Review: Liberty of the Seas April 4-11 Western

[readytolose]

The boys and my husband went swimming for awhile and I went and found a chair to get some sun.

Chair hogs were out in full force and I never saw anyone patrolling that area although I have seen

other comments on here from our cruise that says they were. Whatever the case I never had a problem

finding a lounge chair in the back of the ship. It was very relaxing back there and not a whole lot

of noise, although I could hear cheers from the flowrider. Plus the view was spectacular!

 

 

That afternoon was the belly flop contest:

 

Also that afternoon was the dodge ball tournament and sexy legs competition.

We didn't go to either of those so no pictures.

 

After a fun afternoon of swimming and relaxing it was time to get ready for dinner.

 

The first showing of the Ice show Encore was today at 5pm. We knew there were more showings

later in the week so we chose to skip this one so we could get ready for dinner.

Tonight was our first formal night. We had rented tuxes for my husband and older son

and then purchased one on ebay for about $30 for my 12 year old. I figured this would probably

be our last family vacation with all the kids so we wanted to go all out with the tuxes and dresses.

My grandson was wearing a suit that said "Captain" on it and got lots of compliments. That also

came off of ebay. Formal pictures were taken this night with different stations located around the ship.

 

 

Most people were dressed up very well for formal night. I was actually surprised since it

was spring break and the night before our waiter told us not to worry about what we were

wearing. He said it was more important to just be in the dining room to experience the food

and the atmosphere. I didn't expect to hear that but I guess they aren't being as strict about

the dress code anymore. I didn't see too many shorts on formal night but the other nights there

were lots of people in shorts. Actually one of the nights a guy came walking in the dining room with

a "wife beater" and shorts. I didn't keep watching to see if he got to stay or not but that was the only

one that really bothered me. Frankly I don't care what people are wearing as long as they are clean, but if

that guy had been at my table I probably would have had a hard time eating with his "pit" hair sticking out.

 

Dinner was delicious as usual. There was the "chops" steak on the menu every night but no one at our table

ever ordered it. I was tempted one night just because I wanted to see how it was presented but there was always

good food to pick from on the "regular" menu so I didn't bother.

 

Tonight was the Captains welcome aboard reception. We were still in the dining room so we missed

it. It seemed like we were always one of the last tables to leave the dining room, although we were usually

one of the first ones at our table. Our waiter did have a larger table that choose to show up whenever

they felt like it so I'm sure that slowed things down for everyone else.

 

Tonight's show was the Ever After Musical. We all really enjoyed this one. It was well done and

"featured" many story book characters as they came to life.

 

After the show the boys went off to the kids club to see what was going on and the rest of us went

to the battle of the sexes. Basically it was a "family feud" type game with boys versus girls.

 

 

After that the boys were both exhausted so they took my grandson and they all went to bed.

That would become a common theme throughout the cruise. They would wear themselves out

so much during the day that they went to bed pretty early most nights.

[readytolose]

Me, my husband and two daughters stayed for Karaoke again. My daughter did this event

every evening.

 

After that I was ready for bed so my husband and I headed to bed (after a quick stop at Sorrentos for a slice of pizza)

while the girls went to the Catacombs for the disco party. They spent many nights in the Catacombs. It seemed like the place

to hang out for their age group.

 

Next up Day 3 Labadee, Haiti.....

[MEGADAN]

I don't usually read reviews but yours are excellent!

[readytolose]

Day 3 Labadee, Haiti

 

We were due to arrive in Labadee at 8am but since we didn't have any plans

for the day in Labadee we decided to just sleep in and then have a leisurely

breakfast before getting off the ship.

 

I think we probably ended up getting on the tender around 10 am and after a quick

and easy tender ride we were on the beach! We walked over to the last open beach

on the left (as you are looking at the island from the ship)

 

We had a great view of the ship from this beach.

 

After we arrived at the beach there were guys immediately asking if we wanted chairs.

There is no charge for the chairs but you should tip them.

There were plenty of chairs available throughout the day, and they would put them where ever

you wanted them. We were offered the Labadoozie drink within a minute of sitting down. They had them

with alcohol and without for the kids. They were the same price with the alcohol or without.

 

My husband and the boys snorkeled for awhile while the girls and I and grandson just

enjoyed the water and sun!

Edited April 19, 2009 by readytolose

[Ann0513]

What a great review. Your family is beautiful!

