, butler, private area, etc. The location at the back of the ship made for rough sailing, though (only complaint).

Now, back to the original question. For a port intensive trip such as the Southern Caribbean, are the Ocean Suites on the Liberty worth the upgrade vs. the balcony?

great question..my family also reserved an ocean suite on the Liberty for the Southern cruise. Balconys are great but a little tight for my wife and I and our 12 year old son. with suitcases it doesn't leave much of a walk way from the front door to the balcony....

hope to hear from people who have traveled in the spacious(?) suite

I would book an ocean suite every time if it is in the budget but I have a family of 4 in my room. I don't care which boat or itinerary, more room is always better for me. Unfortunately for our upcoming cruise it was nearly 2 x the cost.

I would have upgraded if it were closer to $250-$300 pp.

You are the only one that can answer that, it is your cruise. Is the value worth it to you, not others.

great question..my family also reserved an ocean suite on the Liberty for the Southern cruise. Balconys are great but a little tight for my wife and I and our 12 year old son. with suitcases it doesn't leave much of a walk way from the front door to the balcony....

 

hope to hear from people who have traveled in the spacious(?) suite

We usually choose the standard ocean suite and not the grand. Difference there is grand a longer curved couch and smidge more room. For three people an ocean suite vs. grand should suffice.

The ocean suite balcony will have one adjustable recliner type lounger, small side table and another chair about 65 sq feet vs. 35 if I recall. Room also has two windows and the balcony door.

- storage galore- 3 full closets, under tv cabinet storage,by desk and a dressing walk through area with a desk for makeup area.

- bathroom- much better with a standard size tub with sliding glass doors,jacuzzi jets (worth it just to sit on edge and soak tired feet.)

-priority embarkation

As far as suitcases - they should fit under the bed.

Carnival definitely does not have added level of difference in a suite compared to other lines with butlers,concierge,beverages,special dining area etc.

Any ocean suite questions just ask

P.S. when traveled with our son, often the guys would go to spa and use their private showers (no charge) to get ready. It took pressure of sharing a bathroom.

We are sailing Liberty Southern week before you.

We usually choose the standard ocean suite and not the grand. Difference there is grand a longer curved couch and smidge more room. For three people an ocean suite vs. grand should suffice.

The ocean suite balcony will have one adjustable recliner type lounger, small side table and another chair about 65 sq feet vs. 35 if I recall. Room also has two windows and the balcony door.

- storage galore- 3 full closets, under tv cabinet storage,by desk and a dressing walk through area with a desk for makeup area.

- bathroom- much better with a standard size tub with sliding glass doors,jacuzzi jets (worth it just to sit on edge and soak tired feet.)

-priority embarkation

As far as suitcases - they should fit under the bed.

Carnival definitely does not have added level of difference in a suite compared to other lines with butlers,concierge,beverages,special dining area etc.

 

Any ocean suite questions just ask

P.S. when traveled with our son, often the guys would go to spa and use their private showers (no charge) to get ready. It took pressure of sharing a bathroom.

We are sailing Liberty Southern week before you.

Thanks for the great info. Hope to read a review of your trip before ours.

My wife and I are getting read to book our Southern Carribean Cruise on the Liberty out of San Juan on June 21st. We sailed on this ship two years ago on an Eastern Caribbean trip but had a balcony room. While it wasn't the largest or the most luxurious, it was sufficient. We splurged last year when we sailed to Bermuda on Celebrity (Summit) and got the Royal Sweet that adjoined the Penthouse Suite. We really felt THAT was worth it. It was a massive room, great balcony size, butler, private area, etc. The location at the back of the ship made for rough sailing, though (only complaint).

 

Now, back to the original question. For a port intensive trip such as the Southern Caribbean, are the Ocean Suites on the Liberty worth the upgrade vs. the balcony?

It really depends upon your budget. If you can afford it, what is wrong with more storage space, a more comfortable suite and all of the other necessities a suite offers? it is nice not to trip over each other and have a delux bathroom. When the price works for us, we try to take a suite, especially on celebrity and Royal Caribbean. Love the perks.

enjoy your cruise.

We have an ocean suite on Liberty sailing June 7th. I have never had a suite either and had booked a balcony. Thought I'd try it since there's 3 of us sailing and we wanted more space. It cost 750 to upgrade from balcony to ocean suite but we feel it's worth it in the long run. I'll let you know when we sail how it was. I'm excited!!!!

