farmer6

In conclusion, we had a BLAST the entire week. We had some great tablemates for dinner every night that made for great conversation. We went to the comedy club a few times, the love and marriage show and we did as much relaxing as possible on such a port intensive cruise. I would not hesitate to book this cruise again as there is so many things to do on these islands and I absolutely already loved what we chose to do. We loved the ship, loved our room stewards and wait staff. We didn't have any issues with anyone except the one rude lady during muester that was hassling the worker cause she was asked numerous times to stay quit and off her phone. She was way out of line and I remember hoping we wouldn't be sitting with her at dinner as I would have to move. We met some great people and cannot wait to book another cruise!

 

If you have any questions, on either sailing, I am happy to answer what I can. You won't be disappointed in this itinerary if you choose to take it! Thanks for reading and I am sorry if I bored or confused you, I am not a writer....just a mom that loves to cruise!

I was on that Roll Call with you for that April cruise.

When our island was changed from St. Kitts to Dominica I about flipped out. With 6 kids in tow that week my plans were turned upside down. Well.....it was the best flip ever! The sea glass on Mero beach was the biggest treat ever!!

You have been given great advice...all true.

Did you know that there is a February 28th Carnival Liberty Roll Call for this cruise here on Cruise Critic?

There have been a few of us posting ideas on excursions.

Come join us on the February 28 Carnival Liberty Roll Call.

You are in for an amazing time! This will be our 4th time on this itinerary.

As far as getting on the ship that day of embarkation...well you have received good advice. Last year we were delayed and waited and waited. I think they had a computer problem and were having a hard time getting our pics taken for our Sail and Sign cards. Because of that we did not have time to get back off the ship...just too tired to explore Old San Juan.

We started supper in the Silver Olympian dining room around 7:30pm that first night of open dining....good timing for us because right after that we went to the muster drill at 9:30 (we talked to the people at our table and really enjoyed dessert and coffee with them!!)

When we originally booked our cruise we booked and interior room on Deck 6 mid-ship. We have always had a mid-ship room. We do not mind interior rooms because we are not in our room a lot.

Yesterday Carnival called and needed us to switch rooms because the original room we were booked was for a maximum of 3 people. I did not know that we were booked in a max. 3 room. So whoever did the booking did that. I was not aware of it.

The room that we were changed to is still mid-ship but is now right next to the elevators. The door opens to the elevator lobby. On top of that it is a wheelchair accessible room. We do not need a wheelchair accessible room and do not want to take that away from someone who may need it.

Could I have said "no" to her over the phone to the room change?

I have been on the phone with 3 other reps asking for a change, but the change would be to forward or aft as there are no other mid-ship rooms available. They are also having a hard time changing the room because of some sort of technical problems and a very full ship.

Any thoughts? Have anybody been close to the elevators? Is this something to be concerned about? Also, since we have only been in mid-ship rooms should I be concerned moving to a forward or aft room?

We are not hard people to please. Did Carnival make a mistake? Has anyone had their rooms changed after the initial booking?

Our cruise is still going to be a blast...we are not mad at Carnival...they have always been good to us :)

Quick question. Is the Liberty's aft pool adults only?

We were on the Liberty last April 2015.

We like to bring our breakfast back to the aft pool because it is so quiet.

After breakfast our kids were splashing in the hot tub (they did not have their suits on yet.) Feet in water, sitting on the side.

We were gently asked by the wait staff to remove our kids from the hot tub area.

We spent our sea day pool time in the main Lido pool. :(

It is enforced...at least at our sailing in 2015.

Sailing on Liberty 2/28, watched my friends sail away today from St Thomas on the Glory docked behind our ship...on port webcam. Now I see Liberty still there...I wonder why.

 

We will be on the Feb 28th sailing too!!

In reality I know that it does not take very much time to get from island to island down there in the Caribbean...so they will probably get to the next island on time.

I hope that everything works well and they fix whatever problems there are with Liberty fro every cruise goer.

We are opting to cruise in Southern Caribbean this time of year because we have been in the Bahamas this time of year and it has been so cool.

Yes, southern Caribbean can cost more, but the weather is so much warmer.

