Just another review of RCI Liberty of the Seas, 9/4/2022

[aubreyc1988]

We are Emerald with RCI but took a bit of a break from Royal to sail with NCL. We am Platinum on NCL (Basically the equivalent of Diamond on RCI) I have also sailed a few Carnival. I am not truly loyal to any line and sail based on the itinerary/ship I want.  We are also DINKS, but do have jobs so vacation time isn't super plentiful (We take 2-3 cruises a year) Photos shown are pictures taken by my husband, who has taken up film photography 🙂

 

PRE-CRUISE: We live in DFW metroplex, but decided to drive down around 5pm on Thursday, stay at an hotel outside of Houston, then go to NASA on Saturday morning. We both have never been to NASA in Houston. After NASA, our plan was to head to Galveston and check out the area there (Have never been to Galveston even though we live in DFW) and stay at a cheap airbnb I found. Our first hotel was the Hyatt Place by IAH airport. It was...wow. Not really Hyatt quality but we survived. Before going to NASA, we went to the El Jardin Beach by Kemah and it was ok.

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful but I got eaten alive by mosquitos and had to stop by a CVS to get bug spray and anti-itch cream.  Also, El Jardin is a small beach and we were charged 10.00pp to go check it out...talk about Vacation Tax!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 13, 2022 by aubreyc1988

[aubreyc1988]

After El Jardin, we went to the Kemah Boardwalk to check it out, even though it was closed. It was pretty cool and I'd definitely go back sometime during operating hours. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[aubreyc1988]

Then it was 10am and time to go to NASA. We had timed entry, but there still was a small line that took 3 minutes to get through. We only had time to do two tram tours and not the white tram tour. What we saw was really cool. It was neat that they had a piece of the moon/mars that you could touch. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[aubreyc1988]

After we finished with NASA, it POURED. It rained so hard driving the 45 min from NASA to Galveston, I thought we were going to have to pull over but we made it! It continued to rain most of the day so we scrapped the plan of going to the Galveston Pleasure Pier and went to the Rainforest Cafe for lunch instead, because I have never been!

 

 

I mean, yeah it was as cheesy as I was expecting, but the food was surprisingly good and I had some leftovers to take to my airbnb, which we went to after the Rainforest Cafe. The airbnb was basic, but adequate. It did have a full kitchen, washer and dryer which we did use. It was a good location by the port (only a 5 min drive if that)

 

Then we went to starbucks for some coffee before checking out the Strand

 

 

 

 

 

After that, we headed to The Spot to meet up with some roll call people for a pre cruise drinks

 

 

 

Then we headed back to our airbnb to get a good night's sleep before boarding day! 

 

Ok, onto the actual cruise portion.

 

BOARDING: It went smoothly. We arrived at our times lot of 10:30 and were on the ship by 11am, barely any waiting. I did find it weird that you get your keys at your room when it is ready. Due to Texas Liquor Laws, limited liquor selections but it wasn’t a big deal to us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[aubreyc1988]

FOOD: We did the three specialty dining package, mostly to compare to NCL's specialty dining package. RCI has *really* dropped the ball with their specialty dining. Sabor was just OK and very average, Giovanni's Table was the worst. We both ordered the chef's suggestions and everything was so bland and forgettable. In fact, I think I could have made better pasta at home and I am a terrible cook. I had HIGH hopes for Chops, which was the last specialty dining we did which was on Day 4. My husband ordered the ribeye and had to put salt and pepper on it. I ordered the 6 oz filet medium rare and it came medium. The sides we ordered (Mac and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, And Gruyère Tater Tots) were gross and worse than the offerings in the buffet. I will admit we did not complain or send anything back (That just isn't our style) but all three dinners were a waste of money.

 

Because of the severe letdown of specialty dining, I was worried the MDR would be the same but it was the opposite. Delish food, great service, a total 180 from the specialty restaurants. My only complaint about the MDR was the bar service. We asked for San Pellegrino and got cokes one night. A different night we ordered mojitos and IDK what we got haha

 

It wasn't a big deal as we had the beverage package, but if someone didn't have them, I could see them being upset by this.

 

The buffet was OK. There were some standout dishes and some blah dishes. There wasn't much variety day to day. Favorite dish was the Butter Chicken and hash browns in the morning.

 

Sorrentos was delish and you could tell people loved the pizza by the line. 