Did you have early or late seating or MTD? Did you boys spend much time with the kids club? Was there enough time after dinner to see the shows available? Also is the flowrider open while in port?

[4nana]

Thx so much for sharing your great review and nice family photos! :)

 

We will be on the LoS Saturday and your review heightens our anticipation for a fun and exciting cruise!!! :D

[readytolose]

After swimming and sunning for awhile we decided to walk to Dragons Breath point.

The walk was a little hard with the stroller because of the sand but it was pretty neat

once we got there. The view was spectacular and we were also able to record the sounds

of the "dragon" with our video camera

 

 

 

After Dragons Breath we decided to head over to the BBQ lunch area. There was burgers, hot dogs

bbq ribs, corn on the cob, potato salad and slaw and lots of cut up fruit and cookies. They had

fruit punch and iced tea available as well. They did have bottles of beer in the bbq area that you

could purchase if you wanted.

 

 

Everything was served at the proper temperature and tasted good. The food was prepared

and served by employees from the ship.

 

After lunch we headed back to the beach where my husband and son decided to get

a little rest.

 

We had left all of our bags and clothes at our beach chairs while we were gone and

didn't have any problems. After relaxing a little bit longer we decided we had had enough sun

and headed back to the ship. My oldest daughter wanted to check out the flea market so my husband took

the rest of the kids to the tender and my daughter and I ran over to check out the market. They were

very pushy but we just kept walking and they didn't bother us. She didn't find anything that interested

her so we made our way back to the tender and we actually ended up on the same one as the rest

of the family. After a short ride back we were back on the ship. My husband and I decided to

relax in the Solarium hot tubs for a little bit while the boys swam in the regular pool.

 

We decided to watch our sail away from Labadee from the helicopter pad. It had a beautiful view

and the kids thought it was neat watching as they undid the ropes that were holding us in place.

[tneah]

Was the snorkling an excursion you paid for or something you did on your own?

How was the water temp?

Thanks!

[pmf1234]

We are going to be in Labadee in about a month. Where are those hammocks? Are they just everywhere or are they at a certin place. My DH would love those. Thanks

 

Pam

[readytolose]

What a great review. Your family is beautiful!

Did you have early or late seating or MTD? Did you boys spend much time with the kids club? Was there enough time after dinner to see the shows available? Also is the flowrider open while in port?

We had early seating. The boys weren't real impressed with the kids club. They went to some functions and had a good time but then they also were disappointed when they would show up for a planned function and they were doing something else. I'd say most of their time was spent at the flowrider and the swimming pool. They also enjoyed being able to get a slice of pizza on their own at Sorrento's. They didn't spend any time or money in the arcade!

The flowrider had different hours every day but for the most part was closed while we were in port. It would be open in the morning before a port and then open again later in the afternoon but usually closed for a good part of the port day.

 

We were able to catch the main shows no problem but we missed the captains reception because we were still at dinner.

 

Was the snorkling an excursion you paid for or something you did on your own?

How was the water temp?

Thanks!

 

They just snorkeld on their own. The water felt a little cool when you first got in but it didn't last very long. The air temperature was so hot that the water was very refreshing!

 

We are going to be in Labadee in about a month. Where are those hammocks? Are they just everywhere or are they at a certin place. My DH would love those. Thanks

 

Pam

 

There were hammocks available in a bunch of places and I always saw empty one. Actually it was pretty rare to see them being used. Your husband should have no problem finding one!

[readytolose]

Dinner tonight was just as good as usual.

Tonight was the Dancin' in the street party on the Promenade, and the 70's song tribute. We didn't

attend those but we did go to see the celebrity entertainer who was Earl Turner. He was fantastic!

He had a great voice and actually my two boys were enjoying it so much they didn't want to leave

early to attend the teen boogie boarding on the flowrider.

They did leave early and then later that night they had said they wished they would have stayed

because the boogie boarding was so full of teens that they waited in line for a long time and only

got to use it once.

 

Later that night was the Adult Comedian. He was very funny. There were a few people that

got up and left so if you are sensitive to "adult" themes this wouldn't be the show for you.

 

After that it was off to bed while the girls went to the Casino. They lost $20 on slots and decided the

casino isn't a very fun place to hang out! We told them that some night we would take them

to the casino and teach them Craps.

 

Day 4 Montego Bay, Jamaica

 

We didn't rush to get up today either since our only plans for Jamaica were to go

Margaritaville. I've read many reviews about Jamaica and I really didn't want to go off

exploring on our own and I didn't want to take the long ride to the falls with all the kids.