We have taken two cruises in the Bahamas this time of year and I could hardly lay in a beach chair on the deck without a jacket and the wind was blowing so that they closed the outer deck and the ocean water was on those decks....so we have opted to do southern routes this time of year.

I also agree with the comments about HMC....beach sit and send more money to Carnival.

We have never been to HMC...but we have been to St. Kitts and St. Maarten.

I absolutely love St. Maarten....beautiful port, beautiful beaches. Pinel, Grand Case....guava berry rum stand in the port.

St, Kitts....tour with Royston was wonderful, and we took a cat to Nevis thru Leeward Island Charters/

Love those two islands.

A few things that I have discovered:

1. a good beach bag with an inner zipper pocket

2. a good swimsuit with a good beach cover-up

3. refer to #2 when packing and you will pack a lot less of the casual clothes. If you have a good swimsuit and quality beach cover-up you will have a lighter suitcase.

We will be sailing out of San Juan/Carnival Liberty. We have a 7 day into southern Caribbean. We are flying direct to San Juan and will arrive mid-afternoon. This will be our third time repeating this cruise. We have sailed on Victory and Valor.

Pre-Cruise: We have used the Carnival transportation the last 2 times from the airport. It was cost effective for the 2 of us. This time there will be 8 of us. We are thinking a taxi van will be a better fit and cheaper. How do we get a taxi from airport to cruise terminal. Where do we go in the airport to do this?

Post-Cruise: Our flight does not leave until 3:45, which means we should be in the airport at 1:45. We have done the Carnival excursions with airport transfers in the past. We have done the Barcardi Tour and El Yunique Rainforest Tour. What should we do this time with 8 people? Does anybody have any recommendations. We do not want to sit in the airport. Any private tour suggestions?

We will be sailing out of San Juan/Carnival Liberty. We have a 7 day into southern Caribbean. We are flying direct to San Juan and will arrive mid-afternoon. This will be our third time repeating this cruise. We have sailed on Victory and Valor.

Pre-Cruise: We have used the Carnival transportation the last 2 times from the airport. It was cost effective for the 2 of us. This time there 8 will of us. We are thinking a taxi van will be a better fit and cheaper. How do we get a taxi from airport to cruise terminal. Where do we go in the airport to do this?

Post-Cruise: Our flight does not leave until 3:45, which means we should be in the airport at 1:45. We have done the Carnival excursions with airport transfers in the past. We have done the Barcardi Tour and El Yunique Rainforest Tour. What should we do this time with 8 people? Does anybody have any recommendations. We do not want to sit in the airport. Any private tour suggestions?

We will be sailing out of San Juan/Carnival Liberty. We have a 7 day into southern Caribbean. We are flying direct to San Juan and will arrive mid-afternoon. This will be our third time repeating this cruise. We have sailed on Victory and Valor.

Pre-Cruise: We have used the Carnival transportation the last 2 times from the airport. It was cost effective for the 2 of us. This time there will of us. We are thinking a taxi van will be a better fit and cheaper. How do we get a taxi from airport to cruise terminal. Where do we go in the airport to do this?

Post-Cruise: Our flight does not leave until 3:45, which means we should be in the airport at 1:45. We have done the Carnival excursions with airport transfers in the past. We have done the Barcardi Tour and El Yunique Rainforest Tour. What should we do this time with 8 people? Does anybody have any recommendations. We do not want to sit in the airport. Any private tour suggestions?

We will be sailing out of San Juan/Carnival Liberty. We have a 7 day into southern Caribbean. We are flying direct to San Juan and will arrive mid-afternoon. This will be our third time repeating this cruise. We have sailed on Victory and Valor.

Pre-Cruise: We have used the Carnival transportation the last 2 times from the airport. It was cost effective for the 2 of us. This time there will of us. We are thinking a taxi van will be a better fit and cheaper. How do we get a taxi from airport to cruise terminal. Where do we go in the airport to do this?

Post-Cruise: Our flight does not leave until 3:45, which means we should be in the airport at 1:45. We have done the Carnival excursions with airport transfers in the past. We have done the Barcardi Tour and El Yunique Rainforest Tour. What should we do this time with 8 people? Does anybody have any recommendations. We do not want to sit in the airport. Any private tour suggestions?

