Loving Liberty...X3

[BecciBoo]

Just home finishing the last load of wash and trying to relax.

 

In line for #7 luggage tags on the outside promenade at 9:00 this morning, through customs in 15 minutes. Easy peasy. My family members self assisted and made it ahead of most and in their cars in around 20 minutes, key here is don't dally...

 

Will now answer the 3 most asked questions about Liberty...

 

When asked about the Tidal Wave all you get from anyone is shrugged shoulders. Didn't make it to Captain's Corner but maybe someone else can elaborate.

 

George, our Diamond Conc. told me the Coke machines were never meant to be installed on Liberty. He explained only on some classes but not on Freedom Class. So quit waiting, it ain't happenin...according to George;)

 

Now some news on the Suite/Diamond Lounge debate. The whole week, there were a handful of suite passengers in the 2Xs larger Suite Lounge and SRO in Diamond lounge and Olive or Twist overflow....horrid! Here's the skinny on the situation, George told me that if RCCL gets 351 complaints/requests to switch the larger room to Diamond and move the suite passengers to our old Diamond Lounge it would be done. Those were his exacts words! So email C&A asap with that suggestion immediately. He specifically collared Cruise Critic members to make this happen...so get on it people!:cool:

 

I am working on the review but need a little time for the pics...hope to have it ready in a day or 2...sorry.

 

It was a great cruise for us and our extended family and friends (17) but do have a few peeves...will elaborate soon.:D

[CanadaRob]

Good to know about freestyle machines. Tidal sled s still a big question mark after 2 months.

[Ourusualbeach]

Just home finishing the last load of wash and trying to relax.

 

In line for #7 luggage tags on the outside promenade at 9:00 this morning, through customs in 15 minutes. Easy peasy. My family members self assisted and made it ahead of most and in their cars in around 20 minutes, key here is don't dally...

 

Will now answer the 3 most asked questions about Liberty...

 

When asked about the Tidal Wave all you get from anyone is shrugged shoulders. Didn't make it to Captain's Corner but maybe someone else can elaborate.

 

George, our Diamond Conc. told me the Coke machines were never meant to be installed on Liberty. He explained only on some classes but not on Freedom Class. So quit waiting, it ain't happenin...according to George;)

 

Now some news on the Suite/Diamond Lounge debate. The whole week, there were a handful of suite passengers in the 2Xs larger Suite Lounge and SRO in Diamond lounge and Olive or Twist overflow....horrid! Here's the skinny on the situation, George told me that if RCCL gets 351 complaints/requests to switch the larger room to Diamond and move the suite passengers to our old Diamond Lounge it would be done. Those were his exacts words! So email C&A asap with that suggestion immediately. He specifically collared Cruise Critic members to make this happen...so get on it people!:cool:

 

I am working on the review but need a little time for the pics...hope to have it ready in a day or 2...sorry.

 

It was a great cruise for us and our extended family and friends (17) but do have a few peeves...will elaborate soon.:D

 

This just proves that you shouldnt believe everything that you hear from staff as the Freedom has the Freestyle machines.

 

I also seriously doubt that they have an actual target number of complaints and once they reach it they will change lounges.

[schmeed]

Just home finishing the last load of wash and trying to relax.

 

In line for #7 luggage tags on the outside promenade at 9:00 this morning, through customs in 15 minutes. Easy peasy. My family members self assisted and made it ahead of most and in their cars in around 20 minutes, key here is don't dally...

 

Will now answer the 3 most asked questions about Liberty...

 

When asked about the Tidal Wave all you get from anyone is shrugged shoulders. Didn't make it to Captain's Corner but maybe someone else can elaborate.

 

George, our Diamond Conc. told me the Coke machines were never meant to be installed on Liberty. He explained only on some classes but not on Freedom Class. So quit waiting, it ain't happenin...according to George;)

 

Now some news on the Suite/Diamond Lounge debate. The whole week, there were a handful of suite passengers in the 2Xs larger Suite Lounge and SRO in Diamond lounge and Olive or Twist overflow....horrid! Here's the skinny on the situation, George told me that if RCCL gets 351 complaints/requests to switch the larger room to Diamond and move the suite passengers to our old Diamond Lounge it would be done. Those were his exacts words! So email C&A asap with that suggestion immediately. He specifically collared Cruise Critic members to make this happen...so get on it people!:cool:

 

I am working on the review but need a little time for the pics...hope to have it ready in a day or 2...sorry.

