 |
Great cruise by
Jeffrey H from Fowlerville, MI Sailing date: Jan 2010Pros: Ship was great and entertainment fantastic Cons: could not get early setting dinner but still had fun Had truoble grtting early setting for 2 people they did accomodate us to early dining w/ table of 6. Ended up working out well for us as table mates were nice and had chance to meet new people. Ship Quality
Dining/Food
Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & ActivitiesHad Beatlemania on board was the best show I have seen in royal carribean cruises. 0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
   Outstanding cruise by
Richard F. from Key Largo, FL Sailing date: Jan 2010Pros: Size of stateroom and balcony, comfort of bed, production shows in the theater, food, staff Cons: seemed crowded, fewer private nooks on deck, no outside dining for Windjammer buffet, outrageous WiFi charges This was our first experience in one of the biggest ships and we were very pleased. The ship was gorgeous and comfortable, the staff was about as good as we have been used to from Royal Caribbean, the food was excellent. The production stage shows were phenomenal! And the musicians everywhere were outstanding. On the other hand the ship always seemed crowded and unlike smaller RC ships it was hard to find quiet places on deck away from lots of people. Also, the Solarium was not as quiet, relaxing, and elegant as expected (as on Radiance of the Seas for example) - instead it was more like an adults-only extension of the main pool area. And the Promenade mainstreet didn't work too well for events held there. Still, overall it was an outstanding experience and we would do it again. Ship QualityBeautiful ship in almost all ways. Would have liked more cozy deck nooks and some outdoor dining space for Windjammer buffet. Stateroom QualityThe bed was fantastically comfortable. The whole stateroom was excellent. Only compaint was being charged an outrageous 55 cents per minute for WiFi. Ship Staff QualityStaff is still one of the best things about Royal Caribbean. Entertainment & ActivitiesThis rating is largely for the incredible production shows. 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
GREAT FAMILY CRUISE EXPERIENCE by
JUDY D from NEW YORK, NY Sailing date: Dec 2009Pros: IMPRESSIVE SHIP WITH MANY PERKS, VERY FRIENDLY STAFF, GOOD SERVICE, GREAT ICE SKATING SHOW Cons: FOOD, WEAK SHOWS IN MAIN THEATER This is a great family vacation. I was traveling with my 13 year old grandson on his first cruise, but I cruise very often. From the 100 foot shopping mall, to climbing towers and surfing, golf and ice skating, hot tubs and swimming pools, it is impressive. Service was exceptional, food was not, and while I would not choose this ship if I were traveling without a child, it is amazing and I highly recommend it. Ship Quality
Dining/Food
Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & ActivitiesKids activities excellent and well run. Shows very weak with exception of ice show Children's Programs
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
A Most Wonderful Cruise by
Bibi S. from Orlando, FL Sailing date: Dec 2009Pros: Everything Cons: Nothing This is our 6th cruise and first time on Royal Caribbean and I must say that I am now hooked on RCCL!!... We went on the Liberty of the Seas to celebrate my Daughter 13th Birthday and we all had a most wonderful week. We had rooms overlooking the Royal Promenade and that was so awesome... The service, food and everything else was A++++. We will certainly cruise with RCCL again...can't wait for the next one... Ship QualityThe ship is beautiful and clean. Decorated very beautiful for the Holiday Season. Everything very tasteful and beautiful. Dining/FoodThe choices and quality were very wonderful. Stateroom QualityStateroom was small but enough storage. Good for 2 people. Always kept clean. Neat shower.. Ship Staff QualityEveryone was so very helpful and friendly....Best service ever!!... Entertainment & ActivitiesIce Show Encore was the best ever and the Flowrider!!.. Children's ProgramsDid not use but looks good... 7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
Disappointing by
Ira W. from Indianapolis Sailing date: Sep 2009Pros: The ship's facilities were very nice. Cons: The food is not mainstream. Royal Caribbean is trying too hard to be upscale. The dining room food is over the edge exotic. Nobody knew it was Italian night unless you think of aspargus cakes as traditional Italian main courses. Other people felt the same way and the dining room was barely over half full each night. I think the menu selections had much to do with it. I am a veteran of over 20 cruises...so I have some experience here. Ship Quality
Dining/Food
Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff QualityThe maitre "d" showed up the last night of the cruise...for the first time at our table. The assistant head waiters never came once. Our table waiter was excellent though. Entertainment & ActivitiesThe production shows lacked popular appeal. Very artsy. No show tunes or familiar music. 3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
Fabulous Ship by
Tara L from Hershey, PA Sailing date: Nov 2009Pros: Everything Cons: The hot tubs being closed most of the week This was our first cruise and let me say WE WILL BE BACK! Everything about this ship was beautiful. I loved our wait staff Eileen and Deepak and Leon our stateroom attendent. I know that our names were learned for that week and then discarded but these three individuals made us feel like the only passengers on this cruise. I couldn't imagine having my back end kissed more than what it was. I wish I had more money just so I could hand out tips to everyone.