Hello, Merry Christmas! :D

 

So on our cruises, the question has always come up, especially after we all fell in love with San Juan, "Why don't we try the cruise from San Juan?" So, the main present to ourselves was the cruise the week before Easter (Love cruising on holidays) on the Carnival Liberty from San Juan!

 

So I have 3 groups of questions, "Carnival Liberty", "Southern Route" and Miscellaneous". If you have any information on anything, please feel free to share opinions, stories, pictures, outside and YouTube links, etc.

 

Thanks in advance!! :D

 

Carnival Liberty

 

- I have cruised onboard the Pride, Glory and Freedom. Is it identical to the Glory and Freedom (Didn't go on it as 2.0), or it is anything different?

 

- Is it hard to find a chair? On Freedom the crew began opening new chairs over the public decks around 2:00 PM, all passengers onboarrd at 3:30 PM in Key West, because they wanted to make sure there were enough chairs out for the sea day. Glory, not so much.

 

- Anything important / helpful to know about Liberty/ I always hang out in the ship atrium, so can anyone please describe it?

 

 

Southern Route

 

-St.Thomas: REALLY enjoyed St.John on my last visit, but I don't want to only spend 2 hours there for $75 a person. I wouldn't mind taking a public ferry over to Cruz Bay, and then a cab from Cruz Bay to St.John. Is this a good plan or ??

 

-Barbados: Don't know much about this island, what are the must-do's?

 

-St.Lucia: How are the reefs here? Considering making this our snorkel destination. Any good Carnival excursions,m particularly involving water and sight of the Pitons, that will make a memorable day?

 

-St.Kitts: Again, don't know much about this place. Suggestions?

 

-St.Maarten: I've always expressed interest in St.Maarten. How is the beach with the airplanes? Which side has more culture, French or Dutch? I find one of the coolest aspects of a cruise interacting with local people and occasionally wildlife :p) is one of the longest lasting feelings.

 

-San Juan: Okay, so when I talked to the Carnival rep, he told me a flight that lands in San Juan at 5:00 PM is okay, and that I will even be able to make early dinging. I'm on a direct from BWI to SJU. Does Carnival operate shuttle services? How much are cabs? Which are quicker? If we stay in dinner from 6:15-7:30, or even skip dinner and exit the ship around 6:30, is it even worth getting off to go get some ice cream or something, or go catch some ship pics? Will they even let me off? Once I return, will there be any cabs/buses there by the ship entrance? On Glory last time in Miami we took a chance and everything went fine.

 

Miscellaneous

 

-I remember I was in Nassau in 2011 the day the Magic came into Nassau for the first time, and they had a band playing, and i don't know if it was the fact that there were 6 ships, or that Magic was there, but prices seemed lower that usual. Will they have any special recognition in Barbados, St.Lucia or St.Kitts for the Liberty? Or a better question, will things be a mess onboard/in port since it's Liberty's fist cruise from San Juan? I was on the Freedom's last cruise before drydock and while it wasn't as hectic as I thought, I surely noticed the difference in usual business.

 

-Please send pictures from any of the places or ship if you can!

 

THANKS GUYS!!! :D:D:D

It looks as if we will be getting on the Liberty the day you get off the Liberty.

We have taken this cruise twice and this is our third time. (Tells you a lot, this is a great itinerary.

Barbados: Barbados Sailing Catamaran and Captain Ron...wonderful!

St. Kitts: Royston Tours, there is a lot on this island and they take you to see it and then give you a beach drop. Meal and beverages included.

We have arrived in San Juan day of the cruise. 1st time we did not get there until after 6:00 pm. We took the Carnival Transfer. It was perfect for us and easy.

2nd time we took a direct flight and arrived at 2:45. We took the Carnival Transfer again and then dropped our stuff on the ship and got back off and went into Old San Juan and walked around. Loads to see and things to taste and drink. Little Pina Coladas (coconut milk and pineapple juice) and a guy who is peeling oranges.

