3 night on Liberty of the Seas

[RedJessi]

Hello all! I am considering a 3 night (Friday to Monday) cruise with Perfect Day in November on Liberty of the Seas, but I am having trouble finding out exactly what would be available on the ship in regards to meals, photo packages, movies, shows, etc. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Also, I would love to hear about anyone else's experience. We have't ever done this short a cruise with Royal, so I would love any insight that could be provided. Thanks!

[Biker19]

1 minute ago, RedJessi said:

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

For some of that info, you can set the app to the 6/23 sailing on Freedom and assume Liberty will have very similar offerings.

[Bead Pirate]

Buy the drink package!!! Booze Cruise to be sure (if you can't beat them, join them) 🙂 

[RedJessi]

27 minutes ago, Bead Pirate said:

Buy the drink package!!! Booze Cruise to be sure (if you can't beat them, join them) 🙂 

 

What are the drink packages like these days? I doubt we would because my husband doesn't really drink, but do they have 'drink of the day'  specials? Any other tips? I haven't been on RCI since 2016 and those cruises were 7 days, so I am not sure what to expect.

[Bead Pirate]

We were on a "run" of 3-night trips out of PC on the Mariner. We were just going every other weekend, but many folks were on board every weekend. It is a little different as everyone knows each other from the previous cruises, they know the bartenders and performers on a first name basis, and same for the casino folks.

 

It really is a party cruise as you pick up on the "urgency" to get the party started right away (usually at Boleros). I have seen people falling down drunk before 10 PM on Friday 🙂. The party goes on upstairs until around 1:30 and then moves into the casino to continue into the wee hours.

 

There tends to be large groups of people on a mission (think bachelor and bachelorette parties) that want to mix in with all of the "regulars" and that does not always work out in a civil fashion when alcohol is mixed in.

 

We called a halt to the trips after 4 weekends and went back to our usual longer 7–10-day cruises.

 

 

 

 

[karena1]

3 hours ago, RedJessi said:

Hello all! I am considering a 3 night (Friday to Monday) cruise with Perfect Day in November on Liberty of the Seas, but I am having trouble finding out exactly what would be available on the ship in regards to meals, photo packages, movies, shows, etc. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Also, I would love to hear about anyone else's experience. We have't ever done this short a cruise with Royal, so I would love any insight that could be provided. Thanks!

We go on short cruises all the time and love them - great weekend getaways and we are 79 and 66.  So specifically Liberty - we did 4 Liberty 3 night cruises last fall out of FLL.  Had a great time.  The ice show and Saturday Night Fever are both amazing.  Food that is included is the Main Dining Room (you can do traditional dining which is set time, or do My Time Dining and go eat when you feel like it -with or without reservations).  Windjammer, Cafe Promenade, and Sorrentos are included.  At CocoCay, you do not need to spend a dime on the island unless you want to.  Loungers/umbrella at the beaches are included, 2 buffets (which are great) plus Snack Shack are included.  Any beverage pkg you have is included, but there are also free drink options like water (not bottled) and juice in the buffets and I think maybe tea.  If I am missing anything, someone else can fill in, but I think I hit the bulk of it.

 

[Tatka]

Liberty has 3 terrific shows

 

1. Broadway - Saturday Night Fever

2. Circus like:  In the Air

3. Ice show.

Not sure what you will see.

[Tree_skier]

4 hours ago, RedJessi said:

Hello all! I am considering a 3 night (Friday to Monday) cruise with Perfect Day in November on Liberty of the Seas, but I am having trouble finding out exactly what would be available on the ship in regards to meals, photo packages, movies, shows, etc. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Also, I would love to hear about anyone else's experience. We have't ever done this short a cruise with Royal, so I would love any insight that could be provided. Thanks!

 

2 hours ago, RedJessi said:

 

What are the drink packages like these days? I doubt we would because my husband doesn't really drink, but do they have 'drink of the day'  specials? Any other tips? I haven't been on RCI since 2016 and those cruises were 7 days, so I am not sure what to expect.

 

Here is a link to Royal's cruise planner for a random weekend in November.

