Poor itinerary, poor service, poor entertainment (ice show being an exception) highest gratuities in the industry. Frequent cruiser (47) but never again on Royal Caribbean.

Item: Liberty of the Seas
Rating: 2
Author: oudentist1977

Liberty of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

oudentist1977

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 7

Overall rating:

2 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 30, 2018

Ship: Liberty of the Seas

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 2586

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

Royal Caribbean charges for everything, $7.95 for room service, $14.50/day gratuities (highest in the industry), drinks over $10 with 18% gratuity added, no freebies for frequent cruisers like many of the other lines, entertainment was mediocre except for the ice show. The menu is very limited and you order everything at once, even dessert, without even knowing if you will want dessert.

Embarkation

2 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Children's Programs

Service and Staff

2 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Ship tip

Food is below average for cruise ships so lower your expectations!

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Galveston, Texas

2 out of 5

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Cozumel, Mexico

2 out of 5

Thumbs Up 0

George Town, Grand Cayman

2 out of 5

Thumbs Up 0

Falmouth, Jamaica

1 out of 5

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

2 out of 5

15 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe 6 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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cruisellama 6 years ago

Are you a frequent cruiser with RCL? Status does not transfer between lines unless they're under the same parent company. The tipping is pretty standard across lines, and drinks are never free unless you buy a package or have access to the loyalty lounge (again - frequent RCL cruiser). Also - the level of cabin service you get depends on what type of cabin you book. Deck 2 won't get the same attention as a Deck 9 balcony or suite cabin. Unfortunate you had a bad experience.

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DMS60 6 years ago

We have sailed Liberty 3 times, Never had to order dessert when we ordered our meal selections. Also don’t know what you’re talking about, all cruises charge daily gratuities and all cruises charge gratuities for drinks. If you chose to pre-pay your daily gratuities with your cruise fare you would not see this on your bill.

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Seadogcruising 6 years ago

When sailing out of Australia, gratuities are included in the booking fee so no need to tip

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Seadogcruising 6 years ago

Cruise with Princess, free room service there.

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captainsteve68 6 years ago

You order dessert after your meal and their shows were the best I’ve seen at sea!!!

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KofiNaija 6 years ago

Yes. Everyone is free to appreciate them at his own discretion

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CruisersWeAre 6 years ago

These wonderful people that pamper us on these cruises are worth every dime they get and some. They work for tips only and we should appreciate them for what they do.

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KofiNaija 6 years ago

I hated when they began imposing fee for room service a few years ago. The loyalty perks are listed on website. Daily tips are discretionary. They can be adjusted by guests

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DreamCatchers 6 years ago

You do get freebies as a frequent royal Caribbean cruiser. Prices and gratuities are pretty uniform across all the cruise lines. If you’re looking for something all inclusive you need to sail the expensive luxury cruise lines.

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Woobiescoobie 6 years ago

Looks like out of all the cruises you’ve enjoyed that this first one you’ve taken with Royal is the worst cruise you’ve ever had. Repeat cruisers do get incentives and freebies just like they do on every other cruise line. As an aside, if the cruise lines or the resorts don’t charge you for something it’s an all-inclusive vacation, right? As far as the $14.50 per day suggested gratuity for state rooms and balcony state rooms, the gratuities are pooled across the entire service staff. You can choose to prepay gratuities before you sail, that way you’re not surprised. The more frequently you cruise, the more you’ll see that even though a cruise is a big chunk of change when you look at what you’re getting in value, a cruise vacation is really a Big Bang for the Bucks! Have a great time on your next vacation!

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41pearl 6 years ago

NCL and Carnival also charge for the same stuff. Its become the standard in the cruise industry, unfortunately.

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TXatsea 6 years ago

Actually the gratuity is pretty much in line with other mainstream lines, within +- $1 If I’m not mistaken most if not all the other mainstream lines have begun a service charge of some sort for room service in some form or fashion. As with most of these other items to drink prices are pretty much in line with all other cruise lines, as is the drink gratuity. The new policy of ordering dessert at the same time as your appetizer and entrée is 100% voluntary, it allows those that wish to do so to streamline their dining process, you can always wait and order at the end. Long story short; I don’t think cruising is the right choice for you

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GospelCruiser 6 years ago

Then don't go if all you want to do is complain,unbelievable how many of you have nothing nice to say and NO you don't order everything at once!!! SMH

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disfan2003 6 years ago

You DO get freebies for frequent cruisers, and you do not order dessert the same time you order your meal!

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