 

Cafe Promenade was OK. I wasn't a fan of any of the food they offered there, but did stop by several times a day for coffee. 

 

Overall, NCL wins on food hands down. Not only is NCL's specialty dining a home run, but they just have more free venues to eat at and have bar snacks to munch on while drinking. I found out the hard way that you cannot take a slice a pizza to eat at any other bar area, no outside food allowed, even on the tables outside the bar. It is nice on NCL you can eat at the Local or O Sheehans while a game or trivia is being played right by the bar or request for bar snacks to be put out. It was something I really missed on RCI. 

 

We didn't take any pictures of our food, but I will insert some random cruise photos here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[aubreyc1988]

DRINK PACKAGE: For the most part, it was fine. I thought there could have been more unique drinks to try. The menu was not as expansive as NCL's. Also I felt like the drinks I got were pretty weak. Example: I had 4 mojitos, 2 lavender daiquiris, 2 rum and cokes after dinner on the last night and barely felt anything. At home, I would have been soooo drunk.

 

It was nice having the coffee/waters included. Cafe Promenade was great, although do not expect drinks like the "Caramel Macchiato" or "White Chocolate Mocha" to taste like those at Starbucks because they do not. They taste good but certainly different. We also did try the milkshakes at Johnny Rockets (Which were included with the package) and they were meh. There was also some questionable health and safety practices happening at JR (milk just being kept out for long periods of time with no refrigeration, for one example) 

 

Bar service at the restaurants (MDR, Specialty Dining) were pretty poor. One night, we both ordered San Pellegrino and got Cokes instead. We didn't say anything because we both like Coke and didn't want to be a bother. Another night at the MDR, they offered club soda instead of San Pellegrino (Um, no way). On the last night in MDR, I ordered a mojito and I am not sure what I got but it was not a mojito lol. Not a huge deal since we had the package but if I had paid outright for them, I would not have been happy. 

 

Overall, I definitely got my value out of the package and my husband did not, so we probably broke even on the deal. I would get it again, based on just the not worrying about the cost but definitely some areas to improve. I think when we make Diamond on RCI that we would not buy it, given its HIGH price tag.  It is strange than RCI hasn't moved to have options to include it for a very reduced price in the fare of the cruise, since Celebrity does.  It's nice on NCL that they include the package in one of the fare options and somehow the bartenders are just way more dynamic on NCL vs RCI. I don't know how to explain it...everyone was NICE on RCI but didn't really have a memorable bar experience like I do on NCL. 

 

Here is a drink photo montage (These as digital, unlike the others) 

 

[aubreyc1988]

ENTERTAINMENT: For the most part, great! Loved the ice show and On The Air. The Saturday Night Fever show could have been half of its run time, was just a bit long. Comedian on the last night was good. Only went to a few game shows/trivia and they were fun. Did Bingo and didn't win, called the numbers a little too fast but it was fun

 

Here are some more random cruise pictures

 

 

 

 

[aubreyc1988]

CASINO: Played all my wins back and then some. Had a good time, but this space is TOO small for all the slot machines they have crammed in there and it's a hazard. I really felt for everyone who had a wheelchair/scooter/mobility issue getting around in there. The smoke smell really got to be too much for me. Basically, there isn't an NS area because smoke just travels or people disregard the signs. It is what it is. I did make prime on this sailing and got a certificate for a free so it wasn't a complete loss haha. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Color pictures shown here are not film and are taken by a tipsy Aubrey) 

 

 

 

[aubreyc1988]

ROOM and SHIP: We had an inside, Cabin 6517 which is right above the star lounge. It was pretty loud in our room until the star lounge shuts down for the night. We did a GTY cabin so we knew the risks. Luckily we both were so tired, we were not too bothered by the noise. Room was a decent sized, just outdated and had some decent wear and tear. Everything was pretty clean on the ship. I wish they would have had hand-washing stations by the buffet. Random observation, but the doors to the public bathrooms were pretty weird and I did have someone open a bathroom door and it slammed against my foot super hard and I did have trouble walking for the rest of the cruise. I don't think it was the person's fault, it was just there were so many doors in the bathroom and they all opened at weird angles and directions.

 

Overall, we had a great time and met some great people. I will most likely be sailing with my best friend on RCI in October on a casino comp, but definitely will pass on the specialty dining haha! 