The hot tubs being closed was a safety precaution. Two weeks prior to our boarding there was a bacteria in the water and they kept testing the hot tubs to make sure they were clean and they kept testing positive. They did their best to try and get it up and running but they were only available the last two days of our cruise. But if that was something to complain about then shame on me that just means that I am way to spoiled. And nothing would ever be good enough. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodThank you again Eileen and Deepak Stateroom QualityAnd thank you Leon Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & ActivitiesThere was always plenty to do.. Looking at the cruise compass at times was a little overwhelming. 1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
An exceptional cruise by
lisa k from missoula, montana Sailing date: Nov 2009Pros: accomodations, service, daily " what to do" lists, food, pools, kid friendly Cons: not enough information on port excursions amnd tipping A truly deluxe ship with an oppurtunity for any age to have fun and enjoy the ride. You can make this any kind of vacation you want: relax, nightlife, casinos, swimming, spa care, kid's clubs, adventure, sports, hide somewhere and read, stay inside our out, shop, live theater, eat till you drop. SO much to do while at sea you will never feel penned in. So much to do at the various ports if you want to, but easy access back to the ship if you don't want. Perfect. Ship Quality
Dining/Food
Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities
Children's Programs
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
Great Ship, Great Fun! by
Robert E. from Edmond, OK Sailing date: Sep 2009Pros: Ship, Food, Activities Cons: Itinerary Liberty of the Seas is a magnificent vessel! I simply cannot imagine what else someone could want in the way of variety in all aspects of cruising. Though large, it never seems crowded with lots of places to get away for peace and quiet. The available activities are unparalleled at this point. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodTop notch food, lacking only in a few small respects of being the best. Stateroom QualityStaterooms are a bit smallish until you get to top levels of the ship, but are thought out and more spacious than they appear. Ship Staff QualityOutstanding in all respects. Entertainment & ActivitiesSimply no better activities available on a cruise ship... 7 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
Refreshing & Relaxing Cruise by
CynthiaL from Berkeley, CA Sailing date: Sep 2009Pros: Excellent service, great food, great entertainment Cons: Crowded Solarium PHILIPSBURG, ST. MAARTEN: We took a water taxi to downtown Philipsburg and enjoyed browsing through the shops. Many jewelers offered free drinks and refreshments along with trinkets such as earrings and pendants to entice shoppers to purchase large ticket items. We enjoyed just walking through the streets, taking pictures, and relaxing by the beach -- which was full of beautiful tiny shells. The shells were soft to walk on, the water was warm, and beach chairs were available for rent.
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO: The ship docked in walking distance of Castillo San Cristbal, so we dressed in cool clothes and drank lots of water -- necessities in this rather hot climate. The views at the fort at the top of the hill are well worth the hike, and admission to the fort is also worthwhile, as there is a great deal of interesting history presented at this national park. I especially enjoyed looking out the thick walled windows to the sparkling sea, and seeing presentations describing the military history and strategic importance of San Juan through the centuries.
