Another 3 Generations report: 8 day Eastern Liberty, Sept 13-21, 2014

OK, now that we’ve got one good meal in us; let’s backtrack just a bit. We got to the room earlier enough to actually relax for a minute. I took a few pics. We have to look, especially for those close to cruising, or maybe someone getting their first balcony?

My room steward doesn’t yet know I’m traveling solo:

The large mirror does help the bathroom seem a little larger:

And finally, the balcony:

And a view of the Marina and Indian River from it:

See how close we are to the ocean. Ah the smell of salt in the air. I posted on a recent Guy's Burger thread that the salt air makes them taste better! LOL

So, I met my Room Steward immediately. His name is John, from the Phillipines. I told him I was traveling solo, he immediately offered to make up the couch as soon as he could. I said I would like fresh ice twice daily. I never had to ask again. I saw John 4-5 times a day in the hallway. We had 3 other rooms nears mine. I got to know their room steward as well. He was Jerold, also from the Phillipines. I really enjoy interacting with the crew members that work so hard to make our vacation special. A little conversation and taking interest in THEM goes a long way in getting superb service. And, it adds to MY cruise experience as well.

Remember when I said we’re at a different terminal and Carnival was out of sorts? Parking – yes. Security – YES. Check in – No – they did a great job. Luggage delivery….Forgettaboutit…. FTTF didn’t get us luggage very fast at all. It was after 3PM when we got the last pieces. I know that’s not bad for some; but it is one of the perks we paid for. No worries though; we’re starting to get on Island Time.

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So, now that we've made it on to the ship; are we getting enough pictures?????

Coming up soon: the other ships in port with us, Sail Away, and what is this thing they call "The American Table"?

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I had FTTF on the Legend in April and we got our luggage at the same time as our neighbors (my parents) so it did us no good at all on that front. In fact, I think my dad's suitcase showed up before mine did.

Enjoying the review so far. I'm looking forward to the pictures and your feelings on the American Table / Feast menus.

Great review so far. I can't wait to try out Guy's on the Glory.

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We headed down to Guest Services, it’s nice using the VIP line. There was business to take care of and we needed to find out where the Special Needs Muster Station is. We’ve got a few people in need of this for the first time. While on Deck 3, it’s nice to remember that there is a HUGE quiet space outside. Let’s take a look:

And, a nice seat to relax:

Here is the Disney Fantasy, and the Sunshine is in "our spot". (Anyone catching the Big Bang Tie-in? LOL):

Please note how close we are to the Disney moorings.

Next, we peeked into the Venetian Theatre:

I just LOVE the Italian blown glass sculpture in the ceiling:

Only a few pics here; it usually dark and my low-tech camera doesn’t do well with dark.

Though, I do have a very good “dark” photo from the Venetian we’ll see later.

Coming up: RUN, DSIL, RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!

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YES, I'm talking about one of my gang!

Wait a minute, what am I talking about? All eleven of us are safely on board.

Well.......

So, I was in my room, starting to unpack as it was getting closer to Muster Time. I intended on going to my assigned station. Then, there was a knock at the door. Thing 1 said there was a problem.

You see, traveling to Cocoa, we had 5 people in one car. In Cocoa, we had more cars to spread out. There was a medicine bag left in the back seat of a car that had 5 people that now only had 2. No one thought to look in the back seat. :eek: So, DB/DSIL/Thing 2 head to go get it. DSIL is the only one with her Sign and Sail AND her Driver’s License. She’s the only one they would let off. Good thing she knew exactly where the car was parked!

Run, DSIL, Run!

If she wasn’t the last person on board/re-board the ship, she was one of the last before they pulled the gangway. Not a good use of your FTTF. ;)

So, I helped our Special Needs people to the Special Needs Muster area where a lot of us met up. We were in the 4th Floor Golden Dining Room. So as to not leave us completely out of the true Muster experience; in addition to hearing the overhead announcements – for some reason the air conditioning was off. We got the “full heat” experience of being outside without doing so. :confused:

Now, I hope this doesn’t frustrate people, but it really makes sense if you think about it. The reason a lot of people need the Special Needs Muster Station is that they need access to elevators. Sooooo, when the drill is done and the Cruise Director comes on to talk about the cruise, but won’t let you leave the Muster Station – that’s to give the Special Needs people a chance to get to the elevators first.

Next: take your own advice, Scotty.

