Carnival Liberty

[mainecruiser]

I'll be sailing on the Carnival Liberty, doing the Western Caribbean, in 2 months. I know there are two types of cruisers - those who love Carnival and those who hate it. Any imput on food, service, etc. (good or bad). Also, being from Maine (a tad cool), I cherish my beach days in the Caribbean - Carnival has interesting beach excursions in Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman. Any thoughts here?.............

 

[amistad]

I love Carnival, but I also love all of the others too. The food on the last Carnival cruise I took was really good. I have been on the Liberty Western iten. and I am leaving on the 29th of August on the Liberty Eastern iten. The Liberty is a nice large ship, clean, good crew and offers good itens.

 

[mainecruiser]

Thanks Amistad. Having been on 30+ cruises, I hadn't gotten around to Carnival. I have to say, I haven't been on a bad cruise yet, just some better than others.

 

[senoj84]

I've been on the Liberty twice, you're going to love it! I think Carnival's food is great. There's something for everyone's tastebuds of course there will be a couple of dishes that will be cooked differently from the way we're used to eating it but all in the all the food is great. If you have any questions about the Liberty let me know, I'll do my best to answer them.

 

[mainecruiser]

Thanks SENOJ84

Thanks for your imput. Yes, I love food! All food!! Any kind of food!!! Although, I am partial to seafood. Of course, you may have gathered that from my forum name.

What type of accommodations do you usually have? How do you feel about them? I've visited some of Carnival's older ship ( a while back), and they seemed to have a lot of plastic stuff - chairs, sofa coverings, etc.

 

[Mbandy]

The ruben sandwiches in the deli are legendary on Carnival ships. Great for an afternoon snack. Also, don't miss the chilled fruit soups. Strawberry was awesome. Almost like eating melted strawberry ice cream.

 

[zydecocruiser]

One thing I love on Conquest class ships, including Carnival Liberty, is the Fish and Chips place open from lunch every day. It is one deck up from the regular buffet.


This menu is from Conquest, but it is the same on Liberty:

 

[Nelhea]

I leave on the Liberty on September 12th doing the western iten. I love Carnival cruises, but I've never been on another cruise line so I don't really have anything to compare them to. I've been on two of the smaller(smallest, actually) ships, the Sensation and I think the Ecstacy, and I'm really looking forward to sailing on one of the larger ships. The food is great, and there really is something for every taste. I hope you enjoy your first Carnival cruise!

 

[Gayle V]

What type of accommodations do you usually have? How do you feel about them? I've visited some of Carnival's older ship ( a while back), and they seemed to have a lot of plastic stuff - chairs, sofa coverings, etc.

Hello Mainecruiser, These days, we almost always book a verandah cabin. (Just spoiled I guess.) On the newer Carnival ships, the "plastic" is not so prevalent. But they still seem to stick with "orange" in the cabin. Orange carpet, orange bedspread, orange curtains, orange sofa (vinyl not cloth). It my one complaint about Carnival. JMHO, I don't much like orange.

But the decor throughout the rest of the ships, while still kind of gaudy, is not nearly as bad, nor as neon, as the older ones. Some areas are actually quite attractive.

Over all I like Carnival. Not as much as other lines, but we've sailed with them several times and are going again in about 40 days. They give an excellent value for your money, very good food, very good service, (and free anytime ice cream. You gotta love that. )

I've never tried NCL so cannot compare. Good luck with your choice.

 

[mainecruiser]

Thanks Gayle V

Thanks Gayle V. Yes, I've been spoiled with the balconies also. I had been upgraded on my very first cruise (Nordic Prince) from an inside to an outside - thought that was the greatest. The next cruise (a special occasion) we did a balcony, and since then, have never had anything but. I like all the lines, and if you like a 'very casual' atmosphere (no dress-up), you'd like NCL - have done them about 8/9 times. I've shied away from Carnival all these years because of the glitz, and they were know as the party ships (I'm an ol' fuddy-duddy).

 

[Cruzman]

Thanks Gayle V. Yes, I've been spoiled with the balconies also. I had been upgraded on my very first cruise (Nordic Prince) from an inside to an outside - thought that was the greatest. The next cruise (a special occasion) we did a balcony, and since then, have never had anything but. I like all the lines, and if you like a 'very casual' atmosphere (no dress-up), you'd like NCL - have done them about 8/9 times. I've shied away from Carnival all these years because of the glitz, and they were know as the party ships (I'm an ol' fuddy-duddy).

Relatively speaking, the decor on the Liberty is pretty toned down. The stereotype relating to Carnival being "party ships" dates back to the 80's when Carnival sailed almost exclusively on short Caribbean/Bahamian cruises that attracted a lot of young families and singles. Even today, you will find this kind of demographic on just about any cruise line sailing these short itineraries. On the longer itineraries, I have found the passenger demographic to be very similar to all other cruise lines on which I have sailed. Oh yes, let's address those balconies. If you can, book one of the aft corner wraps; you will love it.

 

[mainecruiser]

Cruzman

Hi there, Cruzman. I don't quite understand your last post. I am a member of Cruise Addicts, although I don't have the time to post too often.

 

[mainecruiser]

Cruzman, My Apologize

My last post was in error. I had a notation saying that I was a 'visitor' with limited access..... and it looked like it was posted by you. It was my mistake (it usually is) - I was on another computer and forgot to log in. I tried to correct it, but I am computer challenged. So, I want to thank you for yor insight. This Liberty cruise was not in the budget, but the deal was too good to pass up. I booked a BL Guarantee, and got a cat. 8D. I'm happy! Yes, those aft staterooms are great - I try to get them as often as possible, but you know how popular they are.