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/account/cruise-planner/category/beverage?bookingId=000000&shipCode=LB&sailDate=20231117

[RedJessi]

2 hours ago, Bead Pirate said:

We were on a "run" of 3-night trips out of PC on the Mariner. We were just going every other weekend, but many folks were on board every weekend. It is a little different as everyone knows each other from the previous cruises, they know the bartenders and performers on a first name basis, and same for the casino folks.

 

It really is a party cruise as you pick up on the "urgency" to get the party started right away (usually at Boleros). I have seen people falling down drunk before 10 PM on Friday 🙂. The party goes on upstairs until around 1:30 and then moves into the casino to continue into the wee hours.

 

There tends to be large groups of people on a mission (think bachelor and bachelorette parties) that want to mix in with all of the "regulars" and that does not always work out in a civil fashion when alcohol is mixed in.

 

We called a halt to the trips after 4 weekends and went back to our usual longer 7–10-day cruises.

 

 

 

 

 

oof - This would be a a trip in November in order to celebrate my kiddo and her BFF's birthdays - they are turning 11. I am looking at Liberty because it seemed like a good, family friendly ship. I am starting to rethink it; I am not sure booze cruise is what we are looking for.

[RedJessi]

49 minutes ago, karena1 said:

We go on short cruises all the time and love them - great weekend getaways and we are 79 and 66.  So specifically Liberty - we did 4 Liberty 3 night cruises last fall out of FLL.  Had a great time.  The ice show and Saturday Night Fever are both amazing.  Food that is included is the Main Dining Room (you can do traditional dining which is set time, or do My Time Dining and go eat when you feel like it -with or without reservations).  Windjammer, Cafe Promenade, and Sorrentos are included.  At CocoCay, you do not need to spend a dime on the island unless you want to.  Loungers/umbrella at the beaches are included, 2 buffets (which are great) plus Snack Shack are included.  Any beverage pkg you have is included, but there are also free drink options like water (not bottled) and juice in the buffets and I think maybe tea.  If I am missing anything, someone else can fill in, but I think I hit the bulk of it.

 

That is exactly what we are looking at - Liberty, out of FLL in November. We are hoping it's far enough from typical party dates that it will be more family friendly. We've cruised with Disney the last several times (not counting our most recent, which was more about being in Alaska on a specific itinerary with a very experienced cruise line), but having now done a sailing on 2 of DCL's 3 ship classes - and with Wish (the only class we're missing) prices currently being around $3500 for a 3 night/family of 3 booking, we are looking for something that is friendlier to the budget too.

[RedJessi]

45 minutes ago, Tatka said:

Liberty has 3 terrific shows

 

1. Broadway - Saturday Night Fever

2. Circus like:  In the Air

3. Ice show.

Not sure what you will see.

I know the kids would definitely like In The Air and the Ice Show, so they would definitely be priorities for us!

[Tree_skier]

5 minutes ago, RedJessi said:

 

oof - This would be a a trip in November in order to celebrate my kiddo and her BFF's birthdays - they are turning 11. I am looking at Liberty because it seemed like a good, family friendly ship. I am starting to rethink it; I am not sure booze cruise is what we are looking for.

I was on Mariner out of Miami in April 2019.  I didn't feel like it was a booze cruise.  There were lots of kids and families. She is a similar ship with the same itinerary.  Of course there were people who were drunk on board the ship but I never saw or experienced any "stupid drunk" people at all. I've done a couple of those short cruises out San Pedro on Navigator as well in the last year, one time with early and mid teen kids.  Same experience...  I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.  As a matter of fact my next cruise is a short one, on Navigator, with grand kids.

[RedJessi]

So, this may seem very remedial, but can someone explain or point me to something about CoCo Cay? It looks like you have to pay extra for this, even though it's RCI's private island?

[Tree_skier]

7 minutes ago, RedJessi said:

I know the kids would definitely like In The Air and the Ice Show, so they would definitely be priorities for us!

Liberty's Ice show is my second favorite!  It is fantastic.

[RedJessi]

1 minute ago, Tree_skier said:

I was on Mariner out of Miami in April 2019.  I didn't feel like it was a booze cruise.  There were lots of kids and families. She is a similar ship with the same itinerary.  Of course there were people who were drunk on board the ship but I never saw or experienced any "stupid drunk" people at all. I've done a couple of those short cruises out San Pedro on Navigator as well in the last year, one time with early and mid teen kids.  Same experience...  I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.  As a matter of fact my next cruise is a short one, on Navigator, with grand kids.