 

Leaving you with these bunch of random photos! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[George C]

Surprised on chops I almost always like that Giovanni’s can be hit or miss . Thanks for review have not sailed Liberty in 5 or so years . The larger rccl have lots more entertainment and food options.

[LuCruise]

Thank you so much for your review.  There aren't many reviews on Liberty so happy to see yours.  How long was your cruise?  DH and I will be on Liberty for the first time in December (short cruise).  I have heard that it is in need of a refurb, but it won't bother us.  Just looking forward to getting away with good food and entertainment.

 

Am sorry you had bad experiences at the specialty dining.  We just do MDR so good at least you found that pretty good.  Wish we could get the drink package but it's way to high for us to justify the cost.  It is nice though when you can order a drink and not worry about it (including screw ups!)

Hope your foot is ok.  Will keep that in mind in the public restrooms. 😞

[aubreyc1988]

23 minutes ago, LuCruise said:

Thank you so much for your review.  There aren't many reviews on Liberty so happy to see yours.  How long was your cruise?  DH and I will be on Liberty for the first time in December (short cruise).  I have heard that it is in need of a refurb, but it won't bother us.  Just looking forward to getting away with good food and entertainment.

 

Am sorry you had bad experiences at the specialty dining.  We just do MDR so good at least you found that pretty good.  Wish we could get the drink package but it's way to high for us to justify the cost.  It is nice though when you can order a drink and not worry about it (including screw ups!)

Hope your foot is ok.  Will keep that in mind in the public restrooms. 😞

 

It was a 7 day cruise.  The package cost is too high honestly, we only got it so we wouldn't stress...we are not diamond and didn't have drinks in the casino for this cruise.  I'd  get it again if I didn't have drinks in the casino on the next one...but only if the price was around 1k for two people. Any higher and idk how it would be even marginally worth it. 

 

The foot is still purple but I can walk on it easier now. Yes, be mindful of the bathroom doors, silent killers lol. 

 

For a short cruise, you will be fine. I can't believe how small some of the venues are and how MASSIVE some venues are...kind of has a bizarre feeling. 

[Sea Dog]

Thanks for your review and being honest about the food. We will be on Liberty next month. We are basically just doing the MDR. I hope the food will be ok. It's disturbing that they can't even get a drink order right. Were there any shortages in food or liquor? Anything you could not get? How was the staff? Do they seem inexperienced and is the ship short staffed?

[Love being Mimi]

Thanks so much for doing this. 

[njkruzer]

We were on Liberty the week of 8/28.  Didn't do specialty restaurants.  Ate in mdr, traditional dining and WJ.  Dining staff was great.  Very accommodating to food issues.  Yes, ship needs work but didn't affect our trip.  Saw the 3 main shows and thought they were excellent.  Not sure how they could  shorten Saturday Night Fever any more than they did. Original movie was 119 minutes and cut to 90 min.  As an aside one of the ice skaters is from Japan and we met her parents on our tour in Jamaica.  They spoke a little English and so we spoke a little.  It was dad's first cruise and he still couldn't get over his 14 hour flight!  

[karena1]

2 hours ago, LuCruise said:

Thank you so much for your review.  There aren't many reviews on Liberty so happy to see yours.  How long was your cruise?  DH and I will be on Liberty for the first time in December (short cruise).  I have heard that it is in need of a refurb, but it won't bother us.  Just looking forward to getting away with good food and entertainment.

 

Am sorry you had bad experiences at the specialty dining.  We just do MDR so good at least you found that pretty good.  Wish we could get the drink package but it's way to high for us to justify the cost.  It is nice though when you can order a drink and not worry about it (including screw ups!)

Hope your foot is ok.  Will keep that in mind in the public restrooms. 😞

been on Liberty before, but been a while.  We have 4 booked on Liberty now - Christmas, Jan/Feb/Mar.  Looking forward to going on her again.

 

[LuCruise]

18 minutes ago, karena1 said:

been on Liberty before, but been a while.  We have 4 booked on Liberty now - Christmas, Jan/Feb/Mar.  Looking forward to going on her again.

 

That's awesome!  We're must be on the one just before your Christmas one.  It'll be our first time.  I love seeing how the layout, features compare to other ships and exploring for the first time.

