Carnival Liberty Review

Carnival Liberty - Western Caribbean

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Carnival Liberty
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Graham1234
First Time Cruiser • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Oct 2007

I was on the 10/21/07 sailing of the Carnival Liberty. I flew into FLL the day before the cruise and stayed at the Sleep Inn in Dania FL. This was a decent hotel with free shuttle from the airport and free shuttle to the pier, also included was a free breakfast. THe hotel was comfortable and very convenient for a pre cruise stay with the breakfast and shuttle service. There as a great little restaurant across the street "Pancho's Backyard" specializing in Mexican and Spanish cuisine. There is also a Publix grocery store and a Walgreens for last minute items you may have forgotten. Onto embarkation day, being a Platinum past guest, embarkation was incredibly swift and painless. We were whisked through all the lines for security screenings, check in, photos and boarding. I think it took maybe 10 minutes for the whole thing start to finish. Now onto the Liberty, she is a beautiful ship, if you are used to the old Fantasy class ships with lots of neon and Vegas flash, you will be quite surprised. The Lobby has a central theme of a Mediterranean garden with lots of faux stone/stucco, wrought iron and "natural clay looking" accents, this is surrounded by floral design colors in muted backdrops. This motif is echoed at the elevator banks, staircases and along the Promenade (more about that later). The most amazing part of the lobby is without a doubt the chandelier! It is an amazing work at the top of the Lobby ceiling, crafted in wrought iron and lit via "flame tips" lit from within by LED's creating a constant changing pattern of colors, creating different moods as the day goes on. The color changes go from subtle and flowing to quite manic at times, my personal favorite was the blue with pops of white. Next we moved to the Lido deck for the welcome aboard lunch buffet. The Lido restaurant, Emile's, was very pleasant in decor, with the central theme being the glass work of Emile Gallet, reflected in the light fixtures in the ceiling and along the walls. In typical fashion the lunch was quite crowded as it often is on embarkation day. I recommend Fish and Chips on the second level of Emile's to avoid the lines and crowds, the other is the Pizzeria. After lunch my room was ready and I ventured down to check it out and drop off my carry on items. This was a category 12 penthouse suite and was very nice, large, spacious and comfortably outfitted. With a separate dressing area, TONS of closet space and a bath with full jacuzzi tub, double sinks and bidet. The rest of the public areas on the ship mostly lie on or around the Promenade deck and are comprised of the following from forward to aft: Venetian Palace (the main show lounge) with great sightlines, comfortable seating and amazing technological sets and lighting to enhance the shows. Gloves Sports Bar, off the casino, a great spot for the sports lover and very busy when televised sporting events are on while at sea. Czar's Palace Casino, one note here that I heard from several people travelling with me, it was VERY smoky which also tended to drift out to the Promenade Bar. The smoke at times was so strong you could smell it when coming down the mid ship stairs from the floor above. Moving along the Promenade was the Cafe with specialty coffees, cappuccino's, latte's, iced coffees and desserts (all with additional charge). On to Origami, serving Sushi daily from 5 pm to 8 pm. Next was the teens area, Without Batteries, with a really fun theme of toys and batteries for tables and stools. This area also led into an extensive video arcade. Next was the only lounge on the ship that I found to not fit with the rest was the Hot and Cool Disco. With hideous huge hands and feet covered in day glo tattoos that blocked views around the room. Paparazzi bar, a great theme but the evening that I stopped for a martini, my cocktail was sadly disappointing. Piano Man lounge was a whimsical spot with a nod to the black and white of the piano keys, the piano player however the week we were on board could not carry a tune, not even with a bucket. Also in this area were the Karaoke lounge "The Stage" a neat space that makes everyone feel like they are stars and at the far aft was the secondary show lounge "Victorian". I did not really get the theme of the lounge although it was attractive.

Food on board was plentiful and very nicely served and prepared in the Silver Olympian Restaurant and the Lido service areas. There were many varied options in the Lido from the daily themed buffets lunches, the grill, deli, oriental, Mongolian BBQ, fish and chips and the Pizzeria, there was certainly something for all palettes and all the meals I had were excellent. I found my dinner service to be slow and spotty which I attribute to the assistant who was all but non existent with the exception of the beginning of the meal and when coffee was served. Despite the slow service, the food quality and selection was excellent. Entertainment was varied and mostly enjoyable, with production shows, comedians, jugglers, and various musical performers of differing styles throughout the ship. I did not really have the opportunity to watch one of the outdoor movies on the Lido deck, but those who did really enjoyed the concept. I did catch a bit of the Wizard of Oz one night and it was really neat to see on such a large screen. Ports of call, I had been to all of them several times before and really just opted to stroll around, shop a little and then spent the rest of the day on the beach. Highlights were Sea Grape Beach in Cayman and the Island Village and Margaritaville in Jamaica. One thing I would highly recommend is the Hiipo Slide on the beach right next to Margaritaville. It is a giant inflated waterslide and more fun that should be allowed. Debarkation was a swift and painless as embarkation due to Platinum pax being the first called to debark after the self assist pax. I was off the ship by nine and at the airport by nine thirty. All in all a very enjoyable Carnival Cruise although I would have to say that I prefer a full seven day sailing versus the six day that we had on the Liberty.

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