LABADEE: The third stop was to the RCI private island of Labadee, where we took advantage of the train shuttle to various beaches, and ended up resting on a beach (and hammock) near the barbecue... with burgers and chicken and side dishes from the ship. The beach was hot so shade was much appreciated that day... and while we waded into the water, the sharp coral proved a challenge to our bare feet. This port was accessible only by tender... so there were lines of people waiting to get to and from the island, since this was the one port of call we could not just walk to from ship to shore.
SCHOONER BAR: Kory Simon played fabulous piano and sang oldies-but-goodies, and encouraged the audience to participate with pass-the-mic singing games. We were glad we found him toward the end of the cruise, and only wished we had more time with Kory!
GYM: The punching bag, weights, and machines were marvelous to utilize... and not crowded, either. This gym has lots more to take advantage of than most cruisers seemed to be making use of, and I greatly appreciated all it has to offer. The stairs on the ship act as another form of gym I loved... since the stairs are carpeted and the ship is air conditioned, and the Windjammer buffet is on level eleven... it's possible to get lots of exercise!
POOLS: While I loved the Solarium's peace and quiet, this section of deck eleven was always too crowded to properly enjoy. On two occasions, my companion and I circled for some twenty minutes without finding deck chairs... ending up looking out one of the windows to see flying fish, a sea turtle, and a jelly fish in the water down below. We would have loved to have been able to make better use of this deck with it's shade and poolside presence... but it was just a bit too popular, even with the guideline/rule that people who leave chairs unattended for more than 15 minutes would lose their spot. The truth is that many chairs were left empty... with just towels and books and such... while we circled around, seeking a place to rest for a while. The hot tubs were very nice, and seldom crowded... and offered a fun crow's nest view of the sea. The noisier pool section featured a wonderful frozen yogurt machine, where people were always lined up waiting for cones... and occasionally, there were some fun events happening on this side of the deck, such as the Belly Flop Contest.
ACTIVITIES: We observed people on the FlowRider, and saw the Rock Climbing Wall, but did not partake of these. There were lots of things for kids and young adults to do on this ship. There were so many things we did not do that looked wonderful, as there were always so many things happening at the same time. Some fun sounding things we didn't do included: Karaoke, the Quest Game, the Love and Marriage Game, music at the Hoof & Claw Pub, wine tasting, and the art auction.
Ship QualityThis is truly an extraordinarily beautiful ship... very clean, very well designed. Dining/FoodWe opted for My Time Dining, but on the first day found the best waiter we've ever had, Istvan "Erik" from Transylvania, so we reserved 6pm dining in the Boticelli dining room for the rest of our stay on board, and this turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip! Erik took into consideration our dietary needs (gluten sensitivity and port allergy) and made suggestions each day which ensured our dining experience was first-rate. Erik also conferred daily with the chefs to arrange for gluten-free bread to be baked daily just for us, and sauces and dishes to be created gluten-free. The dinners at Boticelli were therefore superb at a level my traveling companion found excellent, and he is a chef, so this is high praise, indeed. Breakfasts and lunches were mostly eaten at the Windjammer, where people moved through quickly enough that tables were always available and lines not too long. The food selection at the buffets was marvelous.
Stateroom QualityOur interior cabin featured a balcony with cushioned window seat looking down over the Royal Promenade one deck down, on level five... which was marvelous! The room was spacious and featured two sofas in addition to a very comfortable bed, four small drawers below the large TV which could be viewed in the room and bathroom, due to its excellent location, a closet with safe, and two small night stands with small drawers and open shelf areas. There were additional shelves situated above the TV and near the dressing table... and a glass coffee table was positioned between the sofas. We were very pleased with being able to look out at the street parades, musical events, and other assorted events on the main street out our window nearly every day.
Ship Staff QualityAlways smiling, always happy to see us and be of service, the RCI staff are truly the best! Entertainment & ActivitiesThe best show on board the Liberty of the Seas in September 2009 was definitely "Encore!" -- an ice skating spectacular. It's amazing to see such a large-scale show on such a small rink, with stunts I've never seen performed anywhere before... not even at the Olympics! Well worth seeing. Tony Tillman was a guest performer, and he was marvelously entertaining, as were a couple of comedians and Krill -- a young man who did amazing gymnastic tricks with a variety of materials. The RCI singers and dancers are truly first rate, yet the choreography of their shows on this cruise left much to be desired... I kept wishing I could see them singing more songs to the level of performance I saw them to be capable of.