We have an ocean suite on Liberty sailing June 7th. I have never had a suite either and had booked a balcony. Thought I'd try it since there's 3 of us sailing and we wanted more space. It cost 750 to upgrade from balcony to ocean suite but we feel it's worth it in the long run. I'll let you know when we sail how it was. I'm excited!!!![/QUOT

 

Have a great cruise!

great question..my family also reserved an ocean suite on the Liberty for the Southern cruise. Balconys are great but a little tight for my wife and I and our 12 year old son. with suitcases it doesn't leave much of a walk way from the front door to the balcony....

 

hope to hear from people who have traveled in the spacious(?) suite

We have sailed only the Suite not the grand suite level many times, including the Liberty. In fact sailing again June 14th in a suite for our 30th Anniversary. Any questions I'd be happy to answer.

Basics though-

1.)yes a refrigerator -cabin steward may have to unlock for you, and most times we have been told go ahead and put all items in it in a cabinet. It keeps things cold, but not super like at home. Good enough for beverages and maybe a short stay of leftover cake etc. We always request a second ice bucket and put a few soda cans in it.

2.)Yes a hair dryer--about a 1500 watt, but nozzle end is only I'd say 2" and hard wired into vanity area by bathroom. Ok for average hair, if thick I'd bring my own.

3.)Shampooo,body gel in shower , NO conditioner.

4.)Balcony- extended as has a chair that reclines with an ottoman, small side table, another upright chair. Length is approx width of room - two windows and door.

5.)couch, small moveable coffee table,cushioned side chair

6.)NO CLOCK AT ALL!

8.)Bathroom-full vanity with two small racks for personal items,toilet and standard size jetted tub,shower with glass doors. Should still have a retractable clothesline in shower too.

Questions just ask

p.s. the only difference I could tell for grand suites is a bit wider, couch curves at end. That is about it.

We have an ocean suite on Liberty sailing June 7th. I have never had a suite either and had booked a balcony. Thought I'd try it since there's 3 of us sailing and we wanted more space. It cost 750 to upgrade from balcony to ocean suite but we feel it's worth it in the long run. I'll let you know when we sail how it was. I'm excited!!!!

having sailed multiple times in a suite it is worth it--bathroom jetted tub is great for sitting on edge and soaking tired feet.

Also if not aware in San Juan you are given priority entry -show VIP at gate and get to skip the liine. Then you go upstairs and there is a private check in lounge. They will escort you passed lines and direct to security line. So no Need for FTTF purchase.

San Juan is only port I know that security checkpoint is after checkin and right before boarding.

Any questions we have sailed this ship,suite and exact itinerary 4X and sailing it again on June 14.

We have an ocean suite on Liberty sailing June 7th. I have never had a suite either and had booked a balcony. Thought I'd try it since there's 3 of us sailing and we wanted more space. It cost 750 to upgrade from balcony to ocean suite but we feel it's worth it in the long run. I'll let you know when we sail how it was. I'm excited!!!!

having sailed multiple times in a suite it is worth it--bathroom jetted tub is great for sitting on edge and soaking tired feet.

Also if not aware in San Juan you are given priority entry -show VIP at gate and get to skip the liine. Then you go upstairs and there is a private check in lounge. They will escort you passed lines and direct to security line.

San Juan is only port I know that security checkpoint is after checkin and right before boarding.

Any questions we ahve sailed this ship,suite and exact itinerary 4X and sailing it again on June 14.

Would not ever consider it. Since we are in the cabin a minimum amount of time, we book the standard cabins. Inside/OV/PH...They suit our needs perfectly

Is there something I have to print out for this VIP treatment? Do you know since we will be traveling with other members of our family who do not have the same suite (one being my father in law who is handicapped) will they also be included to skip the lines?

Is there something I have to print out for this VIP treatment? Do you know since we will be traveling with other members of our family who do not have the same suite (one being my father in law who is handicapped) will they also be included to skip the lines?

I'm curious to know- did you print out something for the OS suite for hte VIP boarding?

What cabin were you in?

Ad what about another family I'm traveling with who have a reg balcony- can they skip the lines and be with us?

Thanks in advance- hope you had a great cruise.

I'm curious to know- did you print out something for the OS suite for hte VIP boarding?

