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Liberty of the Seas 5-Night Bermuda 8/22 Review with Pictures


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We just returned from a spectacular 5-day cruise on Liberty of the Seas. The ship is absolutely gorgeous and beautifully maintained. She is almost identical to Explorer of the Seas just bigger by around 20,000 gross tons and equipped with a few more gadgets like the Flow Rider and a pair of cantilevered hot tubs at either side of the vessel.

 

Embarkation:

It usually only takes us about twenty minutes to get to Cape Liberty from Manhattan but, Saturday morning August 22nd we ran into a lot of traffic at the tunnel and it took us over an hour to get to the pier. Despite a slightly later arrival than normal within 40 minutes we were at check-in, flashing our boarding passes and riding the escalator to the gangway. A lone cruise pier representative alerted us “for pictures use the second gangway”. In my quivering pre-boarding excitement I thought he meant pictures of the gangway, as we die-hard cruisers enjoy snapping, however I later realized he meant boarding pictures which we saw decorating the boards in the photo area and wondering why we hadn’t paused for one ourselves.

 

Nothing Beats that First Glance of Your Ship from the Car Window - Magic!

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Café Promenade – Lunch – Day 1

The Windjammer is the traditional first stop once on board, today however marked a break with tradition as my wife Elene and I entered our alter-cruise universe and did things a little differently.

Having witnessed a sizeable sum of passengers board ahead of us we opted instead to grab a bite at Café Promenade. This lovely restaurant is located along the Royal Promenade which at this hour was mostly barren save for a few voyagers like ourselves who had happened onto this ship board oasis.

Here in several glass cases a selection of delicious offerings awaited. We became immediate fans of the ham and brie. These triple-bite savory sandwiches on mini croissants were sublime, you couldn’t have just one, we didn’t. Another favorite was the Muffaletta this hearty sandwich consisting of salami and ham on a roll was very satisfying.

 

We thought we were finished with lunch when we were charmed by a warming tray of piping hot empanadas. It's worth skipping your traditional Windjammer lunch just for these, a tad spicy, a little sweet and delicious.

 

The Royal Promenade is a Welcome Sight After an Hour of Traffic to the Pier

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There were several dessert choices lining the case the Led Zeppoles were particularly tasty. These tiny doughnut-like spheres are light and puffy and dusted with sugar. The more ambitious sounding Wonka Pie immediately summons memories of that candy coated land but alas this treat is nothing more than custard with chocolate chips. Have an extra zeppole and then explore the ship.

 

Stairway to Heavenly Desserts with a Led Zeppole at Cafe Promenade

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If you board closer to noon make a beeline for the Café Promenade. It was practically empty, the food is delicious and the service was excellent. We visited the Café Promenade throughout our voyage and enjoyed it immensely. During an encore visit here we were treated Royally here by Pasha who delivered a trio of our beloved ham and brie sandwiches only moments after the display case was empty of them. “I remember you from earlier,” he said “you and your wife were here just after boarding at 12:15”. Remarkable.

 

Deck 11 – Cabin Wait.

Following lunch we ambled up to deck 11 to while away the hour until our cabin was available at 1pm. As a warm August sun bathed the decks and everyone on them you couldn’t help but, stop grinning as that most delightful of sensations took hold; Cruise Mode. That wonderful feeling where all is right with the world, the days of the week don’t seem to matter, the notion of work morphs into a strange figment deep in the recesses of your mind and you are hypnotized by this bright, sparkling ocean liner and all of those flashing cocktail glasses filled with frozen elixirs. Wow.

 

Two Can Have a Relaxing Day at the Solarium on board Liberty of the Seas

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While tropical music boomed and happy cruisers cavorted nearby we sipped Pina Coladas and Wild Berry Lava Flows. The latter a very tasty concoction I was eager to try and did not disappoint with its smooth, creamy and berry flavor. Caribbean Sunshine was on tap in nifty Royal Caribbean embossed glasses that turn a shade of pink, green or orange when they are full. Throughout the cruise we enjoyed Frozen Mudslides and on the last day had the best BBC (Baileys Banana Colada) we’ve ever had anywhere. This delightful drink was expertly prepared by Devan at the Schooner Bar. “I like to make smooth drinks that people enjoy” he offered in his soothing Jamaican accent. Stop by the Schooner and have Devan brew one of for you. We watched the endless parade of mirth filled cruisers saunter by and drank in the moment. It is a memory I will often revisit as we countdown the days till our next Royal Caribbean adventure aboard Anthem in 167 days.

 

Mud Slide and Pina Colada - Cheers

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At Cruising Speed and We Haven't Even Left the Harbor

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To Be Continued..

