Chrissandra's Honeymoon in the Aft (an eastern Liberty review)

[jrmende63]

Hi Julie :D. We had a great time meeting you. I wish we had more opportunities to hang out on this cruise. I really wish you were going to be on the Victory with us :(

 

Cass will hopefully be working on our sea day today but it's hockey playoffs tonight so I'll be heavily intoxicated, screaming at my tv :D.

 

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!

We agree...LETS GO HAWKS!!!

We would have liked to be on the Victory. Now that we know more of the group..we would have Loved to been there. But babies come first so another time.:)

Edited April 30, 2013 by jrmende63

[ardnassac79]

Hi again! We're back! Again, thank you all for the well wishes and congratulations <3!

 

I'll do my best to answer any questions that popped up from yesterday and then get Monday's Day at Sea going :)

 

RAM and I enjoyed meeting you and being part of the "table for 8."

It was a very fun cruise! We waited til the last tender to go back to the ship from HMC as the lines were long! Sat and had a beer and a Miami Vice before the line thinned enough we could walk down to the tender boat.

Glad your thumb is healing! My injury from SJ is still not healed, but hopefully soon it will be!

 

Hey Julie!! We both loved meeting you and Ram - I know after this first sea day we didn't end up seeing each other too much around the ship until Grand Turk :( I really hope we get to sail with you both again!!

 

Was there snorkeling gear available with the cabana rental? Or was it a separate charge? Well, is there even reefs to snorkel in front of the cabana or was it a different part of the beach?

 

The cabana rental includes snorkeling gear - they ask for the snorkel flipper size initially at the excursion desk when you check in upon embarkation to get your cabana number... admittedly we haven't ever used the gear.. there are no reefs in the sea in front of the cabanas, however I have been told there are some tropical fish that hang out way up at the beginning of the beach even before Cabana #1... as to the rest of the island's snorkeling opportunities, you may do better to ask in the Port of Call area here on CC http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5 (unless any other readers know? Feel free to chime in!)

 

Chris and Cassandra,

First of all ... congratulations on your marriage!

 

I have enjoyed several of your reviews.... and loving this one so far. It brings back memories of our Aft Wrap on the Liberty last November and wonderful day at HMC. (The same week you were on the Breeze!)

 

When we were there, the monster condos were being built... and the noise in the water from the Pirate Bar was certainly there. Peaceful feeling in #10 Cabana... louder than anything in the water.

 

So sorry to hear about the Piano Bar... I remember your review on the Breeze where you were lucky enough to have a blast. Ben Gentry did a nice job on the Liberty when we were on her... I find that the right Piano Bar person can make a cruise!! It is too bad this person was a bore.

 

Looking forward to the rest of your week!

Thanks as always for sharing,

Catrin

 

Thank you! Yeah that music while you're out in the water is anything but serene... So good to hear about other good PB Players... we have fingers crossed for a good one on the Victory in October! We were lucky enough to meet with the current Victory PBE in Grand Turk (more later) he's an up-and-comer on Carnival with all the makings of being awesome, but will unfortunately be off the ship by then.

 

In Chris’s words… “OMG I love our balcony!!!! This thing is friggin huge!!!” In my words… “This thing is bigger than the Blue Banana!” (Bonus points for anyone that gets that reference!)

 

I love this reference. My first thought was Kit Daluca's response: "do I have to hear this?"

 

Anyhow, haven't made it very far in the review yet. Enjoying this one as I have all the others. Congrats guys!

 

This just cracked me up!!! Thank you!

 

Chris and Cassandra, Congrats on your marriage. You two are an adorable couple.

 

We agree about the music at HMC. We were in Cabana #10 and while we could not hear the music and DJ in the cabana, it was load and clear while in the water, which is where we spent a good portion of our day. The music wasn't too bad, but when the DJ started with the " Booty Shaking Contest" and all that goes with-it, it was just a tad bit too much to listen too. I can't imagine being in a cabana any closer to the Pirate Ship than we were.

 

*** Also, the boys ended up going to Medical the night of HMC due to a really bad sunburn on thier lower legs and the top of their feet, which ended up puffing up and blistering. Again, the Dr was not in, but they rang the nurse and were given a tube of cream to take the pain away. LOL..... may be their standard approach to what ails ya. It worked out fine though, as there were not any Medical charges on the S&S, just $10 for the tube of cream. The gift shop was out of Aloe so when we ported in St.Thomas, we grabbed a jumbo bottle for $7.99. It seems that there were many on our cruise that got really bad sunburns at HMC despite using Sunscreen. Lesson Learned for a picture-perfect day on HMC ----- now my favorite port so far.

