2013LibertyCruiser

When you were in St Thomas was island time an hour ahead of the ship time or were they on the same time? I am trying to figure out my shore excursion

thanks

I'm honestly not sure...I stayed on ship time the whole trip as to avoid any possible confusion.

Oh, I also wanted to mention that I very much enjoyed Guy's burgers (and their fries). Ate them numerous times, and everyone else I encountered on the ship had similar thoughts.

I DID run into some issues with the pizza guys at the back though...we frequented them every night after the nightclub shut down. I think there are 4-5 pizza options, and I wanted to combine a few of them...which didn't seem to be a big deal to me as they're all supposedly "made fresh"...I just wanted to customize my order with ingredients they already have. The guys claimed this wasn't possible, and I had to order the menu specific items, until the last night, when I finally got someone to put the prosciutto on a pepperoni pizza for me.

Carnival lists Bermuda as a port of call on their website:

http://www.carnival.com/cruise-to/bermuda.aspx

But I went through every cruise, and couldn't find one that stops there? Any know what's going on?

Thanks for the specific info, especially the cab fares. We sail this itinerary on the Liberty in January. Still no real port plans but this is giving me something to think about.

Did you find the ship or areas of the ship crowded? Was it easy to find a couple of chairs together at HMC? Was the tendering process difficult or slow? I can't wait to try the alchemy bar! Was it busy? what was your favorite drink?

Thanks!

I actually did not find the ship "crowded" per se...there was a large group on board, approximately 1/3 of the cruisers were a Jamaican hospitality industry team. I had no problem getting a chair/lounge at any time on the main deck, nor did I have trouble doing so at the Serenity Deck. The only time I noticed excessive crowds was the last day, when everyone was going through the photos, and there was a never-ending line at guest services.

HMC is the only port of call that involves tendering. We did experience a delay in getting on those boats, I think the process overall (including trip time)...30-45 minutes to the island. Going back it seemed quicker.

We did not lay out on the beach there, and opted to hang out in the noticeable ship bar instead.

Alchemy Bar was not busy, but because all the drinks are custom made with various ingredients having to be pulped and such, it can take a few minutes to receive your drink. I only had the chance to try 2 drinks, the French Kiss and the Cucumber Sunrise...both of which were great, but the latter beverage was very refreshing.

First: I want to include pics...but my camera takes photos that are approx 1-2MB in size and the limit is 97.7 KB for uploads so I can't upload them? :confused:

I just wanted to share some things I did that I haven't seen too many other people do, hopefully to give some ideas. I have cruised with Carnival 2 times previously.

Half Moon Cay is a cruise-lined owned port so not much out of the ordinary to do there...so we'll skip ahead one to St. Thomas.

I visited an attraction called Blackbeard's Castle, which is a $5/person cab ride away from the port, with a $5-10 entrance fee depending on what you choose to do. $10 gets you access to the entire property, which includes a pool, for the day, as well as a historic walking tour in an area called Kongen's Quarter. The 99 Steps are part of this tour, and it consists of 1800s-era merchant homes, as well as a rum tasting. A guide is posted at each stop, happy to help with more information if you want it, otherwise, it's all up to you.

There is a Hooter's near the terminal that offers WiFi, but you're supposed to order food and drink...the waitress sneaked the network name and password to me, so even though the whole intent was to get free WiFi, I left her a fiver.

We ate at a local restaurant near downtown called Cuzzin's, known for it's local Caribbean cuisine. I had the curried mutton with rice and fried plantains, which was OK...the bartender was a great guy though. I had a Virgin Island's Mango Pale Ale to drink, and there is no other word for it but awesome.

Cab was $4 or $5/person back to the terminal.