After the Muster Drill; being of sound legs, I took the stairs. I told those that wanted to join me for Sail Away, that I would be up on Deck 10 on the Starboard side. So, I go up and start moving some loungers into the shade and then…..doh’…..I’m on the port side. I head to the starboard side and everyone is wondering where I got to. LOL

The Sunshine left first.

We couldn’t see the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building) at NASA like last year until it left. That’s because it was in “our spot”. (Just love the Big Bang Theory!) LOL

I thought we were parked “the wrong way” We were facing away from the ocean and had to turn around to head to sea. Well, from this view, I guess it makes sense. I thought I had a better pic. Look at the Disney mooring, it is very close to where we docked:

Although, the Liberty may have arrived a few minutes late and didn't have time to turn around. I did notice the Freedom of the Seas was backed in the day we returned.

Let me also mention this is the first time I've heard the Disney "When You Wish Upon a Star" horn blow that I've heard so many positive things about from Disney cruise fans. I must say, I was less than blown away. ;) I guess I expected more from it.

When the triplets become twins. DW has the same shirt; but there's only two of us to "represent":

Gee, they’re bringing the Drink of the Day around. I guess you could twist my arm to try the Fun Ship Special:

I checked in with DW a couple of times today to make sure she was doing OK. They had been treating themselves to pizza and Blizzards, which made me feel happy she was getting better. I would try the phone in Grand Turk, but didn’t expect to be able to talk to her until San Juan. Time to turn the phone off, talk to you in a few days, honey!

I hear rave reviews, but have yet to try it yet:

A local casino boat:

We Sail Away, they Sail Back:

Royal Caribbean is building a new terminal. Then, Terminal 10 will also be a Carnival Terminal and the staff/port workers will be better equipped to ALWAYS be Carnival:

How about a pic from the lesser photographed Port side:

Next: The first American Table Dinner Menu

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Time to pay the bills!

I've got to work this evening, and 12 hour shifts over the weekend. I "may" be able to make a few posts; but I can't do pictures unless I'm home. So, I wanted to post the first evening's Menu for you to peruse.

I had heard the new menu's on American Table night were LARGE; they are. I'm sorry the first picture is blurry. I did warn you - but I think you can make out the item names, just not complete descriptions:

The dessert menu will be posted when we get there. :)

I'll try later to discuss the new menu and format.

Let's have some feedback now. :D

If you were on this cruise, WHAT did you have the first night?

If you're along for the right, what would YOU order tonight?

Don't be bashful; you can order more then one appetizer and entree. Our group did often!

I'll also try to answer questions about the new menu. I just can't post more pictures until late tonight or tomorrow.

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I think I'd have to go with the mahi mahi myself.

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I would have had the Grilled Salmon and the Veggie Lasagna all-cruise long :)

And Caesar salad of course!

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Menu has been tweaked since I was on Liberty this past May, but I had the Calamari and the mahi mahi. I'm glad they took the chaeuteaubriand off the menu. DH said it was the worst ever.

Noticed the strawberry soup is there and they have Indian listed as vegetarian. I don't remember the vegetarian the night we went, but remember my veggie DD ordered sides.

I think I'd have to go with the mahi mahi myself.

 

 

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And Caesar salad of course!

Sounds good to me. :)

I would have had the Grilled Salmon and the Veggie Lasagna all-cruise long :)

I had Salmon one night; but not tonight. I'm not a veggie person; but I did eat more veggies than usual this week.

Menu has been tweaked since I was on Liberty this past May, but I had the Calamari and the mahi mahi. I'm glad they took the chaeuteaubriand off the menu. DH said it was the worst ever.

 

Noticed the strawberry soup is there and they have Indian listed as vegetarian. I don't remember the vegetarian the night we went, but remember my veggie DD ordered sides.

I didn't realize the Chaeuteaubriand was moved to the first nigt of the new menus. I remember it towards the end of the week last year on the Dream. And, I guess it really does depend on the chef. Last year, it was one of the best beef dishes of the week. It's one of the main things I did miss with the new menu. Interesting.

I’m going to tackle this as if you knew nothing about the American Table other than the fact that “the menu changed on the Liberty”. (And the Glory and two Fantasy class ships – but I don’t remember which ones at the moment. J )

Initially, part of the American Table idea was to have some items served “family style”. I believe the appetizer items were Fried Calamari and Caesar Salad. For dessert, there was Pie a la mode – I’m not sure if they brought an entire pie to the table no matter what. I don’t remember if there were side dishes brought to the table with the entrées.