Since my daughters were old enough to drink in the next three ports we decided we would

let them have some margaritas as long as we all stuck together. We took a taxi to Margaritaville

which was about $40 for all 7 of us which I thought was pretty expensive, but what are you going

to do? The price was $5 per person I believe. Taxi's were readily available right outside the port.

 

Once at Margaritaville we found a table, ordered drinks and the boys went to try out the

water slide and trampoline. They had so much fun on that that my husband said that was worth

the taxi fare alone.

 

The girls had their first drinks.

 

while my grandson was entertained:

 

Then things got a little bit more exciting:

Free shots....

 

and then dancing on the bar

 

after we were able to drag the girls out of the bar we headed back to the port.

We did a little shopping at the shops inside the port, went through security, which

included a pat down of the adults and then back on the ship where security was in

full force on the ship as well.

[vavasmom]

Your review is great.

 

We sailed Freedom from the 5th -12th Eastern.

 

We watched you sail-away from our room at the Intercontinental on Saturday. I was asked for my travel documentation for DD coming back into Miami on Easter Sunday not when we boarded so I really think it is luck of the draw.

 

BTW - your grandson is so cute!!!

[readytolose]

After dinner tonight our waiter again told us not to worry too much about formal night

tomorrow. He said don't worry about your clothes just come for the experience.

 

Tonight we went to the Name that tune trivia in the Schooner Bar. There were quite a few

people there and it was lots of fun. After the trivia we went to the 9pm showing of the Ice show.

The show was packed and I ended up leaving early because my grandson was starting to get crabby.

The boys didn't go to the show because they wanted to do the Teen Quest game so after I

left the ice show I walked around and was watching the teen quest from a distance. The boys had

a lot of fun with this game but I have to say as a parent I was a little concerned at the end. The

very last challenge for them was to have their whole team pile on top of each other and the first

team to have everyone on top of each other got the points. I don't have a problem with that except

that my 12 year old 65 pound child was on the bottom of the pile with about 12 other kids (ages up to 17)

piled on top of him. After they won the challenge and everyone got up my son just laid there for a little bit.

He wasn't hurt but he said he was having a hard time breathing. He was fine shortly after and of course

he didn't think there was anything wrong with it but being the mom I was a little concerned.

 

After the ice show and the teen quest we went as a family to the "win a cruise bingo". We purchased

the electronic games so we didn't really have to do anything but stand up and yell if we won. Which we didn't.

 

After the bingo the boys took the baby and went to bed.

 

The girls and my husband and I went to the Love and Marriage show which was hilarious

as usual. After the love and marriage show we went to the casino to show the girls how to

play craps and lose some more money! After a quick trip for a slice of pizza at Sorrento's again

it was off to bed. Tomorrow was Grand Cayman!

 

Day 5 Grand Cayman

 

We didn't have anything planned for this day either. We were going to book a catamaran snorkeling

trip for my husband and 2 of the kids but I was procrastinating and never got it booked. We then decided

we would just find a nice beach and they could snorkle while the rest of us played in the sand

and enjoyed the sun!

 

When we woke up there were announcements that we had anchored at a different location

(I don't remember where it was) because of the high winds and waves. All of the water excursions

through the ship were canceled so I didn't feel so bad about not getting ours booked.

Tendering was running very late so we took our time eating breakfast and hanging out by the pool.

We decided to head to the tenders around 10:30. The waves were really high and I couldn't help but wonder

how bad it would have been if we hadn't changed tender locations. The crew was very good about

helping everyone get on the tender safely.

 

Once off the ship we hopped on a taxi that took us to 7 mile beach. The taxi was $7 per person.

We ended up at a nice area that had a little playground for kids and a beach volleyball court.

I can't remember the name of the bar we were next to but I'm sure it will come to me later.

 

With the waves being so high it was impossible to snorkel so the kids just played in the waves.

My grandson and I played in the sand because the water was too dangerous for him at this point.

 

 

 

After playing at the beach we decided to head back to the ship. These were all the different

tenders for the 4 different ships in port.

 

Once back on the ship we decided to have a quick lunch at Johnny Rockets. I forgot my

camera so I don't have any pictures of lunch but the price was $4.95 per person but we had

2 coupons in our Gold coupon books. The food was really good and we were going to go

again later on in the cruise but we just never made it back.

