Liberty of the Seas, 26 Sept 2024: Semi-Live or Not ... Times-a-changing, perhaps. Return to RCL after 10+ years

[mking8288]

T minus Five ... 4,  and it is just 3 more days - on a short drive across NYC, for us - to Cape Liberty, NJ embarkation.  

 

Come along, let's catch up on what is new, good, not and the OMG, etc.  Got questions, we probably don't have most answers for but ask anyway ... someone else more familiar spotting the Q's might help and welcomed to pitch in to answer ***** 

 

 

This will likely be, a limited semi-not live review; touching on select areas.   Not a wide-ranging, full report ... plan is to look at the food and dining options onboard, satellite WiFi at sea and alternatives.  Compare this against NCL, the other line that we usually cruise on ... we just sailed Cunard's Queen Elizabeth, 10 nights Alaska earlier this month and really enjoyed that upscale experience, 2 balconies and an inside & got spoiled by daily afternoon tea.  Disclosure: we've owned CCL and NCL stocks for decades but not RCL.  

 

 

It's been a long time for us, 3 cruises on RC since the early 2000 (post 9/11 SARS era) and last on the Explorer of the Seas - Voyager class built in 1999 (May 2012) ... ships were "smaller" then.   NCL Latitudes Diamonds, Sapphire and Platinum ... Gang of Six (6) cruising together ...

 

Promenade Inside cabins with a view (2 connecting ones) and a 3rd cabin just down the hallway, Deck 8 Mid ... Port side.  This was booked earlier this year and we scored a great deal using discounts associated with our casino playing friends' offer ... one of our brother- and sister-in-law decided to come along.  

 

For NCL'ers that are going to be lurking along, LOS is the newer Freedom class ships, 1 of 3 built for RC and the largest in class, slightly bigger than the Norwegian Epic by 16 GT and we sailed that last April on a eastbound TA to Barcelona out of NY.  LOS's double occupancy is reported to be 3,798 and max pax capacity at 4,960 with about 1,300 crew members onboard - personnel ratio isn't as great as NCL (all lines said to be trimming their onboard staffing)  Ship is rated for 22 kts speed with 2 Azipods, 1 Fixipod and 4 thrusters ... was once the 11th largest cruise ship in the world, since replaced with the arrival of the Oasis class. 

 

We are not fans of ultra-mega-sized cruise ships but we shall see, still prefer "smaller" mid-sized ships with less passengers vs. sailing with a floating city of 7,000+ passengers and crews, dealing with 2 gangways going ashore & returning ... and dear lord, tendering operations.   

 

This morning, RC's email reminder that it's almost time ... unlike NCL, not another email (probably # 5, 6 or 7 of the same) about watching the virtual & mandatory muster drill/emergency drills required - that special requests, room arrangements, etc. should be submitted no later than today.  

 

 

Today, our mission - finish packing ... seriously, 95% should be done.  Going to re-check our passports (current & valid, not expiring within 6 months) and secondary government photo ID's.  Prescribed and OTC meds, motion-sickness remedies (ginger candies, too) and other items as illustrated, as a personal choice & taking responsibilities ... not going to "explain" - but feel free to ask what is "that" if you aren't sure or puzzled as to what or why (thus, agree to disagree, please be kind to others and respectful. thank you for the kindness.)  

Edited September 23 by mking8288

[shof515]

Looking forward to this. i am boarding the Liberty on October 5 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Here!

 

[mking8288]

13 minutes ago, Sugar Magnolia said:

Here!

 

Foodie ?  ... not for these, right

 

Cookie Boy made these for yesterday's dinner party (grand nephew has a side business going)

[cruiseny4life]

9 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Cookie Boy made these for yesterday's dinner party (grand nephew has a side business going)

Well if I knew there'd be brownies, I would have accepted the invitation! 