 

It was a great cruise for us and our extended family and friends (17) but do have a few peeves...will elaborate soon.:D

 

Can you draft an email that we can use to send? Also, what email address do we send it too?

 

Thanks!

[Johnamac123]

This just proves that you shouldnt believe everything that you hear from staff as the Freedom has the Freestyle machines.

 

I also seriously doubt that they have an actual target number of complaints and once they reach it they will change lounges.

 

Exactly. There are two located right outside Sorrentos on the Promenade.

[gambler]

Cant wait for the review, ty

[Sunny7961]

 

During the Q&A at the M&M for 04/24/16, we were told that Liberty had the Freestyle Coke machines but they were removed. We were told that they have terrible leaks and it was a sticky syrup that was leaking. He said that Coca Cola was redesigning the Freestyle machines so they would not leak. He said if Coca Cola can fix the problem with a new design the Freestyle would be installed on the Liberty.

 

I understand this is one of many explanations and/or stories we have been told. But this is what they said. Only time will tell. Hopefully they get the problem fixed and soon. :D

 

 

Becci, I wish I had the chance to meet you on the cruise. Thanks again for all your assistance. I can't wait to read your review! :)

[Sun Lakes Cruiser]

Just home finishing the last load of wash and trying to relax.

 

In line for #7 luggage tags on the outside promenade at 9:00 this morning, through customs in 15 minutes. Easy peasy. My family members self assisted and made it ahead of most and in their cars in around 20 minutes, key here is don't dally...

 

Will now answer the 3 most asked questions about Liberty...

 

When asked about the Tidal Wave all you get from anyone is shrugged shoulders. Didn't make it to Captain's Corner but maybe someone else can elaborate.

 

George, our Diamond Conc. told me the Coke machines were never meant to be installed on Liberty. He explained only on some classes but not on Freedom Class. So quit waiting, it ain't happenin...according to George;)

 

Now some news on the Suite/Diamond Lounge debate. The whole week, there were a handful of suite passengers in the 2Xs larger Suite Lounge and SRO in Diamond lounge and Olive or Twist overflow....horrid! Here's the skinny on the situation, George told me that if RCCL gets 351 complaints/requests to switch the larger room to Diamond and move the suite passengers to our old Diamond Lounge it would be done. Those were his exacts words! So email C&A asap with that suggestion immediately. He specifically collared Cruise Critic members to make this happen...so get on it people!:cool:

 

I am working on the review but need a little time for the pics...hope to have it ready in a day or 2...sorry.

 

It was a great cruise for us and our extended family and friends (17) but do have a few peeves...will elaborate soon.:D

 

Can you please comment on the beds. Thanks!

[BecciBoo]

This just proves that you shouldnt believe everything that you hear from staff as the Freedom has the Freestyle machines.

 

I also seriously doubt that they have an actual target number of complaints and once they reach it they will change lounges.

 

LOL yep you take every thing with a grain of salt, But that's what he said....

 

Beds... I think our bed was an original, hasn't been replaced yet, it was way bouncy and springs made noise but not hard at all...however, we slept like babies, we had the topper...so pre order that. It had body impressions in it LOL. Also, and someone may confirm this, but the carpet and upholstery in our cabin was the same as in 2007. It had not been replaced with the new updated blue swirl like Navigator got, and that surprised me. The Caribbean leaves motif is pretty dated.

Edited May 2, 2016 by BecciBoo

[*CENSORED*]

He explained only on some classes but not on Freedom Class.

 

 

I don't understand this, as Freedom has had these machines for years.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[BecciBoo]

O.K. Todd is still working to download pics but I'll start with Embarkation:

 

We arrived at 9:35 and dropped off tagged luggage but elected to go have Starbucks because the terminal itself was still closed. I was really dim on how the new terminal and tents worked, but here it is...you still go into the old terminal to check in, nothing changed there, but then you go into the tent to wait to board. We were back and in the terminal and through screening at around 10:30. But checkin was well under way. It took about 30 minutes before we began boarding, I think it was 11:10. I had 17 people to herd and it was quite the task....too stressful, I think we'll stick to no more than 4 from now on. So on board by around 11:20. We stayed in Bolero's to wait for all my peeps to get on. Did not go to WJ.