 

Tonight was our second formal night:

My son would wear a tuxedo every day of his life if we let him!

The girls:

 

Tonight's dinner had the fishermans platter which had the lobster tail and shrimp. It was

very good and I ordered that and the prime rib so I could have surf and turf!

Several people at our table had multiple lobster tails.

[readytolose]

After dinner tonight we had rented the Flowrider for a private lesson for an hour. It was $300

for the hour. I was a little hesitant about paying the $300 but I have to tell you it was so worth it!

I gave it a shot just once and then I was done. I was surprised how much the water hurt as it was

rushing past your legs. My husband and boys spent the whole hour riding it over and over again.

My 2 daughters tried it for awhile as well but they didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the boys did.

 

During the private time we were able to do so many things that you couldn't do during the normal

hours. They had 3 people riding at one time, both boys piled on top of my husband and in general

they just had a great time.

 

 

 

 

 

We tipped both the instructors when our hour was up. It was a little cold because it was

later at night and we were at sea but we wouldn't give up the chance to do that for anything.

I think that is the kids fondest memory from the trip.

 

After the flowrider we went to the Adults only Finish that Lyric game and then we went to

the late showing of "In the Air". This show was really well done and we all enjoyed it.

 

After the show we went and made another deposit in the Casino and then off to bed. (btw: there

was a 3% charge to take money out using your seapass)

 

Tomorrow Day 6 Cozumel

[eroller]

Your review and pics are just fantastic! Thanks so much for taking the time to put it together. I'm sailing on LIBERTY in just two weeks (Western Caribbean) and your review/pics are really setting the mood.

 

Ernie

[sh0rty470]

ok, question about the flowrider this time.. How, when and where do you go about reserving for a private lesson? I've read several different answers on this. Thanks

[readytolose]

Day 6 Cozumel

 

We had plans to swim with the dolphins at Chankanaab park through Dolphin Discovery at

12:00 (which was 1 ships time) so we headed off the ship shortly after we docked at 10:30.

For some reason I was thinking we were supposed to tender in Cozumel so I was pleasantly surprised

when we were able to walk right off the ship.

 

We headed out of the port area and found a taxi to the park. The taxi ride was $20 for all

of us which was a steal compared to the other ports!

 

Since we arrived a little early for our excursion we swam in the pool at the park for awhile.

 

After swimming we headed over to the area where we were supposed to meet for the

dolphin swim. Like I said earlier we were booked for 12 but they told us to meet at 12:15 which

I thought was kind of strange but he headed over there at 12:15 and sat and waited for about 20 minutes

before they were ready for our group.

[readytolose]

ok, question about the flowrider this time.. How, when and where do you go about reserving for a private lesson? I've read several different answers on this. Thanks

 

We made the reservation right at the area by the flowrider where you sign

the waivers.

[readytolose]

I stayed with my grandson and my husband and the 4 kids did the dolphin swim. We paid for the

Royal swim which was the one that had the most involvement with the dolphins. We booked this on

our own through the Dolphin Discovery website. It was $745 for all 5 of them but well worth it.

Of course after the swim they tried to sell you a bunch of pictures and a video and because I'm a

sucker I bought them all.

 

Once they went through the whole instruction video and got life jackets on they ended up having about

45 minutes in the water with the dolphins.

 

 

After swimming with the dolphins and purchasing the video and pictures we headed over to a

little beach front restaurant, the menu was listed in pesos and also american dollars.

The food was really good. After eating my husband and sons went snorkeling while the girls

and I enjoyed a few more drinks and the fantastic view.

 

 

One word of advice though, make sure you have cash! Once our bill arrived:

 

I attempted to pay with a credit card and was told they only take cash. Luckily I had enough on me!

 

After a few good photo opportunities we headed back to the port to do some shopping before

heading back on the ship.

 

[readytolose]

At the shopping area they had a bunch of different stores where the girls bought some t-shirts

and my husband bought some cigars. We got back on the ship at about 6:15 and sailaway was

at 6:30. Tonight's dinner had also been moved to 6:30 instead of 6 so we quickly showered and

headed for the dining room for dinner. The dining room was very empty this night with quite a

few stragglers coming in late.

 

After dinner we went to the Somewhere in Time show and I can honestly tell you

we had a very nice nap during this time. None of us cared for the show.