 

*mainly commenting to say I'm also here*

Edited September 23 by cruiseny4life

[cruiseny4life]

I looked to see if I could join y'all at the last moment. Road trip be d@mned. Alas, road trip it is. For the cost of one person in an oceanview, three of us will be heading across the country, staying in decent hotels, and declaring our love for America's scenic places! I'm glad I get to see Royal 🎶in your eyes🎶, though! 

 

Edited September 23 by cruiseny4life

[mking8288]

Packing - started, taking forecast (Weather Channel) into consideration that we should be heading north ... hopefully, "early" foliage.  Personal meds (with 10 extra days worth of supply, just in case,) OTC and Rx, mini first aid kit, PPE, masks and rapid testing kits - checked/packed. 

Weather forecast & outlook -  (ports **** are:)

Boston, MA; Portland, ME; Sydney, NS; Halifax; NS; Saint John, NB

 

Thu  -  Embarkation NY/NJ - 76/65 cloudy w showers, rain-60%
Fri  -  Boston (PM) - 70/57 partly cloudy
Sat  -  Portland - 68/51 - sun & clouds mix
Sun - Sea Day
Mon  -  Sydney, NS - 66/54 - clouds w occassional rain showers-44% 
Tue  -  Halifax, NS - 69/56 - sun & clouds
Wed  -  Sea Day
Thu  -  Saint John, NB - 63/44 - cloudy, rain showers at night-40%
Fri  -  Sea Day
Sat  -  Disembarkation- NJ
 

****  About a year ago, we cruised NCL to New England/Canada (7 nights RT out of NY, mid-September) and due to adverse maritime weather & storm forecast, ending up with a beautiful skyline view of Manhattan for 3 days, itinerary modified and cut short ... speed back to NY Lower Bay & anchored off Staten Island, just inside the VZ Bridge) with basically news channel onboard fully blacked out, due to satellite coverage licensing issues.  

 

As this moment, odds are against a repeat but never say never ... sea state do appear to be a little choppy this weekend and possibly into next week, but no strong gale or hurricane wind force for this itinerary.  If we get toss, will just roll and go with the flow, and whatever - and, trip insurance hopefully, take care of the rest (annual policy is a money "saver" vs. going self-insured or being "un"insured & rolling the dices) 

[mking8288]

Other "heads up" or FYI / FAQ "news-worthy" headings - 

 

The possibility of a (different kind/nature) storm brewing, however, cannot be ruled out but it could affect cruisers including us - as FYI - there's discussion about it ... and, news link.  Ask the AI "Gemini" to keep us informed & updated of breaking news as it happen - don't like to be surprised and caught unprepared.  Most "informed" sources said it will have little to no effect against cruise ports and cruise ship operations ... #cough #cough - going to cross the fingers, arms & legs.  

 

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-labor-department-reaches-out-employer-group-amid-possible-port-strike-2024-09-23/

 

https://ctmirror.org/2024/09/22/dock-workers-might-create-an-october-surprise-to-really-hate/

 

For those (anyone) flying into EWR to make this 9 nights cruise - 

United Airlines in the news too - this won't affect us, however.  UA and partners at Newark Int'l Airport is up to 70% of the gates with flight ops.  

https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2024-09-06/united-flight-attendants-authorize-a-strike/

 

Last but not least, FAA has staffing issues (shortage) at EWR, due to reduced number of controllers handling air traffic (TRACON) resulting in flights delayed and cancelled ... airport already known to be among the worst when it comes to on-time performance, etc. 

 

 

Edited September 23 by mking8288

[shof515]

30 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Packing - started, taking forecast (Weather Channel) into consideration that we should be heading north ... hopefully, "early" foliage.  Personal meds (with 10 extra days worth of supply, just in case,) OTC and Rx, mini first aid kit, PPE, masks and rapid testing kits - checked/packed. 

 

does the new ban on muti plug outlet/power strips effect your packing? I am somewhat scared that i no longer bring along my anker usb charger that has 2 outlet plugs and a few usb ports any more onboard any royal ship. 