In San Juan, PR, during my time there I'd consider traffic out of control. We walked to the #14 trolley stop near the cruise terminal and waited for 15 minutes. 2 trolleys went by, totally packed. Another 15 minutes later and one with some room stopped, but it was like standing in a sardine can...with no air conditioning. Our destination was the fort del Morro, which was awesome and definitely worth visiting. When we decided to leave, again we waited approximately 15 minutes for a trolley, nothing showed up because of the insane traffic. We decided to hoof it, and it actually wasn't too bad. We found a Ben & Jerry's with free WiFi, and utilized that.

We then inspected the outside of La Fortaleza, the governor's mansion, and walked up and down just about every street in Old San Juan. Some were undergoing construction. I ate DELICIOUS mofongo with chicken at a restaurant called Los Dos Cuernitos, address: 310 Calle Fortaleza. It was so flavorful.

Then, we walked over to the Old Harbor Brewery, a restaurant/microbrewery. I did the beer flight, which is 5 4.5oz beers for $10. Was worth it to me.

In Grand Turk, we took a taxi in to Cockburn Town for $5/person, where we checked out Her Majesty's Prison, an 1830s British installation. This was $3/person, and a neat bit of history.

We walked down the main drag, a calm and serene strip, to a restaurant I found online that sounded interesting called Barbie's. There was zero sense of organization at this place. I ordered the conch fritters, I think it was $7. They were OK, sort of like hush puppies. My comrade ordered coconut shrimp with fries and was charged something like $20. They were not happy with that. We both had the local beer, Turk's Head, which was good.

We then decided to walk the whole way back down the entire main road, as far as we could go, which was until a series of fancy houses and hotels end. A relaxing walk with beautiful sites...right as we hit the nearby traffic road, a cab was going in the direction of the terminal, which we flagged down. $5/person back.

We then hung out at Margaritaville. There is free WiFi here, and free WiFi at the cruise terminal juice bar, Froot's. However, Froot's can limit their WiFi at laptops only, which is unusable if you only have a phone or tablet. Go to Margaritaville if that is your device.

On board, I did do Cheer's, and I did not drink all 15 drinks per day. However, I feel the program is worth it if only for the interesting cocktails/mixed drinks. I unfortunately discovered Alchemy Bar the last evening on board. Next cruise, I might get all my beverages there!

Chef's Table was incredible. Each course better than the last one, the chef was friendly and let us take pictures inside the galley.

One of the main highlights to me were the comedians, who included Jim Brick, Diane Ford, Michael Dean Ester and William Troxler.

I also really liked the Serenity Deck, who the people I sat at with dinner were surprised to discover even existed on the last day, haha.

All in all, great cruise. The existence of the Serenity Deck, comedians and the Alchemy Bar are major selling points to me in considering Carnival again (which I will do).

Why would you need to call and add the tips? I thought they were added unless you remove them...

Hmmm.

101 oz. is 6 normal pints, at 16oz each.

According to the Red Frog menu though, they serve 19oz "pints", so you're getting a 3oz bonus when served...so provided they use the same glasses, 101/19 comes out to roughly 5 pints.

6 19oz RF "pints" would be a total of 114oz, at 5.50/pint for $33.

5 19oz RF "pints" would be a total of 95oz, at 5.50/pint for $27.50.

If it's roughly 5 pints plus a little more, you're getting about 6 extra ounces for $0.50.

Seems effectively to be the same prices as individuals, except it comes in the tube. As someone who has been to restaurants that offer the tubes, even with a group of 3-4 people, they go pretty quickly.

We went to Blackbeard's castle as part of a CCL tour a couple years ago and were "underwhelmed" with it. Rum factory was a little shop with samples and bottle to sell. They didn't do a tour for us at all. Could have just been us; but could have been they were more interested in selling then touring.

Note: I didn't buy any rum; but there are several complaints here about rum not being delivered to the ship as promised. Not sure if you were looking to buy; but "just in case".

 

We walked the steps down and had the most fabulous drinks towards the bottom at "the bar"; Blackbeard's Revenge! (5 rums). (Totally worth the tour!) They also had the frozen Bushwackers. You come out at a straw market type thing with local "stuff".