That's reassuring! I'm 47, my husband is 51, our kiddo is turning 11 - so we are not really the booze cruise demographic. We've been admittedly spoiled over the last few years by DCL, which is all about family friendliness!

[Tatka]

I absolutely loved Saturday Night Fever.

I missed original one and a move. After cruise I re-watched it.

Cast is terrific!!!

 

Not sure what will be your rotation for menus. There are 13 now... but in Sorrento's do not miss Primavera pizza. It is great, and I try to avoid pizza at all cost to stay in shape 🙂 

Edited June 21, 2023 by Tatka

[Tree_skier]

3 minutes ago, RedJessi said:

So, this may seem very remedial, but can someone explain or point me to something about CoCo Cay? It looks like you have to pay extra for this, even though it's RCI's private island?

Cococay is great.  @karena1 summed it up really well.  there is an abundance of loungers and shade that are available at absolutely no cost.  There is a a wave pool that is no cost.  There is included food if different locations that is no cost.  The added cost things might make it a little more luxurious but are certainly not necessary.  The biggest potential expense you might consider is the water park.  I'm sure others are able to give you more info about that.  I have never done it.

[Tlbecker1]

17 minutes ago, RedJessi said:

So, this may seem very remedial, but can someone explain or point me to something about CoCo Cay? It looks like you have to pay extra for this, even though it's RCI's private island?

You can enjoy a lounge chair at the beach or the pool for free.  No cost to enjoy yourself, that is only if you elect to go to the water park, rent a cabana, enjoy the hot air balloon, zip line, etc.  We have done the water park(which is fun), but you don’t have to pay for anything if you don’t want to.

[karena1]

29 minutes ago, RedJessi said:

 

oof - This would be a a trip in November in order to celebrate my kiddo and her BFF's birthdays - they are turning 11. I am looking at Liberty because it seemed like a good, family friendly ship. I am starting to rethink it; I am not sure booze cruise is what we are looking for.

It is not a booze cruise, there are a lot of kids that have a blast. Lots of families do the 3 night cruises so they can take their kids without losing a week of school. 

 

 We are older and we have so much fun on the 3 night cruises.  Sure, there are groups that are there to party, but by the time they really party, your kids are in bed and so are we! 

 

[RedJessi]

14 minutes ago, Tatka said:

I absolutely loved Saturday Night Fever.

I missed original one and a move. After cruise I re-watched it.

Cast is terrific!!!

 

Not sure what will be your rotation for menus. There are 13 now... but in Sorrento's do not miss Primavera pizza. It is great, and I try to avoid pizza at all cost to stay in shape 🙂 

 13 menus? For the MDR? WOW! I am sure the food would be better than we experienced on Princess, whatever it is. lol

[Tatka]

3 hours ago, RedJessi said:

 13 menus? For the MDR? WOW! I am sure the food would be better than we experienced on Princess, whatever it is. lol

 

I am not sure about this. Princess usually has better food.

13 menus is for example Taste of UK, Taste of Mexico,  Royal Night, Taste of France etc.

 

So for your sailing it will be 3 out of 13.

Probably Welcome  Aboard, Taste of France and maybe Bon Voyage or Taste of Italy.

 

I am completely fine with this change,but some people not liking missing Classic portion of menu which consisted of familiar choices like salmon, chicken, french onion soup etc.

 

Escargots are making appearances on many nights though (used to be every night)

[RedJessi]

2 hours ago, Tatka said:

 

I am not sure about this. Princess usually has better food.

13 menus is for example Taste of UK, Taste of Mexico,  Royal Night, Taste of France etc.

 

So for your sailing it will be 3 out of 13.

Probably Welcome  Aboard, Taste of France and maybe Bon Voyage or Taste of Italy.

 

I am completely fine with this change,but some people not liking missing Classic portion of menu which consisted of familiar choices like salmon, chicken, french onion soup etc.