[PhillyFan33579]

Keep in mind Liberty has not been upgraded like Freedom and Independence, so currently I think most people will agree she is number three of the three Freedom class ships. However, she is still a great ship…I just won’t cruise on her on weekends in the Fall due to no Playmaker’s. 

[mking8288]

@shof515  Wait ... you are sailing RC next too.  Hang tight, I'll do an update later or tomorrow, on my plans in dealing with the outlets - been catching up with Roya's newest banned list.  Will re-confirm onboard.  

Edited September 23 by mking8288

[mking8288]

Digital Boarding Passes & Luggage Tags (color ones, recommended) - checked & printed

 

Similar to NCL, unlike Cunard's web-based "app" functionality, Royal C has iOS and Android apps, which is more "slick" looking with more features.  Each time we logged into our RC account to manage this upcoming cruise (paid up & online checked in completed, at 45 days out instead of 21 days with NCL) get prompted to complete the steps using the App.  Great, no papers to print, show the QR or bar code, tap/scan - beep - and go, right ... except, not so fast.  Miami HQ, we have a problem and apparently not alone or unique, while the SetSail Pass comes up (on latest iOS 18 build) and should function as designed ... the Android version isn't working & continued to freeze, hang or simply will not load the Passes.  

 

Sideloading, after clearing cache & storage in the App, re-installing the newest & older Android version, none of it work (note - do not try this if you do not know what you are messing around with.) 

 

Call into their I.T. for help, is, you think, better than dealing with IT competency at NCL ... guess again, wrong.  No resolutions, no fixes and just "no can't do" either.  Scanned or skimmed thru the RC board here for answers - nope, known issues lately.  Plan B - saved as JPG on iOS and printed out BP as hard copies (should RC need to do a physical "stamp" on the piece of paper during pier check-in prior to boarding the ship, etc.  ... plus, the saved images on the smartphones. 

 

Moving on - still no prompt or reminder to watch RC's version of safety video/mandatory muster drills & what to do if alarms/emergency is announced - 7 short and 1 one horn blast, etc. and it isn't a "crew-only drill" to safely ignore.  

 

Day 1 or 24 hours prior to embarkation, need to answer & finish the brief online health questionnaire ... about whether I'm up-to-date with PPD testing, hahaha ... just kidding, used to an on-the-job annual testing/HR requirement to get tested (healthcare folks in the USA know this)  - wellness questions that the cruise lines should know and be advised of ... norovirus "used" to be a major concern, then, there was SARS and Avian flu, Chicken pox and of course. C19 with its latest variants popping up ... seasonally.    To avoid denied boarding, we just know what answers will just about everyone give, "correctly" of course ... whatever. 

 

Like Cunard, RC recommends that luggage tags be printed in color for easier handling ... (NCL does not ask or recommend) and from what we could tell while briefly at Vancouver's cruise terminal checking & dropping our bags off, going almost straight from the back of the rental minivan into waiting porter with the luggage cart ... they didn't blink or care, everyone directed to check-in at that (underground) parking level, was boarding the ship.  Little to almost zero chance of getting lost or re-routed accidentally to a different cruise ship at the terminal (which can handle not 2 ships, but up to 3 or possibly more (smaller ship as #4) 

[bedfordmom]

Hello mking8288

 

Bedfordmom here. Wondering what you’ve been up to and how your Cunard cruise went? I too am jumping ship to Royal in March for an odyssey  family cruise. But then can’t resist going back to NCL for the May Baltic cruise. Looking forward as always for your review. 

