This was our 19th cruise , 13th with Royal Caribbean. We always fly into the port city a day ahead just in case flight arrangements do not go as planned. The Liberty of the Seas in Miami was our destination this cruise. We booked a room at the Intercontinental downtown next to Bayside with friends and family who would be joining us on this cruise. We all paid $125 with taxes and found this rate through Easyclick.com. I like booking on this site because you can get a great price and it’s refundable. This was a great deal since the going rate for this hotel on most travel sites was well over $200. It's a beautiful hotel, a $25 - $30 cab ride from the airport only and only minutes to the pier. This hotel has a beautiful pool area with an outside restaurant (very expensive) and 2 hot tubs! We checked in and went right down and enjoyed the afternoon next to the pool. It was around 90 degrees out so we were plenty warm enough. After “cooking out”, we were hungry so we headed for Bayside, only a 5 minute walk from the hotel. After dinner, we did some window shopping and headed back. Quite tired after our travel, we retired early.
Day 1
A great thing about the Intercontinental is that it now has a Starbucks inside, so we had a roll and coffee to hold us until we arrived at the Windjammer on the ship. It was another really hot sunny day and of course couldn’t wait till we got in the taxi and headed for the Liberty. Arriving at the pier at 10:45, we handed off our luggage to the porters and went inside. We went through security after just a few minutes and headed toward the priority check in line. The line went pretty fast and this is when we found out that there is no longer a priority lounge to wait it. Now the pier coordinator is in the old priority departure lounge. We were given priority boarding tickets instead. Seems like when priority tags were called at 11:50, about half the room got up with them in hand. Oh well. Finally onboard, we went straight to the Windjammer where lunch was just opening up. My wife headed for Jade (a favorite from past cruises), and I headed for the meat carver. Seems like we’ve got this down pat. Same old stuff there though. Dried up burgers, cold hot dogs, tasteless pizza. You get the idea. No better than previous cruises on this ship.
After lunch we waited in the Library for our cabin to be ready. At 1 o’clock I figured it was time, even though the doors were still closed. No one said anything. Our balcony cabin next to the main elevators was really nice. Brand new as the ship is only a few months old. The new bedding Royal Caribbean has rolled out fleet wide is a real plus. Almost makes up for the poor Windjammer food, LOL. We dressed for the pool and headed straight to the solarium, a tradition with us since it’s never crowded the first day. Had it all to ourselves, but since we couldn’t figure out how to get both jets and the air going at the same time, we headed for an outdoor hot tub where we did manage. The pool band Focus were soon playing and were quite good. I took a little nap (as usual) and my wife read. Went back to our cabin where only
1 of our luggage pieces had arrived. We unpacked that one and got ready for the muster drill at 4:30. Very uncomfortable out on deck 4 because it was so hot and humid. Shouldn’t complain because this is why we are here.
After muster drill we headed for the diamond lounge on deck 14 and met our Concierge Ricardo. We had our complimentary cocktails and appetizers and ended up coming almost every night for a before dinner drink or two.
Down to deck 5 for dinner in the Botticelli Dining Room, we proceeded to table 502, all the way in back. This is a table for 6 where my in-laws and 2 friends were already seated. We met our waiter Joseph and assistant waiter Manuel. Manuel was brand new this week with RCCL (and only 17 yrs old), and didn’t even know how to offer rolls. After the first night he caught on very quickly and by the end of the week, was just as good if not better than some other assistant waiters we’ve had on past cruises. He’ll be just fine.
Unfortunately dinner was not up to par tonight. I had the prime rib and it was horrible. My medium cooked piece was quite tough and somewhat dry. The rest of the meal was fine, but I was worried about what was to come the next few nights. All I seem to hear in reviews lately is how average, and or bad the food is in the dinning room. I must have just been served a bad piece because the meals on the rest of the cruise were very good. Even the last night I ordered the prime rib again and it was like another restaurant. Excellent this time. More on this later, but those that give up on the dining room after 1 bad experience are making a mistake.