What cabin were you in?

Ad what about another family I'm traveling with who have a reg balcony- can they skip the lines and be with us?

 

Thanks in advance- hope you had a great cruise.

No, we didn't print anything out. Our online boarding pass showed the suite number and we automatically got VIP boarding and the lounge. Unless the other family has a priority boarding on their boarding pass I don't believe they can go with you...but I'd ask. I think if they link the 2 bookings they may be able to. Our Suite number was 7249

Thank you for the reply- I sincerely appreciate it. :-)

What did you think of the OS room? Do you have pics? Did you write a review?

We're staying in 7231 :D

No, we didn't print anything out. Our online boarding pass showed the suite number and we automatically got VIP boarding and the lounge. Unless the other family has a priority boarding on their boarding pass I don't believe they can go with you...but I'd ask. I think if they link the 2 bookings they may be able to. Our Suite number was 7249

Thank you for the reply- I sincerely appreciate it. :-)

 

What did you think of the OS room? Do you have pics? Did you write a review?

We're staying in 7231 :D

I absolutely LOVED it.....balcony was twice the normal size (compared to a regular balcony cabin), The sink was double sink, bathroom was regular bathroom size with zacuzzi tub, had a vanity area with closet between cabin and bath and another closet in the cabin next to the bed and also a 5 drawer dresser in cabin area. It was nice! We have an OS booked on the Magic coming up July 30, 2016 now too LOL

I attached some photos. Didn't take too many but here's a few.

"Squeeeeeeeeeeel" It looks lovely- I can barely wait. Next Sunday we will be on the liberty!

Did you have access to your room right away? Because you were in a suite did you have to wait long for your luggage to be delivered?

I absolutely LOVED it.....balcony was twice the normal size (compared to a regular balcony cabin), The sink was double sink, bathroom was regular bathroom size with zacuzzi tub, had a vanity area with closet between cabin and bath and another closet in the cabin next to the bed and also a 5 drawer dresser in cabin area. It was nice! We have an OS booked on the Magic coming up July 30, 2016 now too LOL

 

I attached some photos. Didn't take too many but here's a few.

We had an ocean suite on the Glory. We didn't feel like it was worth the additional money over a balcony. (The double sinks were convenient.). I'm glad we tried it because DH realized that an ocean suite wasn't something he wanted.

We have had mini-suites on Princess and those were awesome.

For 4 people, I'd recommend getting 2 balcony cabins instead of an ocean suite.

We are platinum so I don't know what perks you get with a suite.

It's just DH and I in the room so we have plenty to move about. :-)

Normally I wouldn't bother with a suite but the price to upgrade was too good to pass up.

We figure we will try it once and see if it's for us. If not, oh well- we tried it.

We had an ocean suite on the Glory. We didn't feel like it was worth the additional money over a balcony. (The double sinks were convenient.). I'm glad we tried it because DH realized that an ocean suite wasn't something he wanted.

 

We have had mini-suites on Princess and those were awesome.

 

For 4 people, I'd recommend getting 2 balcony cabins instead of an ocean suite.

 

We are platinum so I don't know what perks you get with a suite.

"Squeeeeeeeeeeel" It looks lovely- I can barely wait. Next Sunday we will be on the liberty!

 

Did you have access to your room right away? Because you were in a suite did you have to wait long for your luggage to be delivered?

Yes access to room right away!! Luggage was normal speed but we liked being able to drop carry ons off right away. Personally I felt OS was well worth the money!! I think it's personal choice. We always have 3 people cruising in one cabin so the extra room and drawers were so nice!!

I'm more excited to have a reg. size bathroom more than anything else. Oh, and the double sink!

Hahahaha

Yes access to room right away!! Luggage was normal speed but we liked being able to drop carry ons off right away. Personally I felt OS was well worth the money!! I think it's personal choice. We always have 3 people cruising in one cabin so the extra room and drawers were so nice!!

I'm more excited to have a reg. size bathroom more than anything else. Oh, and the double sink!

 

Hahahaha

Ha ha ha!! I know me too. Plus more vanity space too!

It's really great

Caribbeanchickie- My DH and I will be staying one cabin down from your suite, OS7233, when we go in December. Please let us know if the area is quiet. I noticed a space between the two inside cabins just across the hall from our suite and I'm afraid it will be a laundry area or something.

Have a great time on your trip!