Never been on Royal - Help with Liberty please

Hey there. Long time cruiser but never been on Royal.

Found an itinerary on Liberty out of Galveston 4/24/16 and the itinerary looks good with a couple new ports.

I see that Liberty is getting some upgrades in February so that will all be nice and new, but what can you tell me about this class of ship? Pros? Cons? Oddities? Don't miss items? Anything that will be going away as a result of the February refit that will "ruin the ship"?

We would be most likely booking an inside room. We had a cheap pacific coastal cruise planned this week previously so this will be significantly more... but we also don't spend a lot of time in the room when onboard. Any categories or hidden gem rooms that are bigger/better configuration?

I know that as far as the ships I've been on previously (see signature) Royal would be MOST (don't flame me) like Carnival or Norwegian. So how would the ship compare (for those that have done both) with ships like Magic or Breeze?

Any and all info/tips etc would be GREAT!! :D

The only venue that is going away that comes to mind is the nightclub, which is being replaced by staterooms and a restaurant. The nightclub function will move another lounge. I don't think this change ruins the ship.

For an inside cabin look at deck 7 aft as close to the library as possible. Center corridor is very quiet. Library is very quiet. There is a door from the back of the library into the center corridor. Close to the elevators that go to most of the venues of the ship where you will spend time.

The library on deck 7 will become inside staterooms. The library will move to deck 10 when the current Concierge Lounge is. There will be a suite lounge (for Suites and Pinnacles only) on Deck 14 where the Seven Hearts and Cloud 9 rooms are now. No CL. The mini golf is being removed to make room for the water slides.

Thanks for everything so far.

Another question.

I know cruise lines will update deck plans and some of the changes mentioned would be perfect reasons to update them... however...

On the website it shows a deckplan

"from 22-Nov-2015 to 24-Apr-2016"

and then

"from 01-May-2016 to 16-Apr-2017"

There's a gap of a week and it's the cruise I'm considering. What would that mean?

Just a guess .... Could that week be chartered already and not available to book?

Just a guess .... Could that week be chartered already and not available to book?

At this moment it's available on their website and via TA booking systems (I am one so I can speak first-hand to that part)

I think the PR (Promenade) class inside rooms are a bargain. You have a window but to the Royal Promenade not the outside:)

RCI's ships are much easier to navigate....a big plus!

From your sig

You have never been on a ship that is like this

It will deliver the WOW upon boarding

I think they are adding Sabor which is plus

There are only two elevator banks so try to book a room near one of them

Thanks for everything so far.

 

 

 

Another question.

 

 

 

I know cruise lines will update deck plans and some of the changes mentioned would be perfect reasons to update them... however...

 

 

 

On the website it shows a deckplan

 

"from 22-Nov-2015 to 24-Apr-2016"

 

and then

 

"from 01-May-2016 to 16-Apr-2017"

 

 

 

There's a gap of a week and it's the cruise I'm considering. What would that mean?

The dates are just wrong. The drydock is in January/February I believe. That's when the changes will happen (perhaps a bit on the cruise before/after).

The dates are just wrong. The drydock is in January/February I believe. That's when the changes will happen (perhaps a bit on the cruise before/after).

I believe you are correct, I've seen the dates as Jan 10, 2016 to Feb 7, 2016.

• Derek Lewis will be back out of Galveston in the Hoof & Claw (the English Pub on deck 5). He is very fun and usually draws a big crowd late night.
  
• The cantilevered hot tubs in the Solarium on deck 11 look interesting.
  
• Don't miss the ice show, no extra charge, Studio B (deck 3). There will probably be 4 shows (same show) to accommodate everyone. Usually tickets are required to get a good seat -- no charge. Those without tickets are seated about 10 minutes before the show, and take whatever seats remain. Tickets will probably be passed out on Monday morning in front of Studio B, and after that can be pick up from guest service (deck 5).
  
• We usually book an inside room. We try to have a cabin above and below us for noise control.
  
• There are two free snack eating places on deck 5 -- Cafe Promenade and Sorrentos. Cafe Promenade is open just about 24 hours, closed maybe around 4 or 5am for an hour for cleaning. It has good desserts and pre-made sandwiches and IMO the best free coffee on the ship. Sorrentos has pizza and other Italian items; not sure of the hours. I've been on lots of voyager class ships, but no freedom class yet, and look forward to my March cruise on the Liberty OTS.
  
• The buffet (deck 11) has two section. The first section is somewhat small. Continue walking towards the back to get to the large section.
  
• Note that Carnival will also have a ship from Galveston called "Liberty". Fortunately it does not sail on the same day as the Royal Caribbean Liberty. Talk about confusion if it did.
  