 

You're right, I think a lot of people got literally burned there - poor Sean and his 2nd degree burns! On our last cruise to HMC I forgot about the tops of my feet, but it never got blistered... however this time I was a sunscreen junkie and probably over-applied! I could just feel that heat from the sun and just imagined red skin! So sorry to hear about your boys, hopefully it didn't make the rest of the cruise too uncomfortable!

[ardnassac79]

So I'll apologize up front that this day won't be too picture heavy... but we'll more than make up for it tomorrow with the St. Thomas recap :p

 

Monday - 4/15/13 - Finally a Day at Sea!

We woke up around 8:30, and it was nice out – the direction we were sailing in gave us shade in the AM on our balcony till early afternoon, so we went up one flight to Lido (love the closeness) and got some breakfast to bring back to eat out on the balcony. It was so nice out there, and we were both feeling lazy, so we both stayed out on the loungers and read, napped, and was luxuriously lazy until about 11:30am when we both had the crazy idea to go to the gym.

I suffered through the treadmill as much as I could stand (it gets really hot in there, and running in place on a moving ship probably takes a lot of getting used to). Chris sped through his routine, and we were done around 12:15, headed back to the room to shower up and then head down to the atrium to catch 90’s Music trivia at 1. Man they really need to include something other than Top 40 hits in these music trivias just to throw things off! Some Nirvana, STP, something rock!

Some shots looking up from the Atrium where the trivia was held:

 

 

We didn’t do so hot, and by this time we were hungry, so we made it up to Blue Iguana for tacos. Yum.

 

[carnivalcruiser10]

Cassandra..i can add ya friend on FB???

[ardnassac79]

We did end up missing our Roll Call’s meet and greet (sorry guys!) but ended up running into some people later, which was nice to place some faces to names (although I'm so bad with remembering people I meet briefly, I apologize if I walked past you later and ignored you!). Julie and Ram met up with us and we all decided to take a stab at the Brain Teaser trivia in the casino (not the best place for trivia, it’s a little hard to hear in there… just sayin’… ) and Ram, Chris and I ended up doing pretty good, but lost to someone else.. darn. :mad:

 

 

As Chris mentioned before, on the ships with the EA Bars, they do a week-long trivia and gaming challenge that tallies points between Xbox game competitions and sports trivia, and the winner at the end of the week gets a prize pack. We headed over there to partake in the second day’s events, and hahaha, Chris lost to me in a head to head NHL 2013 shootout challenge.. yeah girls can be gamers too.. :p but darn I ended up losing in the second round so no points for me. The trivia was right after, and Chris logged 3rd place points on his running tally.

 

 

 

At this point it was about 4:30/5, and we weren’t close to being hungry due to our late lunch, so we killed some time at the slots in the casino, and then finally made our way to the room to get ready for the first formal night [insert a Chris snarky joke about me taking hours to get ready]. Chris was happy to see his first official “platinum gift” had been delivered…

 

 

I was also pleased because Chris succumbed to my pleas to pose for formal night pictures (under the agreement that it would only be at a backdrop that didn’t have a huge line)… woo hoo, we lucked out – the crowds for early seating were gone, and late seating hadn’t ramped up yet. I think we clean up pretty darn good if I do say so myself…

 

 

 

Edited May 1, 2013 by ardnassac79
redonkulous html code issues

[Jimmy Geegitz]

Nice review! Thanks for posting!

[ardnassac79]

There was a long line for the photo drop close to the Anytime dining entrance, and there was a line about 20 people deep to get to the hostess station, but it went pretty quick, and when we got up to check in, we got seated at our usual 224 “real” table for two right away.

 

This was the view of the MDR from our table, to give some perspective..

 

 

Although this was the 3rd night, they kept the usual formal night menu. I had the west indian pumpkin soup (I LOVE this dish) and Chris got the spaghetti carbonara as a starter… I admittedly stole a few bites…

 

 

 

 

 

For the main course I had lobster with extra shrimp (I know I’m weird, I like shrimp more than lobster) and Chris had the BBQ ribs (one of his favorite on board – same complaint as always… why on formal night?!) Advance apologies... we forgot to get food porn of our entrees... I know... blasphemy!! Trust us when we say it looked great and tasted even better!

 

 

We were both stuffed, and declined dessert, and our awesome head waiter, Roger, looked a bit stressed… he told us to hold on, and came back in a few minutes and explained that he was supposed to sing us “Happy Honeymoon” when they brought out dessert, but since we didn’t want any, did we want him to sing to us anyway? Awww, I felt so bad! I told him I really appreciated the offer, but not to worry about it.