 

This is when my son had the issue with the $19.95 drink pkg. which he was told included Red Bull, so even the pkg person had misinformation...it is not included. We finally got that corrected and his acct credited. He elected to go by the drink.

 

We got pizza from Sorrento's for lunch. Here's my take. I've had pizza on Carnival and Celebrity and its not any better IMHO. BUT...a big but, I know I can order a pizza made to order from Sorrento's...we've ordered chicken/pineapple etc. and it is crispier. We did this on Allure also. But I don't expect NY pizza or Pizza Hut...so its all relative. I can be happy with a slice.

 

We were in our cabin by 1:15 and unpacking.

 

Right now I'll tell you I was so busy with my peeps I did not have time to photo any menus or compass', but we've seen these for months. No changes. Will take a breather and return, maybe with pics.

 

Edited May 2, 2016 by BecciBoo

[alliecat1970]

I have been waiting for your return could you tell me the names of the menus in order please, trying to plan what nights to dine in speciality venues. We leave 13 days, were you able to reserve any of the shows or comedy shows like we did on the Allure a few years ago? I have not been able to do so and is it because it's an older ship and they don't Require it? Did you eat in any of the specialty restaurants and if so how was it?

 

Thank You, Janet Rae

[teach50]

Becci, I'm looking forward to reading your review. I was on the same cruise with 7 other people doing a quilting cruise. I had a fantastic time!!

[wolfganghowell]

alliecat - you do not pre-reserve shows on Liberty.

 

becciboo - looking forward to the review. I almost always agree with you but confess I don't want them to switch the DL and SL.

 

.....so new terminal still not ready! :eek:

[BecciBoo]

Aww come on....when you were in there, couldn't the small amount of people fit in Diamond lounge? The situation in DL is unbearable...literally. It is making a big headache for staff also...they can't keep up with it. And I was told terminal won't be ready until June.

 

Here's a video of the Suite lounge:

View My Video

Edited May 2, 2016 by BecciBoo

[BecciBoo]

I have been waiting for your return could you tell me the names of the menus in order please, trying to plan what nights to dine in speciality venues. We leave 13 days, were you able to reserve any of the shows or comedy shows like we did on the Allure a few years ago? I have not been able to do so and is it because it's an older ship and they don't Require it? Did you eat in any of the specialty restaurants and if so how was it?

 

Thank You, Janet Rae

 

Mojo

Saffron

Shiitaki

Pimiento

Basil

Jasmine

Pomodoro

 

This is exactly the order on RCCL menu lists online.

 

I will do food after the overall ship comments.

[George C]

Diamond lounge was tiny, suite lounge on the other hand was great, had a outside area also, you could always get a chair but most chairs were full most of the times, they did not turn on card access yet .

[BecciBoo]

alliecat - you do not pre-reserve shows on Liberty.

 

 

No and there is really no reason to need that....you'll get a good seat. My 87 yr old Mom went to see the Ice Show by herself the second time on Saturday and got a front row seat on third row, I think she was there about 30 minutes early. For an example.

[BecciBoo]

Diamond lounge was tiny, suite lounge on the other hand was great, had a outside area also, you could always get a chair but most chairs were full most of the times, they did not turn on card access yet .

 

George, We were in there on 3 separate evenings just looking in, we opened the left door and looked and on all 3 nights, there was only a handful of people in there! If the bar wasn't in the way, they could easily enlarge the DL...and the patio would be lovely but they are using that as a staging area for some kind of compliance work they were doing...it was not Tidal Wave stuff as someone speculated.

Edited May 2, 2016 by BecciBoo

[wolfganghowell]

Thanks for the video Becci! Hope both you and George will give us lots of Liberty scoop.

[BecciBoo]

A unique view of the Tidal Wave:

View My Video

 

Would you believe we never made it down the other 2 slides..yeah duh! Note to self...book another Liberty cruise!

 

But my SIL said she could hardly get down it, just too little water going down to flush a body down it. And she was laying down and weighs about 110 lbs!

Edited May 2, 2016 by BecciBoo

[BecciBoo]

Here is the Diamond Lounge:

View My Video

 

George (Jorge) was one of the most pleasant concierges we've had. Was a great help with our tender tickets for 16. Canapes have been better, but the hot brassiers were good, meatballs, wings, chicken puffs, etc., the cold trays I didn't care for much except the cheese and fruit. My fave salmon cream cheese canapes with the cavier were gone, and the ones they did have were not so good. I wish they'd use crackers instead of Rye bread. But the wait staff would make you anything to drink you desired...Lemon Drops were very tasty!

