We turned Gold on this sailing, and proud of it... this would make our 4th Caribbean cruise and we found it active and enjoyable but different. We arrived Saturday, the night before, and stayed at a local hotel Coral by the Sea. The hotel was worth the amount paid, nothing more than one needed for one night. The fact that the ship does not embark until 10:00pm is strange but allowed us to board, eat drop our bags and then explore Old San Juan. We ate I the dining room, it's "your time" dining this initial evening and was a bit chaotic. We were actually walked through the entire dining room twice before for the third time they could figure out where to seat us.
The Carnival Liberty, whose layout was similar to so many others we've sailed, was well kept up and clean. We found the light fixtures of which many changed colors were lovely. Our stateroom was as expected, we were pleased. There was a strange dark chemical that kept coming in to the toilet bowl and coating it which at first lead us to believe it was dirty or moldy but that was not the case. hen asked we were told it was a chemical that the water was treated with through the boat's system. Our stateroom attendants were pleasant and responsive but I believe they were new and had some trouble getting to everything/all their cabins. The room was dusty in less obvious locations, headboard, phone, TV ledge, glass shelves in the bathroom. Most I dusted myself but mentioned to the cleaning crew they should pay closed attention.
Dining was terrific, everywhere; the Lido, Guy's Burgers never disappoint, food in the dining room was always fresh, hot and ample. We also took advantage of the Diamond Steak House. This is such an amazing value at $35.00 per person for such quality and service we never skip it...I look forward to the 18oz Rib Eye every year. The dining room wait staff was interesting... The head waiter was fairly attentive but seemed more concerned with overseeing the other two working the station. Nyunt primarily attended to our meal and needs throughout the dinner. He was professional but initially not very knowledgeable about the dishes, we ask a lot of questions. By the 5th night he was making confidently making suggestions and knew the menu. One could tell he had spent time studying the menu and it's components. Then there is Cristian of Romania, an absolute delight. I did not witness a harder working individual, he primarily ran the food, served bread and water. Every opportunity he had he would speak with us, entertain and captivate us. The lead hostess at both breakfast and dinner in the Silver Dining Room we found to be difficult at times and if she accommodated your request it was done so with disdain. At breakfast, always in the dining room, we were fortunate enough to have two pairs of great wait staff; Andrei & Vladimir and Mark & Laureano, they were all professional, accommodating and delightful.
Typical interior stateroom, configuration slightly different, horizontal as opposed to vertical. Once again the room could have been cleaned/dusted better
A lot of the old charm and history has been preserved, I was especially blessed to be able to visit a Lutheran church celebrating 350 years, absolutely lovely and inspirational. The island is green lush the beaches and waters gorgeous. Vistas are magnificent...
Old San Juan is lovely and quaint in may areas although there is a lot of building/construction going on. The fort which surround the old city are marvelous, well maintained and great photo ops.
The island is absolutely gorgeous with it's rain forest, pitons, volcano, the natural beauty is unsurpassable
Beaches are beautiful
Island small, we got of the boast to do a little shopping but that was all
We took an island tour, there is quite a difference between the wealthy beautiful manicured gold course homes and the remainder of the island.