 

We stayed in our formal ware, and headed to the casino to kill a little time before the adult comedy started at 9:45.

 

 

John Mulrooney was on first and was pretty good, but this time we stayed (while Chris went back to the room for a Room Drink – found this little guy waiting for him).

 

 

 

We then watched Darren Sanders again at 11… he had previously warned this would be the “dirty dirty” show (something of a grand finale as they were leaving the ship the next day) and he lived up to the promise… quite funny, dirty, and not for delicate ears.

 

Afterwards we donated a bit more to the casino, but I wanted to head to bed around 12:30 because we knew tomorrow would be dawning early – St. Thomas here we come!

[Hazelroo]

YAY!!! You guys are doing your review! I can't wait to read about how much fun we had! It really was a blast and you guys are great...hopefully we will meet on another cruise in the future!! :)

 

Oh and to the person who was wondering about food at the aft pool...I remember there was pizza on one side, and something on the other...I think I remember seeing premade sandwich halves and hot dogs (but don't hold me to that, lol). There was also an ice cream machine :D

[ardnassac79]

And last but not least, the Fun Times for today...

 

Carnival Liberty - Eastern Caribbean - Day at Sea - 4/15/13

 

We'll have St. Thomas in the next few days... have some household stuff to take care of tomorrow night, so no promises for tomorrow, but we will get the next daily installment in within the next 2 days or so at the latest!

 

Beware, as picture-light as this day at sea was, St. Thomas and San Juan will be uber-picture heavy. It was our first time to both these stops, and while I know many people have been there, seen that, we were the newbies enthralled with the views!

[Anung Un Rama]

I don't know what's for dinner but I know what's for dessert....

 

[riclop]

I don't know what's for dinner but I know what's for dessert....

 

Good one:rolleyes:

[smeck]

We did end up missing our Roll Call’s meet and greet (sorry guys!) but ended up running into some people later, which was nice to place some faces to names (although I'm so bad with remembering people I meet briefly, I apologize if I walked past you later and ignored you!). Julie and Ram met up with us and we all decided to take a stab at the Brain Teaser trivia in the casino (not the best place for trivia, it’s a little hard to hear in there… just sayin’… ) and Ram, Chris and I ended up doing pretty good, but lost to someone else.. darn. :mad:

 

 

As Chris mentioned before, on the ships with the EA Bars, they do a week-long trivia and gaming challenge that tallies points between Xbox game competitions and sports trivia, and the winner at the end of the week gets a prize pack. We headed over there to partake in the second day’s events, and hahaha, Chris lost to me in a head to head NHL 2013 shootout challenge.. yeah girls can be gamers too.. :p but darn I ended up losing in the second round so no points for me. The trivia was right after, and Chris logged 3rd place points on his running tally.

 

 

 

At this point it was about 4:30/5, and we weren’t close to being hungry due to our late lunch, so we killed some time at the slots in the casino, and then finally made our way to the room to get ready for the first formal night [insert a Chris snarky joke about me taking hours to get ready]. Chris was happy to see his first official “platinum gift” had been delivered…

 

 

I was also pleased because Chris succumbed to my pleas to pose for formal night pictures (under the agreement that it would only be at a backdrop that didn’t have a huge line)… woo hoo, we lucked out – the crowds for early seating were gone, and late seating hadn’t ramped up yet. I think we clean up pretty darn good if I do say so myself…

 

 

 

 

You were on your Honeymoon I think you can be excused for missing your Meet and Greet. :rolleyes:

[sjn911]

Oh the ship, your story and review, photos and yourselves are drop dead gorgeous and your really capture the romance and fun of a wedding and cruise and the ship is just gorgeous...your photos make it gleam almost as much as yourselves...almost...smiles and prayers for a very happy life..sarah

[cruiseclues]

Congrats...You make a remarkably handsome couple...great review. :):):):)

[TheTravelista]

I don't know what's for dinner but I know what's for dessert....

 

LOL!! Can you guys possibly be any cuter?? Loving your review:)

Edited May 1, 2013 by TheTravelista

[pyroguy]

Great job on the review! My wife and are are going again on the Liberty this next November with some friends.

 

Can you tell me about the *old* sushi place? What is it now? We kind of enjoyed it. It's not a deal killer or anything, but it was something that I think I'll miss.

 

Keep up the great work!

[BrotherCraig]

Great review -- as always!!! Congratulations again to you both!!!!

 

We will be on the Liberty - Western Caribbean on 5/18 for our honeymoon/2nd Anniversary cruise so these reviews are VERY helpful. Can't wait!

 

Also, really dig the Social Distortion stuff too! Austin, TX!!!!