Please correct the above information as needed.

In any event; they no longer do the Family Style dishes. You order each item as requested.

They had also taken away all of the chilled soups, and Crème Brulee was gone as well (which used to be on the first night’s dessert menu). Thru passenger feedback, the chilled soups are back (see Strawberry Bisque tonight), and the Crème Brulee is back – you’ll see when later in the trip.

On to the Menu itself.

There are Appetizers on the left, with the “Rare Finds” replacing the “DIDJA (every try this). Some items are new, some are the same. It seems there was a gator dish before, but I don’t remember if it’s the same as tonight’s choice. (I had gator last night, so I didn’t try it tonight.)

Under Mains, you see the entrée’s for this evening. You also see “Items from the Grill”. These are standard items that are offered every night; though I believe the fish entrée may change. I didn’t order off of this section; so we’ll have to see together as the week progresses. J

In the lower portion of the Menu is the “Port of Call” menu. This will be specific to the port you are/were in. This is my first time with the new menus, so I can’t say for sure if the St. Thomas Port of Call Menu might be the same as something in the Western Carribean (say Costa Maya). But, I do remember looking on another site at the menu when the Liberty was still in Miami. The items there were Cuban in nature and are different than tonight’s Port Canaveral ones.

The Port of Call menu has a Cocktail, Appetizer and a Main course. It’s important to look at the ENTIRE menu, because often, the choices here are very good!

On American Table nights, the entrées are ala carte. You have Side Dishes at the bottom to choose from. There are maybe 10 or so items overall; so you will see some things repeated during the week. This is good because if you like a particular side, you can have it again, or you can try them on different nights.

NEW ITEM IN THE LOWER LEFT:

***** STEAKHOUSE SELECTIONS***** I’m not sure how new this section is and/or how well publicized this has been on the rest of the Carnival site. The EC’s were on the Glory for a b2b (lucky dogs!) in April. The return of the chilled soups and crème brulee as well as the Steakhouse Selections are all new to them.

This is a very unique option. It allows you to upgrade your entrée for a $20 charge. Some may think this is just another way for Carnival to get extra money from you. Our family thought this is a FANTASTIC idea! If some of you want an upgraded entrée; but your entire group does not and does not want to spend $35 to go to the steakhouse for an entire meal – this is a GREAT alternative. I will share that a few of us did this one night. You’ll see pics of later in the week.

Coming soon: some pics of tonight's appetizers!

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I'm looking forward to the steakhouse entrees actually. I like eating in the MDR but want to treat myself to a lobster or good steak.

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We were on Glory last month and I loved that flat bread appetizer with pear, walnuts and blue cheese. A nice addition to the menu!

Enjoying your review. It's been 7 years since we sailed Liberty but she looks great and we loved her.

When the triplets become twins. DW has the same shirt; but there's only two of us to "represent":

Gee, they’re bringing the Drink of the Day around. I guess you could twist my arm to try the Fun Ship Special:

Hubby and I have that shirt also. Thanks for doing the review.

Loving your report. Especially interested in your imput on new menu. I am such a picky eater, but had no trouble finding things I'd love to have on the 1st night menu. Looking forward to reading more and looking at your great pictures. Thank you !!

We were on Glory last month and I loved that flat bread appetizer with pear, walnuts and blue cheese. A nice addition to the menu!

There's a pic coming right up!

Hubby and I have that shirt also. Thanks for doing the review.

Thanks! I saw a few others on our sailing with it as well.

Loving your report. Especially interested in your imput on new menu. I am such a picky eater, but had no trouble finding things I'd love to have on the 1st night menu. Looking forward to reading more and looking at your great pictures. Thank you !!

Thanks for the plug on the other thread. ;)

I will say that, while I missed a few favorites; I really loved the new menu overall. There was one day that I thought I wouldn't find much I'd like - that ended up being one of my most surprisingly enjoyable meals.

On to the appetizers now. :D

As I said before, I didn't want to interrupt everyone's meals. So, I only asked to take pics of people near me. We had a HUGE variety of appetizers. When we get to entrees, we must have mostly ordered the same thing.

So, to get started, this is probably the only picture we have of all 11 of us. Our head waitress, Nathaly (pronounced Natalie) is also in the shot:

I'm at the head of the table; I guess I'm picking up the bill tonight. :D

Let's start with the onion soup:

Now, see how much CHEESE there is on top of the soup!

Did you say soup? I was assured that the Corn Chowder was quite good: