Pre-Cruise blog and Review of the Liberty -- June 20-28

[billys5764]

I was inspired to begin this by another CC member who started his “review” before he left on his cruise. We are sailing on the June 20 sailing on the Liberty. We’ve never been on her before. This will be my 6th cruise (5th on Carnival), my wife’s 5th cruise (4th on Carnival), and our son’s 3rd cruise. Our son, Bradley, is graduating from high school this year. So this is his graduation present from us. His best friend, who is also graduating, is coming along.

 

We are from Greensboro, NC. I’m a university music professor and my wife is a “lunch lady” at a local middle school. We are also traveling with another couple from Tallahassee, Jeff and Linda. Jeff is a retired Department of Revenue employee and Linda is a retired police officer. I’ve know them since the 80s when I was at Florida State as a graduate student. We have traveled together for close to 30 years now.

 

We chose the Liberty for several reasons. Bradley insisted we go on Carnival. He has sailed on Carnival for his 3 cruises and has loved the Club O2. Since it is “his” cruise we obliged. We wanted to sail out of Port Canaveral because it is a 1 day drive from our home. We also are spending 5 days in Daytona Beach after the cruise so our daughter can fly down and join us (she’s not a cruiser). This particular cruise was the closest cruise after his graduation date. We did this same itinerary 2 years ago on the Valor (with the addition of La Romana), but we love to cruise just to be cruising. The ports are not that important to us.

 

I will be backtracking to talk about booking issues, etc. and then get up to date and write as things happen with the cruise preparations.

 

If these things bore you, please feel free not to read. It won’t hurt my feelings in the least. I plan to take a plethora of pictures on the cruise. You can check out my review from last year on the Dream at

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1869166

[billys5764]

January 24

 

Booking Day

 

I called Carnival to make our reservations! I do not have a PVP. I talk to whomever answers the phone. I went with a TA the past two years. Last year, she really messed me up. I thought, and she told me, that we were booked on the Early Saver fare. When fares went down, I contacted her (she did not call me) and told her about the fare reduction. She moaned and groaned about it but said she would submit the request for OBC. A week later she sent me an email that we were NOT booked under Early Saver, but something else. She denied telling me that it was Early Saver when we booked.

 

I checked and found that I could still cancel and get my deposit back. I emailed her and told her we were cancelling and please return my deposit. I called Carnival and made another booking at a much lower rate. We got a balcony for less than we had booked an oceanview room. I will never go through a TA again!

 

Anyway, I called Carnival today and booked our cabins. DW and I are in a balcony on the Empress deck, 7435, and DS and DSF (dear son’s friend) are in an inside across the hall, 7433. I booked the Easy Saver (too late for Early Saver) with the $50 deposit/person.

 

I asked the agent about documentation for DSF (his name is Elijah) since he will still be 17 when we sail. I was told to bring a notarized letter from his mother giving us permission to take him out of the country. Should this include a POA for medical treatment? Any lawyers out there that want to chime in?

 

Bradley’s concern is that since he will be 18, he won’t be able to go in the Club O2. Elijah will be able to. Surely, they will let him since his friend can go in.

 

The cruise is booked! All is well!!!! Only 147 days left!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[billys5764]

March 2

 

Not too long after I booked our cruise, I received a brochure about a Casino rate. I had gotten one of these several months before, but our cruise was not among those listed for this deal. When this one came in the mail, and before I opened it, I told DW “Just wait. Our cruise will be listed in here now.” I opened it up and sure enough – there is was. The offer was up to 35% off listed rates, special check-in), $300 casino cash, free drinks while playing, special gift (probably chocolate dipped strawberries), meet and greet cocktail party, and free admission to tournaments.

 

Since it said I had until late March to book, I sat on it for a while deciding if it would be worth it to try to change. So, today I called Carnival and told them that I had received this in the mail and wondered if I could switch or if I had to cancel the old one and rebook. The agent looked up the offer code (PC4) and said it was for new bookings only and I was not eligible for this. I complained (nicely, of course) and she said to hold and she would ask her supervisor.

 

When she came back, she said “Good news!” They switched my booking over to this one. The rate was $150/person less so this was a no-brainer. I did have to pay the full deposit, since this rate did not include the $50 deposit. No big deal. I would have to pay the total one day anyway. So I paid $500 today for a total of $600 deposit.

 

If I do the math correctly, I saved $300 on the fare, got $300 casino cash, free drinks in casino (worth at least $200), and free admission to tournaments (I play in at least 2 blackjack tournaments – $50). So I saved $850!!!!!

 

I asked if I could switch DS’s cabin to this. They said no. I let it go – didn’t want to press my luck.

 

Only 110 days until...

[billys5764]

March 9

 

I do a mock booking today to see if the rates have come down anymore for Bradley’s room. Whoa! They have come down $50/person and the balance doesn’t have to be paid until a month before sailing. That will help a whole lot.

 

I make the call to Carnival and get a very nice lady to speak with. I ask if I can switch rates. She looks and says instantly, “Yes!” So we switch rates and I save another $100. This took less time than calling Geico.

 

My question is how do I get a PVP that I can speak with each time? Any suggestions?

 

Only 103 days!

[billys5764]

March 13

 

DOING THE DOUBLE DIGIT HAPPY DANCE!!!!!

 

Only 99 days left!

[Mizzouaholic]

We'll be on the June 7 Liberty sailing. Can't wait!

[billys5764]

March 28

 

I did a mock booking today and saw that the casino rate had dropped. I called Carnival and asked for the lower rate and got it!!! Since I booked in January I have rebooked twice and have saved close to $1000 on both rooms!

 

It's cool and rainy here in NC today. I'm ready for some serious Caribbean sun!

 

84 days to go...

[Juardis]

Hey there billys5764, I'm enjoying your pre-cruise blog. We are also from NC (Charlotte) and will be on the May 31 Liberty sailing. Like you, I don't think I will use a TA again. I had the same experience as you. Mine seem irritated when I insisted she contact Carnival to see if we qualified for a price drop. We did, to the tune of $127 for the two of us. That's not a huge sum of money but worth it to me.

 

Back in 2008, we took our son on a high school graduation cruise. The friend he selected to invite was his girlfriend and she too was only 17. I did not have a letter from her parents and didn't need but probably should have one just in case of a medical or other emergency. The girlfriend and I shared a cabin while my husband and two sons were in the adjoining cabin. We had a great time and I'm sure you will as well!

[billys5764]

Juardis, I look forward to hearing about your cruise! This will be my 5th on Carnival and my wife's 4th. I went with her roommate the year before I took her on a cruise. That's another story!

 

My son is looking forward to bringing a friend even though he has met many kids on his other cruises.

 

 

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[billys5764]

April 3

 

Today I booked the Raddison at the Port for our pre-cruise night. We stayed there several years ago when we sailed with Royal Caribbean. Last year we stayed at the La Quinta. It was fine, but this year with DS's friend along we either needed 2 rooms or a suite. The Raddison has a suite that costs less than 2 rooms at the La Quinta. Plus the Raddison is much closer to the port!

[billys5764]

April 4

 

I paid in full DW and my cabin on the Liberty!!!!!! She and I are booked under the casino offer (lower rate, free drinks $300 casino cash, etc). DS and his friend are booked under a different promotion so theirs isn't due until May 21.

 

We are in cabin 7435 (Empress Deck, balcony) and the boys are across the hall in 7433 (interior).

 

I told DW last night as I was leaving to go to a rehearsal that I wish I was on a balcony or deck feeling the trade winds and looking at blue water.

 

77 more days...

[tattoos]

Regarding your inquiry concerning the permission letter for your son's friend, I would suggest that you include a statement in the letter granting you permission to seek medical treatment for him if an occasion arises where the cruise line is unable to reach his parent/guardian and immediate treatment is required.

 

When my grandson brought a friend on a cruise, we ALWAYS had a notarized letter with us from his parent(s) that included a medical treatment permission clause. Whenever the Carnival agent would ask us for this letter, I was so happy that I had it. A few times we were never asked but better safe than sorry.

[tammi0916]

I have traveled 2x with our daughter's BFF and will again travel with her this July for our upcoming cruise on the Freedom. Once I was asked for all documentation and once they didnt even ask as single question.

But I agree that I would make sure I added something about the medical decisions as we all know anything can happen on a cruise and I would hate for you not to have the correct documentation.

 

I have attached a copy of the affidavit that we have used and seems to satisify Carnivals needs. Feel free to modify if needed.

 

I have also heard that they (Carnival) is pretty strict about the ages for the Kid/Teen clubs so there may be a chance that they do not let your son into the club since he will be 18.

 

Hae a wonderful trip and lookinf forward to reading the blog...

 

Tammi

AFFIDAVIT OF PARENTAL CONSENT Template.doc

Edited April 4, 2014 by tammi0916

[wb3690]

definitely looking forward to reading about this. I eyeballed this exact itinerary/ship for next year as we're just two hours north of Port Canaveral and really enjoy sailing out of this port. looks like a good one!!!

[Mary49]

What did you think about Music Boardwalk the House Band? They are the best.....

[billys5764]

I have traveled 2x with our daughter's BFF and will again travel with her this July for our upcoming cruise on the Freedom. Once I was asked for all documentation and once they didnt even ask as single question.

But I agree that I would make sure I added something about the medical decisions as we all know anything can happen on a cruise and I would hate for you not to have the correct documentation.

 

I have attached a copy of the affidavit that we have used and seems to satisify Carnivals needs. Feel free to modify if needed.

 

I have also heard that they (Carnival) is pretty strict about the ages for the Kid/Teen clubs so there may be a chance that they do not let your son into the club since he will be 18.

 

Hae a wonderful trip and lookinf forward to reading the blog...

 

Tammi

 

 

Thanks for the document. I will use it!

[billys5764]

April 17

 

Today I received in the mail my certificate for $300 Casino Cash for the cruise! I present it at the cashiers cage. Does anyone know if I get cash or if it is applied to my S&S card?

 

I also receive special boarding and embarkation. Of course, I've already purchased FTTF. I wonder if that is now wasted money?

 

I also get a Welcome Aboard cocktail party where we receive info about the special casino events, free drinks in the casino, Commemorative Players Club gift (SOAS?), and free tournaments.

 

Can't wait!!!!!!!!

[billys5764]

April 19

 

Today DS and his best friend that is going with us on the cruise were talking about wanting to fly to Port Canaveral instead of driving with us for 11 hours. I told them if they paid for their flight they could fly. They are now booked on Allegiant Air into Sanford the day before the cruise. DW and I will pick them up when they arrive (we should arrive there about the same time) and go on over to Port Canaveral.

 

The sticky part about this is Allegiant Air only flies Thursdays and Sundays from Greensboro to Sanford and only has one flight out. If for some reason they miss it or it gets cancelled, then they have no way of getting to Florida! I told them and they are gambling on everything working out.

 

Here's hoping!

[billys5764]

April 22

 

I received an email from Carnival today wanting to "upgrade" me. For $40 I could move from a balcony cabin on the Empress deck aft to a balcony cabin on the Panorama deck. That doesn't sound like an upgrade to me. We like being aft and we are across from DS and friend. Had they offered a suite, well...

 

 

59 more days

 

 

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[CC Help Michell]

April 17

 

Today I received in the mail my certificate for $300 Casino Cash for the cruise! I present it at the cashiers cage. Does anyone know if I get cash or if it is applied to my S&S card?

 

I also receive special boarding and embarkation. Of course, I've already purchased FTTF. I wonder if that is now wasted money?

 

I also get a Welcome Aboard cocktail party where we receive info about the special casino events, free drinks in the casino, Commemorative Players Club gift (SOAS?), and free tournaments.

 

Can't wait!!!!!!!!

 

Sounds like you and your friends and family will have a wonderful cruise!

 

I think FTTF is cancellable, so it shouldn't be wasted money.

 

Hope you have a great trip!

[billys5764]

April 27

 

Whoo Hoo! I did a mock booking today and found that DS and friend's cabin fare had come down. I called Carnival and they promptly rebooked it under the 123 promotion and I saved $190!!!!!!!!

 

The lady I spoke with was very nice and helpful and, most of all, very quick! No having to ask a supervisor. The final payment on their booking is May 20. So, maybe another price reduction?

 

I've already paid DW and my cabin in full so I don't think I can get a reduction -- can I????

 

54 more days......

[AK Wife]

April 27

 

Whoo Hoo! I did a mock booking today and found that DS and friend's cabin fare had come down. I called Carnival and they promptly rebooked it under the 123 promotion and I saved $190!!!!!!!!

The lady I spoke with was very nice and helpful and, most of all, very quick! No having to ask a supervisor. The final payment on their booking is May 20. So, maybe another price reduction?

I've already paid DW and my cabin in full so I don't think I can get a reduction -- can I????

54 more days......

 

Thank you thank you thank you! My DH and I will be on this cruise as well! I was so excited to see your blog and after reading it I decided to go ahead & do a mock booking myself. Long story short - I saved $540 on the cabin & $20 on the trip insurance for a total of $560. Haven't paid yet so they just took it off the total but still VERY excited! Putting the money aside - $240 more & we'll have our "Cheers" package paid for! :p

[billys5764]

This was the 3rd price reduction for my son's and his friend's cabin. In all I've saved over $300 on their cabin and $700 on DW and my cabin. Now waiting for an upgrade to a suite!

 

 

 

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[billys5764]

April 28

 

So, I did a mock booking for my cabin. I'm booked in a balcony, Empress deck, aft, under the Premier Casino rate. The 123 rates are $270 cheaper than what I paid. I took a chance and called Carnival to see if I could get that rate, but keep the Premier incentives.

 

Well, that conversation lasted about 15 seconds. Absolutely NO.

 

Of course, I've paid in full and it is past the date for full payment, so I'm not surprised. But, I would have loved if she had at least tried.

 

Oh well.

 

53 days!!!!

[billys5764]

Thank you thank you thank you! My DH and I will be on this cruise as well! I was so excited to see your blog and after reading it I decided to go ahead & do a mock booking myself. Long story short - I saved $540 on the cabin & $20 on the trip insurance for a total of $560. Haven't paid yet so they just took it off the total but still VERY excited! Putting the money aside - $240 more & we'll have our "Cheers" package paid for! :p

 

 

Glad I could help! I should at least get a drink out of it! :p