We're Platinum on Carnival and retired from our jobs so the longer trips are more appealing to us. We had never done a Journey cruise so that also was a positive thing, never been on the Liberty, another positive, and finally there were 3 new ports so that clinched it. The Liberty was the last ship in it's class, so we also finished a class of ships with Carnival, our favorite class. Perfect size, not to big or to small. Leaving out of San Juan was easy as well as a joy, since we met a former CC family member and her Mom as we got in from our flight. Talked all the way to the ship and then some more at the terminal to catch up...Boarding was very easy, since the ship did not leave until 10 pm and people really spread themselves out boarding. The first day was St. Thomas and definite plans to head to Paradise Point for their famous Bushwackers. Rained that day so we canceled our idea of a taxi trip to Megan's bay and stay around the ship area.

One of the great things we found on ship was the live ship's band and enjoyed them the whole trip. Shows were good, but the funniest night was a guy that made balloon things, did magic tricks/slights of hand and got three young (10 yr olds) boys were a problem into the show and made the best of the situation. We did Sanjay Tours in Barbados (Private). He took us where we wanted to go and showed us what we wanted to see at our own leasure. Hooked up the group of 8 through Crusie Critic. Had a wonderful day. Went to the Caves ($30 pp). The tour itself was very reasonable and didn't have to wait for that one person that never keeps good track of time...Did Wayne Kennedy tours at Tobago and again it was wonderful to have a private tour. He actually had about 5 vans going from our ship alone. Saw lots, no rush, great group of CC family members. Went to Grenada, Did JNJ tours, had a crazy, fun group again from Cruise Critic members and an excellent day. It was a full day of exporing the island and see lots of stuff. Great tours, wonderfully informational drivers and keyed in to what you want to see and do. Highly recommend all three tour groups...

We've been to the beach a few times while in Aruba, but never did a tour so off we went with Sonny Binns Tours ($30 pp) and for 4 hours saw all parts of the island, heard about their culture, saw neat and interesting sites and heard their stories. It is a must even if you love the beaches of Aruba, as we do...Lastly, we stopped at Grand Caymen Island. Again spent our time with our CC family members as we arranged a cabana on the beach at the Royal Palm Hotel. We had three couples in our cabana and the cost of it shared ($100). It would have been more expensive to simply get access, a couple chairs and an umbrella then what we paid for our cabana. Plan ahead and use your Cruise Critic Family members to help you have more fun at better prices. Read more