[karena1]

34 minutes ago, LuCruise said:

That's awesome!  We're must be on the one just before your Christmas one.  It'll be our first time.  I love seeing how the layout, features compare to other ships and exploring for the first time.

you will love it.  Not the bells and whistles Freedom has because not upgraded yet (so no El Loco Fresh, no colorful pool, no Lime & Coconut), but still wonderful.  Love Saturday Night Fever!

[aubreyc1988]

3 hours ago, Sea Dog said:

Thanks for your review and being honest about the food. We will be on Liberty next month. We are basically just doing the MDR. I hope the food will be ok. It's disturbing that they can't even get a drink order right. Were there any shortages in food or liquor? Anything you could not get? How was the staff? Do they seem inexperienced and is the ship short staffed?

I mean, no Bulleit the whole cruise and pretty slim pickings on the wine. My husband was able to get three lobster tails on lobster night. 

 

Generally the staff is great. I think NCL overall is friendlier and they seem to do a better job keeping the ship freaking spotless on NCL. Not to say RCI was not really clean, I just remember seeing NCL crew cleaning the most bizarre mundane things and everything just being immaculate 24/7

 

Certain bars seemed overstaffed and some understaffed. Only pool bar open during port days was the one by the pool and only one bartender manning it. 

 

I didn't do the MDR for lunch so idk much about that but I am planning to do the MDR for lunch once or twice next time because I think I missed out on some good dishes. 

 

Consider it wise that you aren't doing specialty, I wish we hadn't wasted the money or the meals. 

Edited September 13, 2022 by aubreyc1988

[aubreyc1988]

2 hours ago, njkruzer said:

We were on Liberty the week of 8/28.  Didn't do specialty restaurants.  Ate in mdr, traditional dining and WJ.  Dining staff was great.  Very accommodating to food issues.  Yes, ship needs work but didn't affect our trip.  Saw the 3 main shows and thought they were excellent.  Not sure how they could  shorten Saturday Night Fever any more than they did. Original movie was 119 minutes and cut to 90 min.  As an aside one of the ice skaters is from Japan and we met her parents on our tour in Jamaica.  They spoke a little English and so we spoke a little.  It was dad's first cruise and he still couldn't get over his 14 hour flight!  

I haven't seen the movie, must have been before my time, but lots of people were leaving early. I can only comment on how I felt it was long. I also hated CATS and some people love that so to each their own. Ice show was great and so was In The Air. 

[njkruzer]

34 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

I haven't seen the movie, must have been before my time, but lots of people were leaving early. I can only comment on how I felt it was long. I also hated CATS and some people love that so to each their own. Ice show was great and so was In The Air. 

Movie was 1977. 

[aubreyc1988]

4 hours ago, njkruzer said:

Movie was 1977. 

 oh yeah definitely before my time, but looking at my cc name I am sure you guessed that lol

Edited September 14, 2022 by aubreyc1988

[c-leg5]

12 hours ago, aubreyc1988 said:

I found out the hard way that you cannot take a slice a pizza to eat at any other bar area, no outside food allowed, even on the tables outside the bar.

Having trouble understanding this comment?

 

Have you cruised  much since cruising resumed, especially NCL?  Maybe you mentioned and I missed it?

[aubreyc1988]

2 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

Having trouble understanding this comment?

 

Have you cruised  much since cruising resumed, especially NCL?  Maybe you mentioned and I missed it?

Yes I have cruised 2x since the shutdown, both on NCL. NCL has bar food since the pandemic, where you can have a bite to eat and watch a show/engage in trivia, etc. And before everyone spouts off heath and safety, they were not even allowing it to be like at the small tables they have in the bar area (example: like in the table/chair areas of schooner bar/R Bar/Pub Bar) and there was literally NO other worries about Covid from Royal in terms of health and safety on the ship, so any sort of "You can only eat pizza at the tables outside sorrentos for H&S", but not at ANY other table on the ship" is a BS excuse Royal is giving. 

 

Also, it's not a huge deal, double standards are sort of the thing now, but we certainly didn't love getting our a**es chewed out by the staff...not like there was a sign saying we couldn't sit at a table at the R bar area with a couple cookies or a slice of pizza 

Edited September 14, 2022 by aubreyc1988

[CanHardlyWait4NextYear]

5 hours ago, aubreyc1988 said:

 oh yeah definitely before my time, but looking at my cc name I am sure you guessed that lol

Nice review. Very helpful. I did have to look up dinks, that's a new one for me. Lol. Rent the movie it's a classic.