 

Evidence of the lack of the card room up in Viking Crown was seen. Several groups of card players took over the chairs and tables (fume:mad:)

 

A word of angst about the furniture. Whomever chose the club chairs all over the ship must not have ever sat in them before they made a decision! Couldn't find any that were very comfy...including the fake rattan ones in Cafe Promenade. Horrid! RCCL has a problem on all ship classes with that. It's like FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION....get with the program...comfort first followed by deco! Some designer talked them into getting the most funkadelic furniture they could find. Sorry for the rant, just a pet peeve!

[ARCruisinNana]

 

Evidence of the lack of the card room up in Viking Crown was seen. Several groups of card players took over the chairs and tables (fume:)

 

 

We really liked the card room on deck 10 (former CL). We played games there with the grandkids each day.

[BecciBoo]

Ready for some subjective criticism?

 

Food...First night MDR menu was Mojo. I use to drool over the chops when they first came out with it, but that too has changed, and the chop, which seemed to be a good cut of meat was cooked way too much, I had about 3 bites and passed, the sauce on it was nauseating also. Another change since the first cruises we had. In fact a lot of dishes with chicken and other meats were dry and over cooked. It was sad. In general all the food has worsened over the years and I am a staunch RCCL foody. I couldn't consume my strip steak, sorry RCCL you need to work on that. I find good Choice cuts at my super market better than that.

 

My SIL mentioned the filet in Giovanni's was the best one she has ever had at any restaurant and they enjoyed that dinner as the best of their cruise. Unfortunately, we didn't get there this time.

 

Some things were just as before, the crab cakes were fabulous along with the seafood ravioli, the garlic soup, lobster bisque and Poblano soups.

My group doubled up on some of these starters, they are always superb...the Escargot (real) and the fake(scollups) we almost all had 2.

 

But others were just plain unappetizing. You can't make really good lasagna without Ricotta...theirs was awful. Go figure. Desserts too were a disappointment, my Sugar Free Coconut Cake...gone, just the other one Coconut and Lychee slice, ..yuck! The chocolate ones were better, but they need to get a good Chocolate melting cake recipe from Carnival or something.;) THe tiramisu and Key Lime Pie were tasty as always.

 

Wind Jammer has really lost us, we tried but the only thing I liked all day there were the fresh omelets. Guess I'm just tired of the same old selections. The ones I really liked like the Alfredo pastas and Honey Stung chicken long gone. And now the cream gravy to go with the biscuits (really scones...you don't put sugar in biscuits!) is now SOS sorta...not milk gravy, which IMHO is the only gravy belonging on good southern biscuits.

 

The highlight for me was Sabor's which we had tried on Navigator and found not quite right for TexMex addicts. But it had just been introduced the first time and this time was much better. They still need to work on their tacos chimichangas, and quesadillas which I think are too dry, needs more sauce. But the table side Guacamole and chips wonderful! Margaritas tasty. And this place has the best dessert on the whole ship, do not miss it no matter what your New Year's resolutions were! We went for lunch to save a little $$ and its less crowded. $20 pp.

 

Sorry I do not have any food porn, our group descended on the table every evening like the Mongol Horde on Rome.:o Me included...no time for pics.

 

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention our wait staff. For a group of 17 which swelled from as little as 8 to full roster on any given night, our wait staff at My Time Dining bent over backward to accommodate our needs. Some nights when not every one was there, they moved a small table to our larger one so 2 or 3 others would not have to sit alone, Most nights we had 2 tables, one 10 top and one 8 top. In the very back of the dining room but on the window and we ate at 6:30 the first few nights, moving to 7 when they requested it. The least we could do. So if you think MTD won't work with a large group...try it! Agnole/India and Dominique/Caribbean were terrific, never a sour face during all this rigamarole and even helped celebrate our 20th and Mother's Day as well. They got a great write up on our exit interview!

Edited May 2, 2016 by BecciBoo

[debonabeach]

I'm sailing on the Liberty May 22 -29 and wondered if they are offering the 10 drink punch card.

Edited May 2, 2016 by debonabeach