This time we have a family f 8 and a Carnival transfer is NOT the most economical route to go. In the past we have paid 16.00 one way and that is feasible for 2, but are looking for taxi van this time.

Liberty is a fabulous ship, you'll love it!

 

Barbados - highly suggest a catamaran on Calypso Cruises or Silver Moon Charters. (Calypso was our favorite, hands down)

 

St. Maarten - we loved Pinel Island - about a 20 minute cab ride without traffic. Then you get on a quick 10 minute boat ride to Pinel. A true piece of heaven.

 

St. Lucia - we've been there twice and have done the Cosol Tours excursion both times. The value you get on this island tour for $75 per person is amazing - try a banana right off the tree at a banana plantation, see the sulfur volcano, Pitons, try local foods, the best photo op stops, the list goes on.

 

Enjoy!

I second two suggestions here

Pinel is wonderful....it is SO worth it. Go to the taxi stand and get out to Pinel and then ferry across.

Cosol Tours....I HIGHLY recommend Cosol Tours. We loved it.

I saw that you had another review when you were on the Carnival Valor. On that trip you took a taxi from the airport.

We have been on this cruise twice and took the Carnival transfer both times.

This time we would like to take a taxi because we have a total of 8 people.

Do I just look for a taxi when we walk out the airport doors?

I would appreciate any recommendations. I think a taxi will be more cost efficient this time than paying for 8 Carnival transfers. We arriving the day of departure.

I know that posting a review is a lot of work, thank you for taking the time.

We are 3-peating this cruise in a few short weeks.

This itinerary is so wonderful.

Please do not skip the formal/elegant nights just because you feel you will or may be under dressed.

 

For the first time we are bringing our kids on the cruise with us. I am telling my kids that I would like them to each bring a carry-on suitcase. I think they will be able to fit everything they need for the cruise in that carry-on. We are then only checking 2 large suitcases that will carry the toiletries and the little overflow that I anticipate.

 

This cruise we are taking with the kids is one that we have been on 2 times w/o them. Knowing what we wore on those days we lived in our swimsuits and cover-ups and t-shirts. We needed only a couple of casual summer short and t-shirts because we had swimwear on for each island we embarked upon.

 

For formal nights I have always wore a simple dress or maxi skirt (think church clothes). My husband wore khakis and a collar shirt. For the other nights I made sure that clothes crossed over, meaning I would wore a skirt twice and change it up with a different shirt and jewelry.

 

I have been to a local 2nd hand consignment store and purchased collar shirts for my boys. (4.00 or less) Do you have any other events in the next year that you can use these clothes again?

 

I have found that there are people dressed like they are going to a prom event and other who dress like they are going to a casual church service. I have also seen people where there flip flops and sandals with their dress clothes.

 

And if you are the only four at your table...who will care?

 

Enjoy your vacation with your family!!

I am struggling with this idea for our upcoming cruise. The reason I am struggling? The extra packing for our family of four and the fact that the four of us do not truly have anything formal, the kids even semi-formal, so it would be be added costs for us to get some new digs!

 

I am on the fence with just sucking it up and buying some formal-ish wear (fear not, I am not talking three piece suits and such) Hoping some replies can help me make up my mind.

 

I know there is a whole "go dressed as you are camp" but I would feel frumpy and I also wouldn't want to offend anyone with our flip flops. :p

 

Can we expect many to be skipping the formal nights and dining elsewhere or are we going to be lonely sitting at the buffet?

Please do not skip the formal/elegant nights just because you feel you will or may be under dressed.

For the first time we are bringing our kids on the cruise with us. I am telling my kids that I would like them to each bring a carry-on suitcase. I think they will be able to fit everything they need for the cruise in that carry-on. We are then only checking 2 large suitcases that will carry the toiletries and the little overflow that I anticipate.

This cruise we are taking with the kids is one that we have been on 2 times w/o them. Knowing what we wore on those days we lived in our swimsuits and cover-ups and t-shirts. We needed only a couple of casual summer short and t-shirts because we had swimwear on for each island we embarked upon.