Edited September 23 by bedfordmom

[mking8288]

RC's Access Department is a telephone call or email away for help / assistance ... Yes, wait time was minimal and call answered within a minute, impressed & thank you.  Submitted a request (2nd request ?? - as first one was never acknowledged, nor last week's "request" either) for wheelchair assistance - pier embarkation & disembarkation ... waited beyond the weekend and 1 full business day +   Call this afternoon and get thru, WC help has been received and noted, just inform the pier staff and should be given assistance ... 78+ years old sis-in-law recovered from her thigh/leg fracture & rehab, progressed beyond using rollator-walker to get around from PT, has been able to get around with a walking cane - do get tired & need to rest on extended walks, thus requesting help.  Also requested a shower stool last week, just in case (if there is room in the regular cabin for it)   

 

Well, arthritic right knee is tempermental with weather, never can be 100% sure (long story, going back to childhood playground injury, barely remember it as 3 years old then) - going to pack the folded walking stick, just in case.  During the Cunard QE Alaska cruise, it was not needed but saw a few onboard - one younger lady was using 2 poles & pushing, always looked like cross-country skiing 😁 😆 😬   Disabilities can be hidden, subtle and not obvious - let it go.   

 

  Like the UA flight boarding in DEN to YVR last month, there're 12 requests for WC assisted early boarding for the full flight of 168 pax ... funny thing, when we landed in Canada ... hardly saw anyone truly using airport assistance (and, we're walking slowly & not running to our gate with a 3 hour layover) 

 

With that confirmed & taking care of, think we are almost set - just finish up packing that last 5 to 10% and re-check everything.  

 

 

[mking8288]

We've been spoiled over the years sailing from our NYC homeport, meaning MCT or Pier 88-90-92, Midtown West, typically a quick 20 to 35, 40 minutes ride unless it's bad weekday morning traffic ( ... well, this week is full, gridlock alert b/c of the usual, annual United Nations General Assembly, in town again - as bad as, if not worst, than the annual NYC Marathon)

 

But, there is a "cost" for everything when you move the chess pieces around, we last sailed RC in 2012 out of Cape Liberty and it was the old facilities then, need I say more.  

 

6 of us with a decent amount of luggage, our best friends tend to bring a lot - definitely going in 2 vehicles, minivan for 6 plus luggage - like YVR on Cunard, isn't going to work.  Was going to consider advertised deal/promo for NJ cruise port parking at a discount, etc. until and upon further checking, best to take our chances - with SIL's mobility & other considerations.  Going to just allow extra time & deal with traffic going there, park & then check-in at 12:30 PM and hopefully board without much delay - then, Windjammer for buffet lunch.  

 

  Perhaps, by then or after lunch, staterooms will be ready & we can go drop off our hand luggage, relax & start to un-pack.

 

All abroad is 3:30 with 4 PM sailaway scheduled (good grief, our next NCL cruise out of Pier 88 in NY ... 20:00 or 8 PM departure or sailing time from Pier 88, really (at least, we know) 

 

[mking8288]

13 minutes ago, bedfordmom said:

... Wondering what you’ve been up to and how your Cunard cruise went? I too am jumping ship to Royal in March for an odyssey family cruise. But then can’t resist going back to NCL for the May Baltic cruise. Looking forward as always for your review. 

Hi and hey, "jumping ship" sounds bad ... gotta come up with a more fun away of describing our diversification away from NCL ... niece said we should also give MSC a spin but only in YC, maybe in the years ahead.  We had a wonderful time with Cunard's Queen Elizabeth - you missed that review ??  (warning/caution: it's length as in long, very long - skim thru it and/or look at the pictures & videos alone should pretty much help you decide)  

 

Oh lordy, imagine if I stay under the radar and not attempt to do a limited review - the NCL clan will be wondering.  This week's RC cruise is sort of a warming up ... and you know what, I am going to have another review for others & you, surprise !  before your OTS cruise in March, wanna take a guess.   Anyway, let's just go with the flow and make it fun - the odds are against anchoring off Staten Island like last September on the Escape, this/next week - fingers crossed.  

 

Happy to have others & you come along.  