• Royal Caribben typically has good live entertainment. I've heard one of the production shows is Saturday Night Fever. I already mentioned the ice show. The ship's orchestra typically has 9 pieces. There are also at least least 3 other bands -- a dance band, a Latin band, and a pool Caribbean band. Plus a piano bar (the Schooner Bar, deck 4, in front of the Casino), and another pianist who typically plays during dining and other times around the ship. RCI used to have a classical trio, but I have not seen this on my last several cruises, darn it.
  
• The Royal Promenade on deck 5 is like a shopping mall. There will probably be a parade here one night, as well as other parties like a 70's disco party.
  
• Deck 4 outside is a great place to sit and watch the ocean.
  
• The Viking Crown (deck 14) is another great place to watch the ocean from inside. It is the large semi-circle glass area behind and above the main pool. Note that only the port back elevators go to the Viking crown (or the back port or starboard stairs).
  
• The helipad is nice, but windy when the ship is moving. Either go outside on deck 4 and walk forward up some stairs, or go out a door in the deck 5 forward lounge (the Star Lounge) near the back right, turn left and walk forward.
  
• My favorite meal is the Fillet of Beef served Monday night (the first formal night). Lobster is Friday night (the Fisherman's Plate).
  
• I like the Quest game (probably Friday night), but my wife does not. It is not for everyone. It is an adult scavenger hunt -- really more like the cruise director asking for stuff while you stay seated. It is in Studio B (the ice rink, which has a floor they pull out to cover the ice).
  
• I find that Royal Caribbean ships are less crowded than Carnival, plus RCI has better entertainment.
  

Here is info on a sister ship: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2274275

Enjoy your cruise.

Great summary above!!!

- if like Navigator/Liberty - look for lunch on the pool deck on sea days.

- as a family, we really enjoy the sports deck.

We are book for the May sailing , one of the biggest reasons is Derek Lewis , he is fantastic , was one a few of our Alaskan sailing , very entertaining

Great summary above!!!

 

- if like Navigator/Liberty - look for lunch on the pool deck on sea days.

 

- as a family, we really enjoy the sports deck.

Oh I forgot about the lunch on deck , very good chicken BBQ

Oh I forgot about the lunch on deck , very good chicken BBQ

Good addition. Note that the line can be somewhat long and slow for these poolside buffets, but often the wait is worth it.

Also, the Captain's party on Monday night will have free champagne. And there might be a pool deck midnight buffet one night. Oh, and we enjoy the Love and Marriage game show -- the Newlywed game with an newlywed couple, a couple married 10 or so years, and one married 50 or more year (usually). It will probably be on Wednesday late night. I also enjoy the jazz set done by the ship's singers and band.

You asked about differences between RCI and Carnival and NCL. Music is one big difference. RCI still uses a 9-piece ship's orchestra that often plays live for the shows. (I think the Oasis class uses 11 pieces.) And RCI has 4 singers in the singers/dancers shows, where Carnival has 2. And RCI still has a 4-piece pool band. Can you tell I like live music?

And one other big difference -- Most crew members will always greet you with a smile and hello.

I should mention some cutbacks that I wish had not happened, but I understand cost is always a factor. No more chocolate candy on the pillow. Towel animals are just ever other night instead of every night (although if you have a child I'm sure you could ask and get a towel animal every night). No more classical duo or trio -- at least not on my last several RCI cruises. And more cabins and less public space, although this surprisingly did not make the ship more crowded to me like I thought it might. But then ever mainstream cruise line is cutting back in some areas -- Carnival has cut way back on live music. But I pay less now than I did for my first cruise in 1997, so I guess I can't complain.

We are book for the May sailing , one of the biggest reasons is Derek Lewis , he is fantastic , was one a few of our Alaskan sailing , very entertaining

2 have mentioned him... Piano player? Comedian? Cruise Director? Can't really tell from the context

Everyone - Thanks so much for all the great info and amazing summaries. Keep them coming! :D :D :D

2 have mentioned him... Piano player? Comedian? Cruise Director? Can't really tell from the context

Derek Lewis is a singer, guitar player, comedian, and karaoke encourager. Somewhat naughty but fun.

He calls it "Adult Day Care", and his catch phrases are "superstar" and "a ring worth far less than 1000 dollars."

(He give really cheap rings as prizes to the karaoke singers.)