Tonight’s welcome aboard show was at 8 so we had to hustle to get there from dinner. We’ve had cruise director, Ken Rush, on a previous cruise some years ago and we thought he was darn good then. He’s still got it. Not so silly as some other cruise directors I think. This is why Royal Caribbean has him bring out the new ships. He straightens them out and then goes on to the next new one. Told us what to expect for the week and then introduced comedian Tim Cotter. This comedian was very good. More of a one liner comedian than one telling long stories. I liked him a lot. Then browsed some of the shops. Nothing at all new here from past RCL cruises. Same exact merchandise and souvenirs. We ended up at the Hoof And Claw for a couple drinks. A guy named Jimmy Blakemore was playing a guitar and singing requests. He was ok. Retired after that and slept great on the new bedding.
Day 2
At Sea
Up early for breakfast and met our Room steward “Lucky”. He ended up being excellent. Very fast and efficient. Always called us by name and opened our door for us several times during the week. After breakfast, we headed for the hot tub again. We are there a lot because my wife’s back is very bad and the hot tub offers some relief. The plane ride from upstate NY didn’t help any even though we upgraded to 1st class using our frequent flyer points. Soaked there for awhile all by ourselves even though it’s an at sea day and there are lot’s of cruisers exploring. For lunch we used our complimentary coupons for Johnny Rockets. We always get shakes and thought that they were a little smaller than in the past even though the price of $3.95 was the same. After lunch, we went up stairs to deck 12 where the flowrider is located. We watched for awhile. One guy, probably at least in his 40’s, hurt his back real bad while we were there. Had to be taken away on a stretcher. This activity does obviously have some risk. Sat out for awhile and then in to get ready for dinner.
Went to the Diamond Club for a couple drinks and then dinner. When we arrived at what I thought was right on time, diners were already eating. We soon discovered, arriving at our table that we had shown up 25 minutes late. My watch had stopped. We apologized to everyone at our table and to our waiters because we know that it really screws up the dining process for our table and to the other tables. I had the tenderloin and was really happy that it was so good. Before that we had shrimp cocktails and escargot. My wife had the mushroom linguini and said that it was good. We both had the Grand Marnier for desert. Wife thought it was the best she ever had. We had a great dinner tonight, a big welcome since the previous night was not up to par.
After dinner, we walked out to the promenade where the captains reception was going on. Champaign for all while Captain Kjetil Gjerstod spoke. Tonight’s show is “Somewhere in Time”. We really didn’t care for the show, but thought that the singers and dancers were very strong. After the show, we ended up in the Viking Crown Lounge for a drink before going to karaoke later. We have always gone to the Karaoke Idol that has been on our past cruises. Unfortunately this wasn’t offered on this cruise. In place of karaoke idol was informal karaoke in the “On Air Club”, a new area in front of Studio B. Great idea until you realize that the area is extremely small and not nearly enough seats to satisfy a ship carrying 3900 + passengers. We never sat down there the entire week. Just no room. My wife went to bed and I hit the casino. I’m a real fan of Texas Holdem and was anxious to get in the game. Unfortunately there is only one table on the ship and once seated, no one moves! Waited an hour with no success so I gave up and went to bed.
Day 3
Labadee
Up early this morning and on to the Windcrapper for breakfast. Not much I like for breakfast, so I opt for some pancakes and cereal. The fresh pineapple is always very good and I‘m used to the coffee.
Off on the first tender around 8. We headed straight to Hideaway beach, our favorite on Labadee, as we’ve done many times before. We managed to get a great hut and stayed until 1:30. The lunch was the usual barbeque stuff. The ribs were really good. Back at the ship we just relaxed the rest of the day. Can’t beat just being lazy for a change. I’m really good at it!!!!
