Liberty of the Seas

I recently sailed on the Liberty of the Seas 7 day Western Caribbean departing from the Port of Miami. I only need 3 letters to describe this ship OMG!!! (Oh My Gosh) Since I had never sailed on any of Royal Caribbean ships, starting out on one of their Freedom family ships, I was totally impressed with everything that this ship had to offer. Described as being the "World's Largest Passenger Ship", I was in awe upon arrival. We had flown a redeye from Los Angeles, arriving at 6:30am on the day of our sailing. For those of you that do not have transfers with Royal Caribbean there is a flat $24.00 one way charge for a taxi. Once we arrived at the port of Miami, we sat and watched all passengers departing from the ship. Everything was well organized. One of the baggage handlers was aware that we were waiting to board just a little bit early. He was right there to tell us when we could board. Diamond and Diamond Plus members of Past Cruisers Crown and Anchor Society are allowed to board before any other guests. As we sat and waited for our turn to board, we observed 50 guests that were there for an on board wedding. They were also able to board before any others. Our boarding was smooth and easy. Instead of arriving on a redeye I would definitely recommend doing a pre night or two in Miami. That way, you can arrive all rested and ready to begin what I will call the cruise of a lifetime. There is so much to do on board for cruisers of all ages. Let's get some things out of the way ..........Service...EXCELLENT, Food.....Excellent, Activities..EXCELLENT! With the capacity of 4500 passengers, I never once felt crowded. Royal has done an excellent job of accommodating this many passengers, with everything from the the Flow rider ( yes I did " attempt" to Surf, but I really don't want to talk about that - :) smile) to ENCORE! The live ice skating show that was simply out of this world. Having done a complete tour of the ship I can tell you that 7 days were not enough to fully enjoy all that the Liberty of the Seas has to offer. The Royal Promenade was also a nice place to be. One night they had a tribute to the music of the 70's complete with large hair and lots and lots of "dancing in the streets. Royal has stages that actually are lowered from the ceiling midair so that no matter where you are standing or sitting you are able to "see" the entertainment. Guests of all ages danced like there was no tomorrow. The Royal Promenade view staterooms are sound proof as to not disturb any of it's guests but great views are available for those booked in this category. The kid's programs that Liberty offers just made my heart jump. Having a 14 year old at home I was really excited at the thought of sailing again with my children just by seeing what Liberty has to offer. ( Security was very tight: strict curfew for children on board, which lets me know that I can trust that my children are safe no matter what) H20 was beautifully decorated with various bright colors and figurines that had water spraying out at several locations. One of the pools is what I would describe as a lazy pool...Float On! Float on! Ice Cream cones were offered at Sprinkles, vanilla, strawberry and chocolate flavors..no additional charge....Ben and Jerry's on the Royal Promenade was also available for a additional cost. Johnny Rockets on the 12th floor (3.95 per person for complete meal, not including Malts, shakes or drinks, beer is available for adults) located right next door to the Challenger's Arcade (watch out Disney). Parents of the younger ages 3-5 (Aquanauts) are provided cell phones which they can use through out their cruise. Explorers are for ages 6-8, Voyagers are 9-11, Navigators (aged 12-14) have their own section to enjoy such events as Scavenger hunts and video games. The teens (Guests) aged 15-17 have their own "no adults allowed" Club (Adventure Ocean and Fuel Teen Disco that offers their own "disco and lounge". There's even a DJ Class to teach them how to spin records. The Rock Climbing wall had both adults and kid's participating. I regret that I did not have time to play mini-golf, but will definitely play when I cruise with my family. For repeat clients there is The Diamond Club Located on Deck 13 boasts a "key needed" lounge that has the most awesome views of both the ship and sea. Perfect for both sunrise and sunset views. Diamond Club Members can have both Continental breakfast and evening cocktails in their private lounge. Wedding couples and their guests will be amazed at the location of the Skylight Chapel Deck 12, located right in the center of all the action, very elegantly decorated in soft colors. Dining offers four separate dining areas that are conveniently located on Deck 12 with the same location. you have a choice of dining at Liberty's Buffet dining at the Windjammer. How about Asian Food served buffet-style at Jade's, perhaps Italian at the Portofino Restaurant for $20.00 per person (reservations required) or Prime cut steaks and seafood at Chops. Her main dining room has three levels with