[mking8288]

For those of you wondering the upcoming maritime "Station Zebra" set-up, which pretty flow from the recent Cunard cruise, I'll come back to this with a pre-cruise "briefing" ... just read a news bulletin about "Icon" cancelling 9/28 sailing - yike.  Cruise/trip/travel insurance - it is there and hopefully, we will not be filing any claims anytime soon, but annual coverage really make sense for us and saving money, with better coverage, enough said, IMHO of course.

 

Skipping other topics including Voom, Starlin, satellite WiFi at sea and other options & contingencies that I have been looking into, more than just fun but consider as important to not be entirely "disconnected" while away, on vacation and on a cruise in the middle of somewhere, or even flying at 37,000 ft. across the heartland (and, United Airline is bring that, free, to all flying one of their 1,000 birds in the fleet, eventually - will take a while to roll it out, starting in 2025) 

 

As I understood and from "researching" multiple sources - LOS has (2) two 110v outlets in the cabin plus (1) one 220v outlet EU 2-prong plugs; and, just announced, very recently, banning and prohibiting the use (if taken onboard, held until disembarkation by ship security) of multiple outlets adapter plugs, due to - apparently, fire/electrical safety considerations with the marine wiring system designed & in used.  

 

That means, I am going NOT going to bring some of these along ... and the bulky, universal EU/UK/global adapter was never really considered essential in my tech "arsenal" of tools & geek toys to have traveling around.  Cunard's QE was originally built in 2010 and it has plenty of outlets, could almost get away with not bring ANY adapters at all, really - NCL ships, been hit-n-miss.  RC ... well, it is what it is with LOS - just going to deal with it.  

 

 

Multi-USB charging port plugs/adapter(s) should be fine and passed RC's rules as announced (see the ones that we are carrying, only 1 of them is a dual output charging/adapter)  The rest are new/newer & fast, high output 20W, 30W and 45W charger - to be paired/matched with a certified, high grade data/fast charging cable (USB 3.0+ and/or Lightning for "older" iOS devices)  They should be good - see below ... "fewer" than our recent Alaska cruise on Cunard, should be more than sufficient (always better to have extra charger/backup, just in case)

 

 

NoPlus, I will have two (2) USB standalone powerbank ** (10,000 mAH rated from Anker & Iniu (retired one of the older & slower charging one, used for a while)  Should be plenty of backup "resources" - this is my/our plan as immediate response to RC's policies on prohibited outlets, subject to change & further revisions.  There is an ongoing RC thread about this - perhaps, refer to and check that for other late-breaking changes, updates & amended protocol.  

 

Like "older" ships on NCL and Cunard, etc. - an easily accessible (if any) power outlet bedside is next to impossible or simply a pipe dream, and USB outlet - even if added during a recent drydock, is often inadequately powered for the 2022+ mobile devices and tablet's charging requirements ... thus, quality USB extension cable(s) are a must or necessity - I have 2 six-foot braided extension and a 10 foot USB braided extension, high output/power charging rated,  If you are new to these, test & check them out before your next cruise, make sure it is fast charging and/or working as expected ... check the verified reviews on Amazon if you are going that route.  

 

  On a side note, always make sure that chargers and powerbank, etc. are UL-listed & approved/equivalent and safe/good to use, not warm or hot to the touch when in use - disconnect & discontinue using them if in doubt, and don't take chances or leave them unattended while away from the cabin or stateroom to have dinner, go to the show or sundeck or the pool, go somewhere else, etc. etc.  Just not safe, advisable and/or best practices, period.  Counterfeit charger that plug into an outlet are just as dangerous, safety-wise.  

 

 

** Reliable & safe, quality powerbank that will quickly boost or charge up mobile devices running low are important when flying and/or out on a long cruise port day into the evening, where it is often next to impossible to find household or mobile outlet to recharge - less important on this NE/C cruise.  But, continuous preparedness training taught me decades ago to always have contingency plans ready. Most cruisers, probably, can and should be able to cruise & travel with a little less.  