Here's a youtube clip:

and another:

I am going back on The Liberty of The Seas for either the third or fourth time and decided to take a look at the board for this ship. For full disclosure, I am a diamond plus member and have been on over 30 cruises with Royal. I have also been on Norwegian and Carnival and know others who go on both. So comparatively, I am of course a bit skewed. I would tell you I find Royal ships to be better than both brands, but the biggest way for me is they just feel less crowded and "nicer". Each brand and ship has pros and cons, but I am told that unless you go for the haven on Norwegian be prepared to be packed in like sardines, and there rooms are all smaller. Carnival...well I can sum it up by saying my travel agent will not sell a Carnival cruise after all the publicity and their view of the cruise line. I did want to give you a few other "tips":

1) During sea days, the dining room is open for lunch. I would highly recommend you go there at least once(if not more). It is never very crowded, you get seated right away. They have a menu you can order off of and some fairly good food, but the best part, to me, is something they call Tutti Salad. What is that? It's essentially a salad bar but where all the food is behind glass and you tell them what you want including types of lettuce, dressing, meats, etc,,...always a bunch of choices...and they make it for you including tossing the dressing! It's really a very nice touch, everything is very fresh, and it's a nice switch from the buffet.

2) There is a cupcake cupboard. To me, sorry, the cupcakes are just ok. BUT they do have a cupcake decorating class that if you have a group of people is a lot of fun. Kids always love it. There is a price and you need to sign up, you can do it on line in advance or when on the ship. I've done it probably 4 times, and every time there was a lot of laughs.

3) They have a mystery dinner with actors. It's not everyone's thing, but if you like that kind of stuff complete with the campy and over the top acting, it's there.

4) The flow rider is a MUST see, even if you will not go on it. If you or a member of your family is up for it, you should try it. They also have semi private or private lessons, and the semi private is a group of 8 I believe that get to go for an hour with an instructor. I did this for my kids for years, and still do it for some of them(they're older now) and they love it. It's a great way to get a lot of time on the flow rider, and the cost is reasonable.

5) The Viking Crown Lounge. Someone already mentioned this one, but I need to reiterate it. Every cruise I go on(except Oasis class now as they don't have this, Coastal Kitchen instead), when I finally make my way to the Viking Crown Lounge, especially at night, I am shocked at how nice I find it, how much I enjoy the views, and curse myself for not coming more often.

6) The ice shows are always good. Saturday Night Fever is a personal preference of course, but I liked it. If you want to go ice skating yourself you CAN do so many times, B UT you must have long socks...something people don't typically bring on a caribbean cruise. So be advised.

7) I personally really enjoy their shows. The Quest is hilarious, though it is an adult inappropriate show so be advised. Love and Marriage is done on all cruise ships virtually, but it's fun. They also have a whole bunch of other ones, and all are fun to varying degrees. If you like that kind of thing, try to go to some. The Karaoke bar on this ship is a nice touch too.

8) Lastly, I don't know if I'm just getting older, or if it's really gotten better, but I've found the miscellaneous musical performers to be getting better on the Royal ships as the years go by. Some of the bands are just really good. Try to at least walk by and hear them, the pianist, whatever kind of music you like There is so much included.

Have fun!

Ice shows on Liberty no longer require tickets. It's by muster station and then standby. Tutti salad is awesome, as is the chocolate ganache cake at lunch. The cupcake decorating class was super fun for adults, too. Hot tubs are great for port sailaways and first day sailaway heliport is fun.

Hey there. Long time cruiser but never been on Royal.

 

Found an itinerary on Liberty out of Galveston 4/24/16 and the itinerary looks good with a couple new ports.

 

I see that Liberty is getting some upgrades in February so that will all be nice and new, but what can you tell me about this class of ship? Pros? Cons? Oddities? Don't miss items? Anything that will be going away as a result of the February refit that will "ruin the ship"?

 

We would be most likely booking an inside room. We had a cheap pacific coastal cruise planned this week previously so this will be significantly more... but we also don't spend a lot of time in the room when onboard. Any categories or hidden gem rooms that are bigger/better configuration?

 

I know that as far as the ships I've been on previously (see signature) Royal would be MOST (don't flame me) like Carnival or Norwegian. So how would the ship compare (for those that have done both) with ships like Magic or Breeze?

 

Any and all info/tips etc would be GREAT!! :D

I am on the Liberty now in a Promenade View room. It's more spacious feeling because of the bow window. Makes the cabin seem bigger. Very happy with mid-aft Deck 7. Very, very little ship motion here.

Our Goldilocks ships (not too big, not too small, just right) are the Voyager-class ships. The Freedom-class ships are nearly identical to that class.

The glaring exception is that the Freedom-class ships are much longer. This makes me STRONGLY second the comment about getting a room near the elevator bank.

It's a great class of ship, but the lack of a central elevator bank makes this ship fall out of our ideal range. It can get old quick to be too far away.

Currently, there is no mystery dinner on LB. Windjammer buffet food is very good as is the MDR.

Currently, there is no mystery dinner on LB. Windjammer buffet food is very good as is the MDR.

There was about 3 months ago. Maybe not anymore?