 

After the show my husband spent some time in the Connoisseur Cigar Club. He really

enjoyed it in there. This was his 3rd time in there but I can't remember exactly what nights

he went there so I didn't post it earlier.

 

Tonight we went to Quest. I was kind of surprised because it wasn't listed in the Compass as

being for Adults only. It definitely had a different feel to the one we went to on the Radiance but

we still had a good time. Here are a couple pictures of quest without giving away too much information!

 

 

After quest was the 80's dance party. This was a lot of fun!

[readytolose]

After the dance party we headed to the casino again where my husband and I made a

nice contribution to the ship and my daughters both walked away with over $100 in winnings.

I guess we could have learned something from them about walking away while you are ahead!

 

My husband and I spent some time at the Hoof and Claw pub while eating pizza from Sorento's

and deli sandwiches from the Cafe Promenade. Then off to bed!

 

Tomorrow Day 7 Sea Day

[readytolose]

Day 7 Sea Day

 

Today we all slept in and I actually woke the kids up at 10:45 to go get breakfast.

The kids all commented on how well they slept on the ship. The rooms were dark,

and the little movement of the ship kept them sleeping very well.

 

After breakfast at the windjammer (which we just made before it switched to lunch) we took a

walk down the promenade to view the Culinary Showcase. Basically this was like the midnight buffet

of times past but on a much smaller scale.

 

The rest of the day was spent at the flowrider and pool just relaxing.

 

Today was the pool volleyball challenge as well.

[readytolose]

Tonight at 5pm was the last performance of the ice show and since I missed most of it the first

time I went to this one. My daughter and son went with me too since they liked it so much the first

time.

 

Tonight's dinner was kind of sad for the kids since they really enjoyed our waiters. Our assistant

waiter was extra nice to the kids and we really enjoyed him.

 

 

The waiters sang two times throughout the week.

 

We said our good byes, tipped them well and thanked them for taking such good care of us.

 

Tonight was the farewell show but we were too busy packing our bags that we missed it.

[readytolose]

After the kids went to bed my husband and I made a few purchases of alcohol to give as gifts.

We were able to take them directly to our room since it was the last night of the cruise. After our

luggage was taken we went and had a few drinks at the various bars along the promenade.

I really didn't want to go to bed so I convinced my husband to stay up for awhile even though

we had yellow tags which meant we were to be off the ship between 7 and 7:30. (I had tried to get

later luggage tags but the only ones left were for earlier than what we had so I kept the yellow ones)

You can try and get new luggage tags on deck 6. I waited in line at the pursers desk the last night

for about 20 minutes only to find out I had to go to deck 6.

 

After returning to our room about 1:30 to try and get a few hours of sleep before we would

be forced off the ship we heard a knock on our door around 2am.

 

It was my oldest son crying and complaining of severe ear pain. Since all of our luggage was

gone I didn't have any type of medication to give him to try and help the pain. I ended up calling

the ships doctor and was told to bring him right down.

 

He ended up having an infection and was given a shot in the butt for his pain, 2 different pills,

and a bottle of ear drops. The total for the visit was $297.20 and was added to our seapass bill.

They did give me the papers to submit to our insurance company but I haven't heard anything

from them yet as to how much they will pay.

 

As a side note: once we got home both my husband and other son both got severe ear pain and went

to the doctor. She said they had swimmers ear from flying and then the water from the pool getting

in the ear and not getting out. She said there is a lot of bacteria in the swimming pools and that can

cause the problem. Later in the week I had to take my older son (the one that saw the ships doctor)

to our family doctor for some different medicine. The stuff from the ships doctor worked at first

but then stopped working and his pain came back.

 

We got up at 6:30, showered and got ready to leave the ship. The kids ran to the windjammer

to get some breakfast but they said it was packed so they brought it back to the room. We left our

room at about 7:15 and were off the ship at about 7:40. We were through customs and in a taxi

by 7:50. Everything went very quickly getting off the ship and we had no problems finding our luggage

 

We had a great cruise and the kids can't wait to do it again! We are thinking about the Oasis but it will

probably be a few years when hopefully the prices go down a little bit.

 

My next post will just be some random pictures from our trip and then a few odds and ends that I

forgot to mention about some of the days. Feel free to ask any questions and I will try and answer them

for you. I do have the compasses for each day. I also have the kids activity sheets for the 12-14 (which seemed like it was

always 12-17) age group.

[ArkieCruisin]

Thanks for the wonderful review. Also loved the pictures!