 

I'd think you could easily do it on your own. We took a water taxi back to the ship so I would assume you could do the same in reverse and walk up the stairs.

 

Good luck...me loves me some pirates, Arrrrrrrrr!:D

The website appears to have been updated, so it seems like everything should be normal...my thought was if it's really nice weather, maybe go swimming there and have some cocktails...but I also find myself wanting to wander around the area a bit.

I was considering taking a land taxi to the top and walking back down...

Can someone pls explain what huevos rancheros is and whats in a breakfast burrito??? I love Mexican but I'm lost on the whole Mexican breakfast idea.

Huevos rancheros - Fried eggs, salsa, some other Mexican fare.

Breakfast burrito - A tortilla filled with any/all of the following: eggs, bacon, cheese, sausage/chorizo, potatoes, salsa, hot sauce.

Does anyone know if this is really the menu?

I said John Heald posted it on his FB page...totally verifiable.

You sure that Carnival offers you this...this "service?

Or is it the Spas you find on Carnival ships that offer it?

 

Spas are run by Steiner

http://www.steinerleisure.com/

They run all the spas on all the ships. It's a concession thing.

 

Spas aren't run by Carnival,

and I'm fairly sure that Carnival doesn't offer a foot-analysis service.

They do cruises.

 

.

 

Fair correction.

I've noticed that Carnival offers a "footprint analysis" (I think other cruise lines do too)...not being able to find much information on what this is...I was curious if someone could fill me in. What is it, what do you learn, what's the purpose, etc.

Hmm...so their website says that the walking tour is closed...but obviously you never know and I'm not sure what "closed" entails..does that mean the rum factory is closed?

I emailed and FB messaged them to find out what's going on, no dice yet, but just curious if anyone has any idea...

Helicopter tours are up and operational..they have opened a spanking new booth that borders the cruise terminal on the White Sands Beach Resort property... tours are now $50 pp.

 

Hope that helps..

Thanks for the update! So it's the 3-4 minute $35 tour that is now $50?

My cruise is that same range, and I'm just going to head there on my own. Pretty simple.

John Heald posted the Thanksgiving menu on Facebook today:

freshly fried tempura shrimps

served with ponzu-miso dip

heirloom tomatoes, blue crab and ahi tuna

olive marmalade

pumpkin bisque

enhanced with turkey and walnut dumpling

double cheese and Yukon gold potato soup

garnished bacon bits and chives

chilled tomato soup with wild berry salad

thanksgiving salad

romaine lettuce with chestnuts, tomatoes, blue cheese and sweet ginger

served with shallot dressing

oysters Rockefeller

baked with spinach and cheese sauce

spinach fettuccine with chicken tetrazzini

sliced chicken breast and mushrooms in a cream sauce, baked with cheddar cheese

grilled black tiger jumbo shrimps

fava bean salad, garlic and herb butter

slowly roasted tom turkey with our thanksgiving stuffing

sweet potato gratin, giblet gravy, cranberry relish

clove and maple syrup marinated, baked Virginia ham

apple and cinnamon bread pudding

petite filet mignon and braised boneless short-rib

oven roasted potatoes, red burgundy wine sauce

zucchini fritters

stuffed with manchego cheese and eggplant

Dessert

spiced pumpkin and gingerbread pie

figs melt and wild berries

warm chocolate melting cake

served with vanilla ice cream

fresh tropical fruit plate

vanilla • chocolate • strawberry • butter pecan ice cream

sugar-free ice cream is available upon request

orange • pineapple • lime sherbet

port salut • brie • gouda • imported Swiss • Danish bleu cheese

My cruise is in 2 1/2 weeks...and I've only received one price drop, for $80. It was back in June. :/

Can you get it mid way thru at discount price?

 

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No. As others have stated, only day 1 or day 2. I can live with just my carry on bottle of wine for day 1.