The repeaters party is before our main dinner seating and we always attend. There were the usual appetizers and free watered down drinks. We ordered our own preferred beverages from one of the waiters, something most don’t realize you can do. Ken Rush spoke and introduced our captain Kjetil Gjerstad who spoke of the past, present, future of the company, new ships, and itineraries coming. Also, the ships Loyal Ambassador, Deborah Gorman spoke and was very informative, well spoken, and interesting to listen to. After the cocktail party, we headed to dinner and had a very good one. The tiger shrimp and tiramisu were good.
After dinner there was a 70’s singing and dancing party going on in the promenade. Tonight’s show was another new one called “In The Air”. Lots of swinging around in the air and it was excellent. This show obviously took lots of talent to pull off. We enjoyed it very much.
After the show we headed for the Quest. If you’ve never been to it, you may have heard that it’s not to be missed. This one was no exception. Ken Rush is a master at this and the Love and Marriage game. If you miss either of them, oh well. I told you not to.
Late night comedy was with our previous comedian Tim Cotter. I’ve never seen him before this cruise. His late night adult show was really good. Glad we managed to stay up for this 12:15 AM show. To bed at 1AM.
Day 4
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Unfortunately this port was not scheduled for arrival until 10:30. We arrived just about that time and got on a shuttle bus going into town for shopping and to Doctor’s Cave Beach, our destination. Unfortunately on the way to the beach, this shuttle made a long stop in town with a guide trying to get people to take a long tour instead of getting off. A little too much. She was really irritating. Should have taken a taxi straight to the beach instead. $4pp. Finally arriving at Doctor’s Cave Beach, we paid $5 pp for the beach and $5 per chair and another $3 for an umbrella. On this beach there was no one selling their trinkets, but an unending flow of waiters trying to get you to buy food and drinks. You’d think one “no thanks” would be enough, but it’s not. The beach was small, but nice soft sand, warm clean water, bathrooms, and a bar. We won’t return to this beach again though. No wonder Montego Bay gets so many negative reviews. If we ever do go back, we’ll hit the Sunset Beach Club, an all inclusive resort ($40 pp). Great reviews for that place. We took a taxi straight back to the ship around 2 for $4 pp. Had a quick bite at the Windjammer, a dip in the hot tub, and then a nice nap. You know, it’s been such a busy day already.
Tonight’s dinner theme is Caribbean Night. I had the lamb and an extra helping. Very good. Mousse for desert with my chocolate ice cream that I order every night. The waiter just brings it every night now.
Tonight we went to the ice show, another new one called Encore Excellent as always. Not to be missed!!! Then to the Love and Marriage game. It was hysterical. Good job by Ken Rush!
Unfortunately there is no formal midnight gala buffet on this ship so they do a sort of informal one when they have the Dancing Under The Stars Party which was held tonight. No band as we’ve seen before. The DJ did his thing and everyone seemed to have a great time. Something we’ve never seen at this party before. In the past the pools were netted over and hot tubs drained. At this party, they were opened and being used. Looked like fun really.
Day 5 Grand Cayman
Up early to eat breakfast and then on to 7 Mile beach. There are about 4 places you can chose to be dropped off by taxi. They are all public access and cost either $4 for the closer or $5 for the ones a little further along. Another great day in paradise. One of out favorite stops, we never miss this beach. Where ever you get dropped off, there is a bar and facilities. If you walk 5 minutes down the beach, you can be all by yourself. We stayed until 1:30 or so and headed back to the Liberty which was scheduled to leave at 3:30. We’ve done the shopping here lots of times before and decided we didn’t need to partake on this cruise. Back on the ship, we had a quick light lunch and then relaxed until it was time to head for the diamond lounge and dinner. After dinner tonight was the platinum member and up reception. I really hate when they schedule this between seatings. The first seating is certainly in no mood for more food. On some past cruises, this was held on the last sea day as a lunch reception. It was a pain to get dressed up just for this lunch, but well worth it when you got there.