Edited September 23 by mking8288

[EllieinNJ]

Hi Henry.  We were on the Liberty 9/7-9/12 for a short 5 day cruise to Bermuda and enjoyed it very much.  We have two additional RCI cruises booked (Odyssey and Symphony) out of NJ next year.  Doing Canada and NE on the Island Princess in June.  December will be our very last NCL cruise on the Prima.

 

Looking forward to your trip report.  I think you will enjoy Saturday Night Fever and the Ice show very much.  Ellie.

[cruiseny4life]

10 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Oh lordy, imagine if I stay under the radar and not attempt to do a limited review - the NCL clan will be wondering. 

You're right that I'll probably miss a bit of your live/semi-live (aka clandestine operation) since I'll be in a car wheeling out to the Rockies. We leave on Friday, so I may see you off on embarkation day. I'll return a couple days after you, on Indigenous People's Day. Never fear, yours is a thread I'll return to catch up on if I'm not able to follow along. 

 

Anyway, not hijacking your post. But, the NCL clan will certainly be clamoring for the deets! 

[Havin'fun]

following along - my next cruise on Liberty is in Jan 2025.  

My favorite part of Bayonne is sailing back into this port after a cruise, as the NYC skyline is amazing with the sun rising.

Have a great cruise!

[Tatka]

Have a nice cruise. I will be reading about your adventure. Liberty is a great ship and ports are wonderful! Hopefully you will get a good weather, and won't get Covid or other nasty things!

[mking8288]

 

Decisions - no matter what, avoid going near or passing midtown Manhattan, especially near UN with the General Assembly in session 😉

[mking8288]

NCL'ers that seldom cruise RC - check this out ... as noted by a CC friend above (thanks, Ellie) more to our liking than game shows, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune as featured entertainment in the main theater, stay tuned. 

 

 

 

 

[mking8288]

Meanwhile, a glimpse of this cruiser's "Station Zebra" and "covert" comms set-up/contingency planning ... (that's a touchscreen Lenovo Chromebook, double as a tablet with HDMI output 😉 😆 😁)  The possibilities ... never trust public terminals and/or computer work stations onboard cruise ships ... Windows 7 as OS with Internet Explorer as the browser, really !!! 

 

 

Because, there is a promises alternative to using or relying on Starlink (Voom) at sea - TBA and we know NCL's satellite WiFi stinks whereas Cunard was turbo maritime fast. 

 

 

We'll take a deep dive & closer look into RC's connectivity at sea ⛵  NCL's "best" numbers lately with Starlink activated and deployed on ships 🫢🫢🫢

 

 

 

Edited September 24 by mking8288

[NE John]

15 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Hi and hey, "jumping ship" sounds bad ... gotta come up with a more fun away of describing our diversification away from NCL ... niece said we should also give MSC a spin but only in YC, maybe in the years ahead.  We had a wonderful time with Cunard's Queen Elizabeth - you missed that review ??  (warning/caution: it's length as in long, very long - skim thru it and/or look at the pictures & videos alone should pretty much help you decide)  

 

Oh lordy, imagine if I stay under the radar and not attempt to do a limited review - the NCL clan will be wondering.  This week's RC cruise is sort of a warming up ... and you know what, I am going to have another review for others & you, surprise !  before your OTS cruise in March, wanna take a guess.   Anyway, let's just go with the flow and make it fun - the odds are against anchoring off Staten Island like last September on the Escape, this/next week - fingers crossed.  

 

Happy to have others & you come along.  

I’m still following you! So glad QE was a great experience. We all get to be a bit British for a cruise!! DW was on a 5k pax RCI cruise with friends last year and she likes the quieter vibe of Cunard. 

Good luck on this one.
I’m WFH for the rest of this week and avoiding NYC. I was at at my office yesterday (Park Ave and 52nd) with every street closed and surrounded by an armed encampment. Good week to get out of town for all of us. 

Edited September 24 by NE John