excellent service by the crew, mouth watering dishes served to suit everyone's taste buds, and live entertainment for your enjoyment. I was so full on Lobster night that I was unfortunately able to eat only one. Had I chosen, my waiter would have gladly prepared one to go. There's more...The Ice Skating Show ( free lessons on board are available) was to die for. Such talent, not to mention the other entertainment in the theater. I went every night and was amazed one night after another. on Air Club offers karaoke that definitely had a following every night that it was offered. There were private booths that can record your own karaoke memories to take home with you. Monday night football games were offered in the Sphinx Room so that all football fans would not miss a minute of their favorite games. There were private booths that can record your own karaoke memories to take home with you. Boleros Lounge offers a great Salsa band that played every night and had passengers "dancing in the streets"Very Very Popular! Studio B is where the Ice skating rink is located. Lots of comfortable seats gives you a bird's eye view to entertainment. There's so much more... from the Casino (Playing Penny Slots) to the Pirates Parade on the Royal Promenade, to the top of the line workout equipment (only boxing ring at sea) to a relaxing and comfortable day spa offering various treatments for both male and female. Fitness seminars are available at no additional charge. There's a large conference center available for groups and meetings. Need a barber.....try A Clean Shave Salon is available on the Royal Promenade deck for males that want to have that makeover. Forget about being in bed by midnight.........There was a Midnight Buffet in the Solarium that had fresh fruits, a roasted pig with the apple in his mouth, all the trimmings for tacos, and a variety of the best looking deserts. If you are into chocolate deserts then this is where you would want to be. With a DJ spinning a variety of music, guests were dancing, swimming, and having a real good time. There is always a video camera or photographers there to capture that magic moment for you and last but not least would be the staterooms. Mostly Balconies are on this ship, however both inside and outside staterooms are spacious with the most comfortable bedding that I have slept on while cruising. There is a "sitting area" for those times when you want to sit up to watch your flat screen television. Pay per view Movies are available at $11.95 per movie and yes Liberty did have newly released movies to enjoy. Don't want to stay inside, there is a theater for newly released movies as well. I had a shower in my stateroom. There are suites available that do have bathtubs. I spoke to a lot of Royal Caribbean staff members to see just how they felt to work on board and I never once heard a compliant. Our room Seward (Mark from Jamaica) always made sure that our needs were met. Fully stocked mini-frigs are in the room for those times when you just want to grab a coke or some light snacks. There is an additional charge but not that much. A can of coke was only 1.75, compared to buying it at one of their many bars at 1.50. Soda cards were available at an additional $42.00 per adult with lower prices for children. This soda card comes with a decorated Royal Caribbean signature cup Room Service is also available. Breakfast in bed, no problem Mon!. just remember to fill out your choices from your stateroom to be delivered at your exact time request. Beautiful decorated atrium with artwork throughout the ship that makes you just stop and say ahhhhhhhhh. Art Auctions were on board as well. Private cocktail party with the Captain for Crown and Anchor members. Formal dining and photos? Pick a location throughout the ship for your background. We took so many photos that it was difficult to pick and choose. I regret that I did not purchase a video of my cruise. This is something that I would want to relive again and again. Sailings to the Western and Eastern Caribbean are available well into 2008. Royal Caribbean will offer non-smoking staterooms in the year 2008. You will be amazed! Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas should be a must do in one's lifetime. Great for Weddings on board, great for families with children of all ages. One of the things that I noticed though is that she allowed me to bring out the kid in myself. I'm sure that I was not the only "adult" to feel this way. I observed plenty of adults having a ball dancing, singing, playing, and behaving like one should while on vacation. Perhaps Liberty brought the kid out in them too. (I'm still not going to discuss my ride on the Flow Rider, but I will say that it was the most fun that I have had in a long time) I have only one complaint...........The songs that are available on the jukeboxes in Johnnie Rockets should be made available for On The Air Karaoke Be A Star Nights. We love those oldies but goodies. Royal Caribbean's Freedom Family of ships is a force to be reckoned with.
Sandra WeaverSenior Travel Consultant