For formal nights I have always wore a simple dress or maxi skirt (think church clothes). My husband wore khakis and a collar shirt. For the other nights I made sure that clothes crossed over, meaning I would wore a skirt twice and change it up with a different shirt and jewelry.

I have been to a local 2nd hand consignment store and purchased collar shirts for my boys. (4.00 or less) Do you have any other events in the next year that you can use these clothes again?

I have found that there are people dressed like they are going to a prom event and other who dress like they are going to a casual church service. I have also seen people where there flip flops and sandals with their dress clothes.

And if you are the only four at your table...who will care?

Enjoy your vacation with your family!!

I read another thread and it got me thinking. We all have things that we love, miss, hate, and enjoy. What is minor complaints versus your actual breaking point? For me food and service are somewhat important, I hate that they no longer allow smoking on balconies, at least on one side of the ship, and I wish the entertainment was good. But my breaking point is bedding. If the mattresses were no longer super comfortable and Carnival cutback on that then I would be done with Carnival. That would be my breaking point, what is yours? If they did away with smoking on board all together we would also be done. We do other vacations that we also enjoy.

Minor complaints vs. actual breaking point? Safety is a major breaking point. We have children coming along with us this Spring, if we do not feel safe or know that safety is a priority than we are done.

Honestly yes they are that bad !!! For two reasons, 1) It does not last long enough and 2) We always have to get off and go home...In between those two horrible experiences everyday is a day in paradise.. Don't say you have not been warned..

 

Have fun, enjoy and don't worry ! You're on vacation..:cool:

Amen, I love this!

I would also add, going on a cruise vacation is a privilege not a right! There are many different people who would take a cruise if they had the money and time.

We are taking our FIRST Carnival cruise in oct on the Glory. We were super excited to try a new line as we have only been on NCL. But seems all i read on the FB page and other review sites is negative feedback!! Is carnival really become that bad? It cost us alot in airfare to make these trips from Colorado and im kinda worried now...[emoji27]

I snoop on Cruise Critic and Trip Advisor a lot!! I am a wife and a mother of 6. My husband and I have been on 4 cruises, all with Carnival. We are taking our children with us this spring on a cruise out of San Juan, 7 days, port heavy. We have been on this cruise 2 times together as a couple and wanted to share it with our children so decided to do it again 1 more time. We are a little more familiar with the islands and know what we would like to do so we feel more comfortable with our family in tow.

I would NEVER have booked a 7 day cruise for 8 people with Carnival if I was not absolutely sure that Carnival would take care of us. This is a huge vacation for us and a lot of money out the door.

Now, I am not going to throw negative reviewers under the bus, but when I read negative reviews of ships or excursions I have to wonder what their expectations were going into it all. I also wonder what their personal maintenance levels are. What I mean by that is, are these negative reviewers "high maintenance" people? Are they expecting Carnival to hand them the best vacation of their lives. I don't think Carnival should have that much power over a vacation.

I tell you to feel confident in your choice and do not allow the negative reviews to second guess your decisions.

Yes, we have only cruised with Carnival and honestly I cannot do comparisons. If I did cruise other lines maybe I would notice differences. We are using Carnival as our traveling hotel room and restaurant. It is our transportation to islands we really want to see and we do not hold Carnival hostage to our vacation. They have given us good meals, clean rooms, and offer entertainment to the best of their abilities.

We are in charge of our vacation, not Carnival.

Oh...I j.ust saw your update...so sorry

A fellow Minnesotan!!!

We have been on Victory and Valor out of San Juan twice, their southern itinerary St Thomas, Barbados, St Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Marten.

Love it!!! It is port heavy, but we look at Carnival as being our traveling hotel, restaurant to get us to each of these islands.

Each island is so different...

St. Thomas....Megan's Bay was relaxing after an early morning and flights out of Minneapolis. Relaxing day on beach!

Barbados was all about swimming with turtles!

St. Lucia so green and lush! St. Lucia is all about the Pitons.

St. Kitts Brimstone Hill Fortress, black sand beach (avoid the monkeys with diapers)

St. Marten two cultures, one island. We went out to Pinel Island...Corona commercials should be shot here.

I would encourage Carnival Liberty out of San Juan!!