I love how everyone on here says "its how the crew gets paid." I want to know where their facts come from. Seriously? And also, why is this even an issue when EVERYONE on this board seems to be a perfect and above and beyond tipper? If everyone tips good, this is a non issue. No need to discuss it. If the cabin stewards are making $4 per person per day on a cruise, I WANT THEIR PAY! Plus they have free room and board. Even if they only clean 10 cabins with 1 occupant, that is $40 per day, plus room and board, plus their base wage (whatever that is). That is more than I make at my minimum wage job, and I still have to pay almost the entire paycheck (sometimes more) to food, rent and everything else. Doesn't sound too terrible. Even with just a base wage and free room and board they are probably making more than me. And I support a whole family.

If this job sounds so grand to you, I recommend applying for it. :)

I think its outrageous that people tip for poor service. If I am not happy with a product or a service...I dont pay...simple. Its not me being 'dishonest' or 'cheap' and I would certainly not steal from anybody if I had the chance. Its about paying for what your recieve.

 

We are forgetting that it is only North America and very few others that tip as they do ( Where tips make up salaries). I think that says a lot how most people view wage systems. I also find it bizarre that some people applaud themselves for tipping extra here and there and sit on their moral high horse yet have no clue about fair trade. If you are so bothered about workers getting a fair wage you should really read about how all your products get to you.

 

I remove auto tips and pay cash purely because non-one tells me what I should/shouldn't pay. A good chunk of the time it is fair and I know exactly where my money goes. If I am completely honest I would rather put my tip money in a charity tin.

 

Not getting at anybody in particular...just saying how i see it.

 

A view of another English lady anyway. ;)

Tipping in the UK/Europe is different than the U.S. As you noted, in the U.S., you're paying the workers wages.

I've never been to California, but this is the one exception where I truly struggle with tipping my server. California servers are paid minimum wage - they are paid to do their job. As someone who has worked in the service industry previously, I really don't see how they deserve the exact same 15%+ than servers in the rest of the nation.

In the UK, if you're tipping at a restaurant, it's best to ask where exactly that tip is going at the time...because it may be going to management, and your server may never see it!

When systems like this add an auto-gratuity, 9 times out of 10, it's going to be a "fair" amount. I'd argue anything less than the autograt is unfair, which is why when you have a party at a restaurant, an 18-20% gratuity is tacked on.

Worth noting is that we tip barbers and bartenders too. And massage therapists.

I'm headed on an Eastern cruise, so...

-San Juan, PR

-Half Moon Cay (I'm guessing no because this is a private port?)

-St. Thomas, USVI

-Grand Turk

and of course, if no one is aware of any places at these locations, I'll be keeping my eyes open.

Apologies if this is the wrong forum...

But is there some sort of master list anywhere comprised of locations at ports that offer wifi (free or cybercafes)?

If not...this could be a great idea :)

If you can afford to eat out, you can afford to tip.

Likewise, if you can afford to cruise, you can definitely afford to tip. You're supposed to factor this into the budget folks.

When you remove the auto-tip from your account, do you think your staff are unawares? They know. Treat all service industry folks correctly. In a perfect world, everyone would work at least 2 years in the service industry.

I didn't see any of them being harassed by the local seller's.

hahahaha! This was my thought too...why aren't the local vendors bugging the hell out of them?!

I would try the Cheers program, but I usually travel with my 21 year old daughters. Needing to buy it for everyone in a cabin does not make sense for us. One daughter does not like the taste of alcohol, and the other cannot drink for medical reasons.

 

Maybe I'll try it sometime when I'm travelling alone.

Plural? So they're twins?? With all inventive cocktails on board, a cruise ship seems to be an apt place to definitely find a type of alcohol/drink to enjoy.

My plan is to get the program the second day of my upcoming 7-day cruise....which would make it about $300 or so for the week, which I'm fine with. A few drinks in the morning, a few in the afternoon, some with dinner and some at night shouldn't be a problem. (I'm young-ish. :cool: )