Tonight’s show was the third new one “Ever After”, supposedly a comedy musical. Wasn’t really funny, but the performers were excellent. The show, however jumped all over the place and made little sense. After the show, we met up with my BIL and SIL at the hot tub and pool outside. Was a great evening out and we stayed and swam for some time. Afterward, my wife went to bed and I hit the casino. Played Blackjack for about an hour and left while I was still ahead. Bravo for me!!!!
Day 6 Cozumel
The Liberty of the Seas arrived at the scheduled time of 10:30 and we quickly grabbed a cab and headed for Paradise Beach. This beach is very popular and recommended by many reviews and also by friends of ours. Cost by taxi was $12 for up to 4 people. The beach is small, but adequate, There are lots of lounges and umbrellas spread out and you are welcomed to enjoy them for free. You are expected to order something from the waiter off the menu though. If you want to pay $9 pp, you can also enjoy the mats, floats, ect, that are out in the water. It’s another really hot day today. We love it!!! We left after about 2 ½ hrs. Shopped near the pier for awhile and then watched the flowrider for awhile on the ship. I decided to try it out. I managed to stay up for awhile after trying it out 3 times. Then to the hot tub to work out the stiff neck I just given myself.
Had pre-dinner cocktails in the Diamond Lounge again and on to dinner. Tonight was the fillet mignon and shrimp. Really delicious too!!!
Tonight’s show was Tony Tillman. He sung, danced, and joked. Lots of energy and all attending had a good time ,I think.
Decided to visit the hot tub again after the show. Wife’s bad back is killing her and it really helps her. Walked a little afterward and went to bed.
Day 7
At Sea
Up early as always, ate breakfast in the Windjammer and then to the solarium. Surprised not to see every lounge saved with a book or something on it. For lunch we brought food back to our lounges from the Windjammer. Worse than usual today so I ran down to Sorrento’s and grabbed us some pizza. Pretty good actually. We relaxed all day. That’s why we’re here. Depression from being the last day is fully setting in now too.
Visited the Diamond lounge and had our pre-dinner drinks for the last time. Dinner was another good one. French onion soup before I had the NY Strip and my wife had the Mahi Mahi.
The show tonight was the farewell show, Cruise In Review. Acrobats Jimmy and Anna performed, as well as comedian Steve Carte. A good show again. Suitcases out in the hall and I’m off to the casino to play blackjack for awhile and cash out.
Day 8
Miami
Up very early and to the Windjammer for our last breakfast. Then to the priority lounge in the Sphinx. We barely sat down and realized that our beige color had been called. This was about 7:20. We were off just a few minutes later. Made it to the airport around 8. Unfortunately our flight isn’t until 1.
All in all, we had a great time even though so much is the exact same as the last time. A new cruiser I believe would be extremely happy that they went on this ship. Even though this ship holds quite a few more passengers, it didn’t feel any more crowded than on any other cruise. In fact many times it felt less crowded. Those that think that the ship is just too darn big? Yes it’s larger, but not really that much larger. At 160,000 tons, it’s only about 11% larger than the Voyager class ships. Just a little longer and a little wider than the Voyager class. Same number of decks.
We missed the parades on this cruise, but we’ve seen them before on other cruises.
This is definitely a great ship for kids. The H2O zone keeps them occupied all day and out of the other hot tubs and pools.
Pluses
Absolutely awesome weather all week. Not a drop of rain!
Beautiful new ship
Ken Rush, our cruise director is definitely one of the best.
Deborah Gorman the ship’s loyal ambassador was excellent. She helped me get my on board credit that seemed to have gotten lost somehow.
Sorrento’s, 24 hr pizza
24 hr cafe as well as free room service
H2O Zone. Hardly saw kids the whole cruise unless you walked through because they all were there.
Flowrider
Minuses
Windjammer food is still not good. Poor selections especially for desert
Missed Karaoke Idol. The place where regular Karaoke is held now holds less than half what the lounges on other ships hold.
Padded lounges in the solarium are not nearly as thick and comfortable as other RCL ships.
Only 1 Holdem table in the casino