 

Jonathan

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Cabin 7308

We had an E3 cabin mid-ship. I was pleased to get a decent location having booked this cruise only a scant 107 days before departure. The room was adequate sized plenty of room for storage. The balcony is quite large, there are only two chairs and a small table but, there is plenty of room out there to relax and enjoy the scenery. The bathroom is quite small. The cylindrical shower tube isn’t quite as bad as it appears at first glance. The first night we played the scalding/freezing jamboree game but, soon after figured out the shower and it was quite refreshing. Our room steward Phales was friendly and only bestowed us with one towel animal but, more importantly tidied up the room in our absence and turned down the bed all but, one night.

 

Large Balcony Spans the Ship - They Open the Door on the Last Day

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Calming Cabin Decks Put You In Relaxing Mood at Any Time of the Day

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Muster Drill

At 3:15 pm we gathered along the promenade on deck 4. This was the most grueling portion of the cruise. Having arrived on time for this drill with the other 4,000 or so passengers we weren’t able to get underway until the full contingent of passengers was accounted for. After a pre-cruise night of barely any sleep and standing shoulder to shoulder with our fellow cruise mates in the hot sun we were longing to return a shady spot and order another wild berry lava flow to restore full cruise mode. Arthritis is never a pleasure but, in this case my wife’s sometimes painful affliction proved a boon as we were able to finish the drill in the comfort of the Rembrandt Dining Room.

 

Chair Hogs Stuck in Traffic?

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Sail Away

Upon reading that several former Cruise Critic gatherings had occurred at the Sky Bar we chose this as our informal meeting place for Sail Away, but, for future cruisers I would advise against it. The Sky Bar is a neat little nook on a ledge just above deck 11 with only a small balcony area and very tight confines near the bar. At 4 pm it was packed with people failing to wear beads or pastel colored t-shirts made the job of locating our fellow Cruise Critics an arduous task. “Are you a Cruise Critic”? I inquired to a half-dozen or so revelers scattered nearby, fortunately my inquiries alerted at least one Cruise Critic from our roll call and before long at least 7 or 8 of us were holding court at the Sky Bar.

 

I would recommend picking a spot at mid-ship along deck 11 on either the starboard (smoking section) or port sides. There are cocktail purveyors roaming along here and it’s only a quick hike up a flight of steps to secure a more varied selection of beverages at the Sky Bar.

 

Container Cargo Rather Sublime When You're Relaxing in a Cantilevered Whirlpool on Liberty

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Shortly after we were on deck 12 as Liberty of the Seas steamed for the mighty Verrazano Bridge. There she loomed before us a mass of steel and wrought iron beckoning us as we slipped effortlessly beneath bound for Bermuda. On our starboard side we cruised past the old parachute drop ride at the fabled amusement park and the shoreline of Coney Island. A pair of leviathan container ships glided past us their decks brimming with multi-colored cargo.

 

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Far beyond us like a moonbeam on the horizon the NCL Gem led the way as we sailed for faraway shores and left New York, New Jersey in our bubbling wake.

 

To Be Continued...

 

Jonathan

Edited by cruiserking
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. Looks like a great thread. Thanks. We will be onboard early January from Galveston.

 

Thanks for coming along drychi.

 

Following.

Will be on in 6 days.

 

.

 

Fancy meeting you here George. You will love the Liberty, she's a beauty!

 

Jonathan

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I was on this cruise too along with my hubby--enjoying the review, now I get to relive our trip!! Those were yummy empanadas on boarding day😀. We were there shortly after 12 too! Looking forward to more!

 

Great cruise wasn't it? That's the fun part about writing a review, to relive all those memories. I never saw another empanada the rest of the voyage, I wonder if that's a special embarkation tradition, if so I'm in! :D

 

Wonderful Review. Looking forward to more.

 

Thank You IluvCruisin', me too.

 

Jonathan

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Hey Jonathan - Fantastic start - keep it coming!!!!!!!

 

Thank You Ken, I appreciate it, especially coming from you, I've always enjoyed your cruise travelogues.

 

Great review! Will be on Liberty in February. Keep the tips coming!

 

Thanks Beachiekeen, great CC handle, you will Love Liberty.

 

Jonathan

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Rembrandt Dining Room

We always secure a large table of at least 10 as we love to make new friends during dinner. Often not everyone shows up so with at least 10 you’ll end up with six. Our full compliment of table mates appeared the first night and we enjoyed their company throughout our culinary journey.

 

We had table 327 of the Rembrandt Dining room near the starboard side. Our servers Helen and Ulric were excellent and always delivered our meals piping hot and in a timely fashion.

 

The Rembrandt Dining Room is a handsome room with great Victorian character recalling the grand days of ocean travel. Just above our table an ornate chandelier was suspended basking us in the glow of a bygone era.

 

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If you’re a fan of bread as we are, don’t miss those savory cheese rolls, they are quite wonderful. The food on the whole was very good. I felt it definitely got better towards the latter part of the voyage.

