Debunking the Myths - Liberty 6-2-12 Review

[kwagmyre]

Well, after almost a year of researching, planning, and budgeting, it’s all over now except the writeup. That, and of course, booking the next one…

A few things to know about us before embarking with us on our adventure:

- We are, in some ways, perhaps not the “typical” cruise demographic. We both dislike “live” music, unless it’s an actual concert, we don’t like crowds and we prefer mountains and seasons to beaches and tropical climates. We can’t sit on a beach – or anywhere, for very long. We are much more “work hard, play hard”, than we are Jimmy-Buffet types. We don’t like buffets. So, you would think a cruise might be a bad choice for us, but we liked the idea of travel with someone ELSE doing the driving, the freedom of choice that is offered, and just the novelty of being on such a huge ship. We weren’t disappointed.

- We are foodies. If you like “food porn”, this is your review. Welcome aboard.

- We are private, and with reason to be. Without going into details, we need to remain anonymous, and so thus cannot show our faces right now. Which is a shame for y’all, cuz we are hotties! Kidding. Sort of. No, we’re not celebrities or criminals or anything, but there are those in our lives who would use this trip against us if they found out about it, however unlikely. So, that will explain perhaps some weirdly-cropped photos coming up.

Since the last thing CC seems to need right now is Yet Another Liberty Review, I’ll try to do this one a little different. I’ll try not to rehash the same things everyone else has, will attempt to offer a different perspective where I can, and, as in the thread title, will attempt to debunk many of the myths that seem to surround Liberty, Carnival, and cruising in general right now. In fact, we had so many “revelation” moments that, I am going to blatantly ripoff Mr. Mom’s recent Liberty review, but instead of Tip/Recommendation snippets, mine will come with Myth/Reality monikers.

Anyway, enough of that, time for some gratuitous “first glimpse” shots!:


Although I couldn't tell at the time, this one really is my first shot, and it was Liberty. You can see much more clearly on the full-size.



Getting closer...



Almost there!

[jobell]

Looking forward to your review and for someone with about 7 months until her Liberty cruise I can't get enough of them.

Can't wait to read more.

[Dwtlcambre]

You are not claiming to be disabled and thats why you can't show your face is it? I mean, it's hard to start out a review with a claim like that and not expect to have questions. More often than not reviews do not show the peoples faces.

[kwagmyre]

Day 1 - Embarkation:

Since this was our honeymoon, we splurged on a suite, and thus had VIP boarding. This was an interesting experience. For starters, ain't no one a VIP until you get through security. So, after dealing with the mad rush and the porters... ah, yes, the porters, and that reminds me, here's your first:

Myth: Everyone overpacks for their first cruise. Pack half the clothes, and twice the money.

Reality: We packed, no less than six bags for two of us for a week - 2, full size, hiking backpacks (65L and 35L), 3 rollaways, plus a "critical/electronics" bag. We used almost all of it. Yes, we were driving, yes, we had the space, and yes, we were very well-dressed, enough so that the staff commented on it, lol. That being said, and while we won't be doing it again, we have no regrets about being "kitchen sinkers" our first time out. It was worth the hassle to us, since we were travelling alone.

Now, once we got through security, we found the VIP check-in, and were directed to the lounge with the toe-curlingly sweet lemonade. It was there we got our first close-up of the ship:



Now, here comes the weird part. After sitting in this lounge for a few minutes, we were then removed, and whisked to another area, with a LOT more people, and a lot fewer seats. I was laughing and saying to my wife, "Where ma VIP at?" I started calling the first lounge the "psych" lounge, as in like "look, here's this nice new lounge - PSYCHE! Nah, just kidding, it's Carnival, get over there with the rest of the riff raff..."

So anyway, we were standing there for a few minutes, no chairs available, not feeling very VIP'ish at all, but then we started boarding first, thank goodness:

Here we go!



Almost there...

[kwagmyre]

Originally Posted by Dwtlcambre

You are not claiming to be disabled and thats why you can't show your face is it? I mean, it's hard to start out a review with a claim like that and not expect to have questions. More often than not reviews do not show the peoples faces.