 

Escargots are making appearances on many nights though (used to be every night)

 I just got back from a Princess Cruise and it was absolutely the worst quality food and worst service I have ever experienced from any cruise line, sad to say. My husband is convinced that at least one night, his "puree" was actually jarred baby food. Also, in Alaska, your Salmon should be the star of your menu. It was not. It was dry, overcooked, and poorly seasoned. Very disappointing, overall. I've literally had better food on Carnival - which is a statement that just stretches the boundaries of sense a bit too far! LOL

 

Edited June 21, 2023 by RedJessi

[Mum2Mercury]

9 hours ago, RedJessi said:

Hello all! I am considering a 3 night (Friday to Monday) cruise with Perfect Day in November on Liberty of the Seas, but I am having trouble finding out exactly what would be available on the ship in regards to meals, photo packages, movies, shows, etc. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Also, I would love to hear about anyone else's experience. We have't ever done this short a cruise with Royal, so I would love any insight that could be provided. Thanks!

We did a 3-night recently.  Two differences from your anticipated trip:  We were on Independence, and we went mid-week. 

 

Still, I suspect it was similar to what you're considering.  It was our first 3-night, and it was a little different:  It was a younger, harder-drinking crowd, but I didn't see any bad behavior.  We agreed that we'd do a 3-night again, but it would have to be for a good price (or part of a B2B).  Why?  Because the cost /effort of traveling to Florida, is the same whether you're on a short cruise or a long cruise.

 

In answer to your specific questions: 

- Meals:  We enjoyed the Windjammer and the MDR.  You don't get a lobster night on cruises less than 7-nights.  Somehow we were starving for pizza and ate lots.  On a longer cruise we tend to "pace ourselves" -- on the 3-night we didn't even try.  

- Movies:  I enjoy Movies Under the Stars.  I went back to my room for a chambray shirt, as it was a little chilly at night.  The app said they were showing Downton Abbey: New Era in the theater one afternoon -- and they didn't!  A bunch of ladies showed up for this, and we were pretty upset.  

- Shows:  The ice show is always my favorite -- go early and get a front row seat.  Very worthwhile.  And I enjoyed Grease.  

8 hours ago, Bead Pirate said:

Buy the drink package!!! Booze Cruise to be sure (if you can't beat them, join them) 🙂 

I think a larger percentage of passengers bought the drink package on the 3-night cruise.  

4 hours ago, RedJessi said:

So, this may seem very remedial, but can someone explain or point me to something about CoCo Cay? It looks like you have to pay extra for this, even though it's RCI's private island?

We loved Coco Cay, which I think is pretty typical for Royal Caribbean guests.  No, you don't have to pay anything extra.  You can get a lounger by the ocean and relax for free.  Lunch is provided on the island.  If you have a drink package, it works on the island ... but if you're buying individual drinks, they cost an extra dollar!  Something about VAT.  Royal describes it as "Perfect Day at Coco Cay", and they're right.  It was just an easy, relaxing beach day.  

 

One small note:  We were on Coco Cay the first week of December, and while I wasn't cold, I also wasn't particularly warm.  Next time I'd wear a long-sleeved rash guard.  

[LobsterStalker]

5 hours ago, RedJessi said:

 

oof - This would be a a trip in November in order to celebrate my kiddo and her BFF's birthdays - they are turning 11. I am looking at Liberty because it seemed like a good, family friendly ship. I am starting to rethink it; I am not sure booze cruise is what we are looking for.

I wouldn't let someone calling it a booze cruise put you off

Your 'kiddo ' will not be looking to hang out in Boleros ... or the night club ... or the casino.

She is a huge ship and you can all have a great time !!

 

Cheers 

[Tatka]

3 hours ago, RedJessi said:

 I just got back from a Princess Cruise and it was absolutely the worst quality food and worst service I have ever experienced from any cruise line, sad to say. My husband is convinced that at least one night, his "puree" was actually jarred baby food. Also, in Alaska, your Salmon should be the star of your menu. It was not. It was dry, overcooked, and poorly seasoned. Very disappointing, overall. I've literally had better food on Carnival - which is a statement that just stretches the boundaries of sense a bit too far! LOL

 

Our last cruise (New Year 2020 on Crown Princess) featured not so great food, but overall before Princess food was better than RCI.

 

I love RCI but I’d not expect great food, although we always find something good to very good.