 

Chilled Soups

One of my all-time favorite parts of the dinner menu on board any ship is chilled soup and these cold libations did not disappoint on board Liberty. If you’ve not tried this appealing appetizer it’s really like a smoothie in a bowl, but, you savor it with a spoon. Highlights in this department were the Strawberry Bisque, Roasted Peach and Banana Rum, with just the right amount of liquor for flavoring. The apple soup was tasty the only sour note was the Watermelon Raspberry. It sure sounded promising but, just a tad to watery in the end and lacked the fruity bouquet that vaults the other three to the top of the list.

 

Best Lobster on the High Seas

Formal night came and went with nary a shellfish to be seen save for the extra tariff lobster dinner on the right side of the menu. On night four the Fisherman’s Plate entrée featured a lobster tail accompanied by vegetables, potato and drawn butter liberally poured by our waitress Helen.

 

I can safely say that these lobster tails on board Liberty of the Seas were the most tasty, succulent and flavorful lobster we’ve enjoyed on any ship at sea. It was not surprising that following the meal during the kitchen staff introductions the chef who was responsible for cooking the lobster received the loudest accolades of all.

 

Each plate contains a single tail but, your waiter will happily bring you an additional serving. Two servings proved to be ample, if you’re a fan of this seafood dish don’t miss the chance to reel in this Fisherman’s Plate it’s worth the price of admission.

 

My other favorite dish was the Chicken Marsala served on the fifth and final night. I promise to include more food porn in my next review. If you enjoy chicken don’t miss this dish. The chicken was beautifully tender and moist, with flavorful Marsala gravy that hit all the right notes and accented the meal perfectly.

 

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Dessert

Dessert highlights were the baked Alaska. Gone is the popular presentation of sparkler topped confections paraded around the dining room to the applause of seated patrons. The soft meringue and moist cake interior was luscious and sweet and memorable even if its presentation lacked the pomp of the olden days.

 

Another sweet indulgence was the Bread and Butter pudding, with its lovely texture and cinnamon top it perfectly rounded out our final meal on board Liberty. My wife is still sorry she decided to skip dessert on this night, perhaps it will appear somewhere on board Anthem.

 

Music to Dine By

During formal night the Latin guitarist from Bolero's serenaded us with his expert guitar playing. I wish I could list his name, but, can't seem to find it anywhere. He is a friendly and cheerful fellow and his infectious music playing brought warmth and happiness to all who heard it at Bolero's each evening before dinner and during the formal night supper. His eclectic repertoire jumps from Latin standards to the Beatles and back again. Do yourself a favor and sip a Mojito and tap along to the beat or better yet take a turn or two around the dance floor.

 

Connoisseur Club

Whether you smoke or not the Connoisseur Club is a cozy lounge to relax in after dinner or in the middle of the day when it is empty. This is the only public space on board that is perfectly enclosed from the main drag of the ship. The over sized banquet chairs here take hold of you almost like creatures of comfort, they are not so easy to get out of particularly after a rich meal at the Rembrandt.

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Sphinx Lounge

Just adjacent to the Connoisseur Club is the auxiliary lounge the Sphinx which is used to great effect throughout the cruise for trivia, (Seinfeld trivia packed this house) lectures and a riotous evening titled Finish the Lyric. This singing event was a real crowd-pleaser. Fortunately, John the ever rambunctious and chuckling entertainment staff member picked just the right assortment of players to take part in this singing competition.

 

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The game is played by completing the next line from a popular song played by the DJ. The fan favorite by far was a big, burly fellow who on this night seized his dreams, and perhaps ours too, of being a rock star. This gent was a rocking thesaurus of pop music from random tunes to top twenty hits he belted each refrain with dashing verve. When the raspy voice of Rod Stewart roared from the speakers old big and burly didn't hesitate a moment grabbing the mic stand and using it as a seductive prop to the cat calls and adulation of his fans.

 

Kudos to our table mate Casey who bested eight other participants until finally fizzling during a rapid-fire exchange that saw the intrepid singers belting out a song containing the word Love. Oh, you can think of a million of them in the comfort of your couch but, up there at center stage of the Sphinx Lounge it's another story with the mic foisted in your face, it's another story.

 

The tournament came down to big and burly and a young lady from New Jersey who really earned high marks for coughing up the obscure Lionel Richie lyrics to Brick House. "36 -24 - 36" she crooned as the disco tune rumbled all around.

 

In the end Big and Burly would earn the winning trophy his rendition of the the Bon Jovi rock anthem Living On A Prayer simply brought the house down.

 

" Woah, we're half way there

Woah, livin' on a prayer

Take my hand, we'll make it I swear

Woah, livin' on a prayer"

 

the burly man sang as he held the microphone out to us and we thundered along with the chorus. What a rousing way to finish the evening on board Liberty of the Seas.

 

To Be Continued...

 

Jonathan

Edited by cruiserking
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Great review! Really excited to read the rest soon! :D

 

Thank You cruisexlife!

 

Sailing on Liberty in May. Looking forward to more review and pictures!!

 

Nice job.

 

It's great fun to write, brings all those great memories flooding back.

 

I'm really enjoying your review!

 

Thank You so much Maureen. ;)

 

Jonathan

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