Huh? What an odd conclusion to jump to. It's nothing of the sort. My only reason in mentioning was, like I said, that there might be some weird cropping effects coming up, that's all. Now stop overanalyzing, sit back, have a foo-foo drink, and enjoy my review.

[hockeyluver]

sounds like its going to be a very interesting review

[Dwtlcambre]

No problem, I am looking forward to the rest, just thought the claim at first was a little suspious. Drink now in hand and ready for the review.

[jobell]

Originally Posted by kwagmyre

Huh? What an odd conclusion to jump to. It's nothing of the sort. My only reason in mentioning was, like I said, that there might be some weird cropping effects coming up, that's all. Now stop overanalyzing, sit back, have a foo-foo drink, and enjoy my review.

Can I have a foo-foo drink while I wait for more of your review?!?! lol. People make me lol...smh.

[navybaby1113]

Looking forward to the rest of the review.

[MSRussell]

Looking forward to your review!!
Melanie

[kwagmyre]

Day 1 - Embarkation continued - Enter The Fish

Well, as promised, we are foodies, this is a foodie review. Like any self-respecting gastronome, I had researched all available food options and menus on the ship and planned out virtually every meal in advance. From research, I knew that the Fish & Chips would be sparsely populated, as it is upstairs from the buffet, and not very well-known on the first day... well, unless you're a CruiseCritic member, that is!

Lots of ceviche available, including octopus:





Myth: The fish and chips is greasy/tasteless/not very good

Reality: Folks, this stuff is the BOMB... Perfectly fried, seasoned, not too greasy, just the right amount of batter to fish...



That, above, is the fish (sorry, I couldn't hold off tearing into it), plus a calamari/zuchinni fritter (also quite good), and fries, obviously. I didn't get a pic of the tartar sauce, because, who takes a picture of tartar sauce, but it had all kinds of bits of seasoning and spices in it and was delicious. This is some of the best fish and chips I've had, anywhere, and while I'm not a fanatic or anything, I've had it on islands, in seaside restaurants, at British Gastropubs (stateside), and in fast-food joints. This is one of the best.

But wait, it gets better. Sooooo much better...............







THAT, my friends, is Alfred from Jamaica. He works at the Red Frog Bar, which serves that wonderful looking libation he is holding, the Thirsty Frog Red beer. He brings us beer. That makes him friend. My wife and I fell in LOVE with this stuff at first sip - and, combined with the fish and chips? As the wify would say, "to die for"... sigh... This was the first of many rounds of this stuff that we enjoyed on this cruise. In fact, I think I am going to scan a redacted Sail & Sign bill at the end, just to show a cost breakdown. I like analyzing things. But this was day one, and no analysis needed here... just pure, malty deliciousness...

[jmwg49]

Great review so far!!!! We have been on the Liberty in '11, but are looking at going again! I love these Liberty reviews!!!

[mrsd912]

Looking forward to the rest of the review!
DH and are I first time cruisers who will be taking the Liberty on the Western Caribbean itinerary in September!
We also consider ourselves foodies, so I can't wait for the rest!

[DEERINH2O]

We are going in August. Can't wait to read the rest.


Kahy

[Jeffy294]

Originally Posted by kwagmyre

Huh? What an odd conclusion to jump to. It's nothing of the sort. My only reason in mentioning was, like I said, that there might be some weird cropping effects coming up, that's all. Now stop overanalyzing, sit back, have a foo-foo drink, and enjoy my review.

CIA?? NSA? Just kidding. Going to enjoy your review.

[NCTribeFan]

I enjoyed a Red Frog with my Fish & Chips more than once at lunch on Glory last year to Bermuda.

And I absolutely fell in LOVE with the tuna & watermelon appetizer. And I don't even like watermelon! But the flavor combination was just excellent!

Carry on!

[LynnAnne]

More Please!!

[PhinsAndGills]

Fun read! Keep it up!

[cruisinkid]

Going on the Liberty in 25 days...We are foodies too so your review is right up my alley! Glad to know the Red Frog Beer is good too. I live for good micro-brews

[Catrin]

Thanks for this terrific review... I am enjoying it very much!!
We are heading on the Liberty in November.... and we cannot wait to visit the Red Frog Pub with our Fish n Chips the first day!!

Cannot wait for more!
Catrin