16 out of 18 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
There Were Ups and Downs by
Karen M. from Tempe, AZ Sailing date: Aug 2009Pros: The Service from the Stateroom Attendant and Dining Staff Cons: Royal Romance's Wedding Package I'm not new to cruising, this is already my fourth cruise, and I'm only 18 years old- so maybe I'm a harsher critic than others. I would say I had an overall good time on the ship, but I will go into more detail within each section I review below. I travelled with a group of 15 of us. This is because it was my brother's wedding cruise. He got married at one of the ports of call: Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The wedding went all wrong. Firstly, the photographer never showed up. Luckily, we brought our cameras and some people who worked for Liberty of the Seas came along with us to snap some good photos. The ship provided us with a free photo package to apologize for the no- show. Also, my brother and his bride wanted a regular ceremony, without any of the religious stuff to get in the way. A minister showed up with a giant cross, one of those collar things, and a bible. We are not even close to being Christian. This was a huge problem for us. We resolved the issue, but I'd rather not go into further detail. Other things went wrong with the wedding, but I don't have the time to explain. NEVER EVER EVER PLAN A WEDDING WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S ROYAL ROMANCE PROGRAM. NEVER! Ship QualityThe cruise director mentioned that this was the largest ship in the world. Beautiful interiors throughout the ship, however there wasn't a common theme in the decor. Walking around the hallways, it wasn't really clear that there was something the designers carefully planned out. They basically just slapped any piece of "artwork" on the wall without relating it to the next piece. For example, in one hallway, I saw a picture of irons. In another, I saw a diorama of a ship on the water. Nothing was really tied together. The staff did a pretty good job of keeping the areas onboard clean; however, one night I received a dirty napkin at dinner. That is gross. Everything seemed to be accessible. I didn't really take that into consideration, since nobody in my group was physically handicapped in any way. Dining/FoodIt really depends on the meal, time of the day, and the restaurant you choose to eat at in order to get the best food and service available. We didn't get the chance to eat at Chopps Grille, but I'm betting the food was great. The night we got back from my brother's wed, the group and I ate at Portofino. It costs about $25 per person to dine there, but it is absolutely worth the splurge. If there's one thing you blow your money on this trip, this is it. The food was absolutely sensational. The service was remakable, and the ambience was great for my brother's wedding night dinner. Don't bother going to Johnny Rocket's- not that there's anything wrong with it, but this a cruise- you want to see something new! Cafe Promenade isn't much of a cafe. There are very few selections to eat there. Go there for a midnight snack. It's free. Sorrento's Pizza is edible, but not amazing. The Windjammer is your best bet for selection. Some of it is better than others. Room Service is a great option. Stateroom QualityThe room was just the right size for my brother and I. We had just a basic interior room. It was not stuffy, like other staterooms or cabins I've been in on previous cruises. The stateroom attendant kept it clean and gave us great service. The bed was extremely comfortable and it was nice to come back to the room with a copy of the daily agenda and a folded towel animal on my bed. Hairdryer is provided in the drawer under the vanity mirror. The only negative thing I can think of about the room is the way the TV is mounted to the wall. I wish it would turn more, so I could get a better viewing angle from my bed. Ship Staff QualityThe staff did a good job providing their services with a smile. Entertainment & ActivitiesI wasn't really impressed with the entertainment onboard. First of all, whenever they did a show with the Royal Caribbean singers and dancers, their performances were sloppy. The singers were off key, the dancers couldn't find the right timing, and the overall show didn't make a whole lot of sense. The comedians got a smile or two out of me, but not a laugh. I liked listening to Steve Savage at the Schooner Bar. 7 out of 20 people found this review helpful.
Did you find this review helpful?
|
|
