First Galveston Departure

Liberty of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

LauraAndJoel

Contributor Level: Third Mate

113 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 21

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 27, 2022

Ship: Liberty of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 1886

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

We specifically booked the Liberty OTS out of Galveston due to our 1) love of Freedom class, 2) family we haven't seen in years living in Houston (and could shuttle us :)), & 3) we had never left out of Galveston and wanted to experience it. Well, that most likely will be our first and last. Travel is less to be desired. With both airports being at least 1 to 1 1/2 hours away, you need to be sure and arrange transportation and it could be costly (coming in the night before, our friends UBER was over $100 due to timing but using ship transfers TO the airport were less than $80 for the both of them). Galveston weather was quite chilly and wet and it seemed we had to sail a good day before we got into warm "tropical" weather. With how weird the weather has been around the country lately, that may have been a fluke. Once we got out of the Gulf, we had warm and sunny weather throughout our cruise. Coming back into the Gulf, the weather was better than when we left so we were able to enjoy the last sea day. We did come back a day early (docked at 5:00 p.m. Saturday vs 6:00 a.m. Sunday) due to a medical emergency but I didn't feel this hindered our cruise at all. We never heard the issue so we hope that everyone received the assistance they needed and are recovering. Sunday when we woke up in port, it was VERY foggy so some say this could have delayed us docking and caused quite an issue for those with early flights. The entertainment wasn't great on this ship. It seemed lacking more in quantity than quality. They shows they did have were great - it was the lack of shows and some poor timing we took a little issue with. The entertainment staff (game show, trivia hosts, etc.) were REALLY GREAT!!! We didn't care too much for the cruise director - seems a little scarce and not as entertaining/energetic as we are used to. Disappointing but by no means impeded our good time! This was the first cruise the guests could choose to be mask less (hallelujah) and the first Sexiest Man & Belly Flop competition. We are so excited to have that old cruise feeling again! Although not so excited about going back to full capacity (we got too used to those huge neighborhoods to ourselves-lol).

Embarkation

5 out of 5

We were early for our 11:00 boarding but was able to go through the initial check-in (Covid test, passport, Set Sail passes, and security). We then waited in the terminal for 15-20 mins before actual boarding. Even though we had to wait, we were still on the ship in record time. Very organized, friendly, and efficient.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

We cruised in November and the dining room menu was still offering the same options. We were able to compare and get some of the favorites we had previously but a little disappointed there weren't different items. In comparison, Liberty's food was better than Allure and Odyssey - especially the replacement Thanksgiving dinner!!

Sabor

5 out of 5

The only downfall was we could not order these margaritas without dining. Although we understand RC's intentions, we were SO glad we dined here. We have found there are only two Sabor's left on the fleet and will be sure and use this restaurant when we can. We had lunch (and margaritas) and it did not disappoint. The waiter informed us to select the main course - he would take care of the rest. He brought us all the appetizers and desserts family style so our party of four could share. Great experience and food here!!

Schooner Bar

5 out of 5

Trivia every night was packed. The entertainment staff did a great job hosting and the content was fun. Schooner bar is by far my favorite must visit on every ship.

Boleros

5 out of 5

This was located outside our dining room so was so nice to have an area to enjoy music and a glass of wine before dinner. Great entertainment here.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

We used the Cyclone & Typhoon slides as well as the Tidal Wave on a port day. We went several times with no waiting at all but did not check it out on sea days to see the busy status then. These were very fun and exciting - even for 47 year olds!

Diamond Club

5 out of 5

We are recent Diamond members so this was only our second club experience. Our first was on the Odyssey so not sure it is fair to compare ;). I enjoyed using the coffee machine in the morning as my husband enjoyed his "pre-breakfast" snacks. The location was off of Olive or Twist and had deck seating as well. Really great space.

Entertainment

2 out of 5

After 15 cruises, this had to be the most disappointing entertainment we encountered. I have to take into consideration the world - maybe there was illnesses or such - but there were few shows and the timing was horrible. We had 8:00 dinner if there WAS something scheduled, it was at 10:15. The main RC singers and dancers show, Saturday Night Fever, was either at 8 pm (dinner time) or 3:00 on the last sea day. Right in the middle of our last day seemed wasteful but mostly because it was a beautiful day we were missing out on. The cruise director, Paul, was scarce and wasn't as entertaining as we have seen in the past.

Children's Programs

No children

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Very accommodating and helpful. For the first time, we had windjammer servers asking us to return to their section for breakfast so he could serve us. He was fairly new so not as quick as others, but made sure we had our drink preferences and anything else we wanted. He seemed offended when I brought my own coffee!

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Layout is great - love the Freedom class. Liberty missed a dry dock so you can see she needs some cosmetic work but overall still a wonderful ship.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

We specifically booked this OV balcony on the spa floor after "accidently" having one on Freedom. The smell when you get into the hallway is amazing from the spa and it is an updated, larger room with TONS of storage. Highly recommend any of the balcony rooms on the floor around the spa.

Ship tip

Order a whole pizza at Sorrentos! We didn't know this was an option until this cruise and saw a lot of whole pizzas being carried out. Also, the seating on deck 5 is rarely used. It is a great escape to sit in peace to read or enjoy the views!

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Galveston, Texas

4 out of 5

First cruise for us out of Galveston. This was the second weekend of their Mardi Gras so there were lots of parades and people watching. It was a cold and dreary 45 the day before (not what we are used to out of FL ports) but was a tad warmer and sunny when shipping out. Enjoyed breakfast at Star Drug Store on 23rd street - AMAZING!!!! Great experience and even better food. Small place so get there early!

Thumbs Up 0

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5

We didn't get off the ship here back in November so did a Mexology excursion through RC. It was a great time and worth the money. The operation, Dolpinaria, also offered dolphin excursions so the scenery and views were really great.

Thumbs Up 0

Belize City, Belize Did not visit port

We did not depart the ship. It was a 20-25 minute tender ride and did not have anything planned here.

Thumbs Up 0

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

4 out of 5

Royal Caribbean excursion to private beach club. We would not re-visit. Beautiful scenery but the "all-inclusive" drinks, welcome snack, and lunch were not the best. I did enjoy the lunch with items from the land.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

I have to say I preferred the short time they offered waiting in your cabin to depart. We had the last departure time since we were having a family member pick us up. Relaxed breakfast in the Windjammer and waiting in the theater. There was a short issue with the equipment causing a small delay, but we were still off the ship by 9:15 when our original time was 8:40.

5 Comments

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