[JaniceB]

Enjoying your review. I love the formal night pictures, the backdrop worked perfectly. Can't wait to hear about St. Thomas, looking at a cruise that stops there and I haven't visited since 05.

[ardnassac79]

I don't know what's for dinner but I know what's for dessert....

 

Oh good lord... :o:o:o

 

Great job on the review! My wife and are are going again on the Liberty this next November with some friends.

 

Can you tell me about the *old* sushi place? What is it now? We kind of enjoyed it. It's not a deal killer or anything, but it was something that I think I'll miss.

 

Keep up the great work!

 

Thanks! It's now called the "Taste Bar" and on select nights (not all - whenever it's listed on the back of the skinny part of the Fun Times) they will have a small appetizer - usually some kind of meat/croquette, along with a little soup bowl of something yummy that you pick up and slurp directly from. I know for people like Chris it's awesome because he hated sushi, so this gives him an option for a quick bite if we're having a later dinner. I kind of missed the sushi, but the offerings at the Taste Bar were really good in my opinion, so I didn't miss it too terribly :)

[carnivalcruiser10]

hey Cassandra did im friend ya on FB??

[Scorchy725]

Awsome job on the review! Congrats on the wedding! What a beautiful couple! We will be on the Liberty 5/4 for our 10th anniversary your pics have us so excited! We are doing the western side.

[lovestocruise19]

We did end up missing our Roll Call’s meet and greet (sorry guys!) but ended up running into some people later, which was nice to place some faces to names (although I'm so bad with remembering people I meet briefly, I apologize if I walked past you later and ignored you!). Julie and Ram met up with us and we all decided to take a stab at the Brain Teaser trivia in the casino (not the best place for trivia, it’s a little hard to hear in there… just sayin’… ) and Ram, Chris and I ended up doing pretty good, but lost to someone else.. darn. :mad:

 

 

As Chris mentioned before, on the ships with the EA Bars, they do a week-long trivia and gaming challenge that tallies points between Xbox game competitions and sports trivia, and the winner at the end of the week gets a prize pack. We headed over there to partake in the second day’s events, and hahaha, Chris lost to me in a head to head NHL 2013 shootout challenge.. yeah girls can be gamers too.. :p but darn I ended up losing in the second round so no points for me. The trivia was right after, and Chris logged 3rd place points on his running tally.

 

 

 

At this point it was about 4:30/5, and we weren’t close to being hungry due to our late lunch, so we killed some time at the slots in the casino, and then finally made our way to the room to get ready for the first formal night [insert a Chris snarky joke about me taking hours to get ready]. Chris was happy to see his first official “platinum gift” had been delivered…

 

 

I was also pleased because Chris succumbed to my pleas to pose for formal night pictures (under the agreement that it would only be at a backdrop that didn’t have a huge line)… woo hoo, we lucked out – the crowds for early seating were gone, and late seating hadn’t ramped up yet. I think we clean up pretty darn good if I do say so myself…

 

 

 

 

DH and I were in the EA Sports Bar and saw you guys. I felt weird about going right up to you and saying hi. I didn't want to bug you (after all, it was your honeymoon!) and I left to go to tea time with my SIL. After meeting up with my DH later, he told me that you kicked Chris's butt at the shootout. LOL! He must have left before the second round.

 

Nice formal shots! That is one of my favorite backgrounds.

[Anung Un Rama]

Hi everyone, I'm going to try to get through St. Thomas tonight. As my wife (it's going to take a long time to get used to that word) said, this was our first time to St. Thomas and this will be very picture heavy because this is a beautiful island. We arrived at 10am but we had gotten up early to get ready and watch us sail in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Anung Un Rama]

As we were outside our aft wrap neighbors came outside and gave us some tips as they've been to St. Thomas quite a few times (I'd imagine so with 55 cruises).

 

We booked a shopping, sight seeing, and beach tour with Sonny Liston. Froufie had such great things to say about it in her review that I knew this was what we wanted to do our first trip here. They told us to take a right into the taxi area and met with our driver, Elvis. After we had our bus full we headed to the main shopping area. I snapped a few pictures on the way.

 

 

 

 

They dropped us off downtown and told us to meet up at 12, giving us a little over an hour. It was a very nice area to walk around but damn, I've never seen so many jewelry stores in such a concentrated area. And this is my 10th cruise.

 

 

 

[Anung Un Rama]

After finding a shot glass we liked we headed through a little cut through that had some local shops and a bar right in the middle.

 

 

There was a great little shop in here that had customizable ornaments. They were adorable and only $19 so we got one to celebrate our Honeymoon. It only took a few minutes and we were on our way back to the pick up spot.