“On the Disney Cruise...FINAL THOUGHTS 02/13

MAGICFOR2

Condimentessa
Joined
Nov 29, 2005
Hello! Thanks for joining us on this adventure. Being an avid DISer, I don’t know how to take a big trip anymore without doing a TR here! So if you’re up for an adventure, I would like to re-live our 10/ 10/10 Western on Liberty of the Seas, where I’ll compare our experience on DCL with RCCL. Welcome Aboard!

Our Crew:
Jim, DH – Papa to our 4 grandbabies, Air Guard upper Supervisor, and badly in need of a vacation
Myself, Tammie – Gramma to the grandbabies, Arbonne Area Manager – earned this trip through Arbonne – very blessed!
We are lovers of all things Disney and are DVC owners since 2006 – we purchased on our first ever cruise – an 7-day Eastern on Disney Magic 12/05 to celebrate our 25th anniversary – yes, without kids!
We celebrated our 30th in Sept, and had booked a Hawaiin cruise this month already to celebrate, but when the opportunity to earn a cruise came up, DH said, “free is better!” So here we are!
This cruise is a 7-day Western on Liberty of the Seas, Royal’s largest ship until earlier this year when the Oasis came out. 2000 of the 3000 passengers were Arbonnites, so it was quite a celebration for us! We're sailing out of Miami, and our ports of call will be Labadee, Haiti; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel Mexico
I’ll leave you with pictures of us and the ship for now!



Ready for Sail Away!


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Docked at Labadee, Haiti

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NEXT: PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES!
 
DH and I love to cruise, I will enjoy reading your TR.

We celebrated our 5th anniversary onboard Disney's Wonder. We did a 4 day land/3 day sea vacation. We had an absolute blast!!

For our 8th anniversary, we sailed RCCL's Freedom of the Seas. Same intinary as yours. Again, another wonderful cruise!

Now we are booked this coming March to sail the Allure of the Seas. Can't wait to be sitting on the balcony watching the beautiful sunsets.
 
Lucky you! Anxious to read your trip report, read your comparison and also see more pictures!! DH and I had fun celebrating our 45th anniversary on the beautiful Liberty in 2009, however we did the Eastern itinerary. :goodvibes

Altho we didn't discover cruising till later yrs, we've done a half dozen now and absolutely love it :lovestruc!! We've done the Disney Magic C'mas cruise with all our kids and grands, also took my Mom & sis on their first cruise, the Wonder, to celebrate my Mom's 74th BD! We plan to do another next year celebrating our BD's, trying to make up our mind which itinerary?!?! :dance3:
 


DH and I love to cruise, I will enjoy reading your TR.

We celebrated our 5th anniversary onboard Disney's Wonder. We did a 4 day land/3 day sea vacation. We had an absolute blast!!

For our 8th anniversary, we sailed RCCL's Freedom of the Seas. Same intinary as yours. Again, another wonderful cruise!

Now we are booked this coming March to sail the Allure of the Seas. Can't wait to be sitting on the balcony watching the beautiful sunsets.

Welcome! :cheer2: I'm excited to sail on the Wonder this coming April! Thanks for coming along!

love to hear about it

Hi Laura! Thanks for reading, and Welcome Home!

Lucky you! Anxious to read your trip report, read your comparison and also see more pictures!! DH and I had fun celebrating our 45th anniversary on the beautiful Liberty in 2009, however we did the Eastern itinerary. :goodvibes

Altho we didn't discover cruising till later yrs, we've done a half dozen now and absolutely love it :lovestruc!! We've done the Disney Magic C'mas cruise with all our kids and grands, also took my Mom & sis on their first cruise, the Wonder, to celebrate my Mom's 74th BD! We plan to do another next year celebrating our BD's, trying to make up our mind which itinerary?!?! :dance3:

Hello! Welcome! We do feel like cruising is the best thing we've ever done! It would be great for the kids if you sailed on the Dream with the water coaster, I think!:banana: I hope you enjoy the trip with me! pirate:
 
Okay, okay.....since you pimped this out on almost every other TR thread I am reading, I figured I may as well come on over and check it out! ;) We haven't ever done a cruise, but maybe someday....... :rolleyes1

BTW, you didn't pimp it out on my PTR. Not sure it will get you any more readers, but at least I can be lazy a while longer on updates, and still get it bumped back to the top of the page! :lmao:
 


Okay, okay.....since you pimped this out on almost every other TR thread I am reading, I figured I may as well come on over and check it out! ;) We haven't ever done a cruise, but maybe someday....... :rolleyes1

BTW, you didn't pimp it out on my PTR. Not sure it will get you any more readers, but at least I can be lazy a while longer on updates, and still get it bumped back to the top of the page! :lmao:

:rotfl2:Marv, thanks for being here, you are so fun! I didn't want to intrude, since I'm a little behind, but maybe you could send some my way - I'll try to help keep the troops entertained! :lmao:

Yea!!! Tammie is back with a new TR! :cool1:

yay! Kara is here - now the party can really start! :rockband:

Yay I am here I cannot wait to see all of the pictures.:thumbsup2

Jillian!! Thanks for being here! I'm excited to have my CFWW friends here!!!:yay::yay::yay:
 
Our journey to and from this fabulous cruise became so many legs and complications, I couldn’t help but think of Steve Martin and John Candy in
Trains, Planes and Automobiles. As one of our DIS-buddies asked, there are o trains involved, but there are shuttles J

Being the internet researcher that I am, I am on every “airfare saver” email list you can think of – just sure I can somehow beat the system and find cheap airfare. My husband has now assured me there are no deals out there, and stop trying so hard! :goodvibes

So I joined the Spirit Airlines $9 fare club, because on Good Morning America, they showed that there really are $9 fares out there – I did join the club, for $49, and found $9 airfare from Las Vegas to Fort Lauderdale, and a shuttle to the Port of Miami. Sounds good, right? Well, the $9 airfare included $63 fuel charge, and the return flight was $123. So far pretty good.
Then if you wanted a seat, it was $14.99 and if you wanted exit row, (which DH needs, or at least aisle seat), it was $25. If you wanted to bring a carry on it was $10 for club members, $20 for non. If you wanted to board first, to have room for your carry on, it was $9.99. Once I had booked two tickets, along with the club membership, it was $250 plus each for our round trip tickets, and that is BEFORE the $15 per bag club price and without carry-ons or pre- boarding.

Okay, so I had tickets from LAS to FLL, and I looked at Allegiant Air from an airport 90 min away from us. Same story on upcharges with them. At this time I was extremely frustrated with the $40 flight that becomes a $150 flight, and I just bagged it and went with SWA. Closest airport with SWA from us in So. Oregon, 5 hrs away in Reno or Portland! This was another $159 each, but Free Bags! Total for flights and bags = $920+ Had I just done SWA from Reno in the first place, it would have been $670, without the extra hotel night. Lesson learned: there are no $9 or even $49 flights, and tell DH we are driving to Reno next time - not try to find another departure first ;)

So, our departure looked like this:
Oct 8th – 12pm – drive to Reno, eat and In-n-Out – (2nd try – the electricity was out at the first one we went to) – we love In-n-Out and don’t have one here.
- Stay at LaQuinta near the airport
- Oct 9th – 7am – drive to airport, drop me and the bags, Jim drove to the airbase next door and took advantage of the free parking, and took a morning run back.
- Check in with SWA – Effortless, easy, friendly – FREE BAGS!!!
- 9:05 – Take-Off


- 10:20 – Arrive in LAS – retrieve bags
- 11:00 – Spirit Air is closed for lunch – they’ll be back at 12:55 p.m.
- 1:00 – Spirit Air employees return – line moves really slowly – they seem confused about who is doing what – WILL WE GET OUR LUGGAGE????
Most passengers seem confused that they have to pay for bags, and they won’t take credit cards, only cash, I think. Anyway each one is given a lecture about how it is $5 cheaper per bag to pay in advanced online.
- 1:30 – Finally checked in, head upstairs for lunch at Chili’s. Delicious soup and sandwich combo!
- 3:00 – Flight to FLL!
- 10:40 pm ET – arrive in FLL – call Marriott for shuttle – friendly driver
- 11:30 pm – check in at Marriott – Surly front desk –extremely slow check-in process – beautiful room with comfortable double beds - purchase 2 frozen hot pockets and 2 beers for $18 – and off to bed!

OCT 10th – Sail away day!!!!
11am – SAS friendly shuttlre driver calls to say he’ll be there at 11:20. He was right on time! We met Linea from Calif. and her family on the shuttle, and we immediately started “talking business” as us Arbonnites are likely to do!
11:45 – Arrive at port – Our First View of the Huge, beautiful Liberty of the Seas:
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This picture was actually taken in Cozumel - we were too close at the port to get a good one !

[FONT=&quot]***On the Disney Ship*** The check-in process for us seemed a little confusing. We got off the Disney bus and weren’t sure where to go. Someone pointed us to a door where a man grabbed our bags, and we rode up an escalator, where we joined an extrememly slow line. You were given [/FONT]a boarding number and everyone was milling around with not enough seats until that number was called. Here I will give RCCL kudos. The check in process was very organized and not frustrating at all. A porter met us at the shuttle, explained where to go and what would happen to our bags, and of course that a tip would be appreciated. We went in the door and showed our ticket and passport to an agent at the door, and then to a federal agent further along in the hallway. We made it in to the check in, which had a clearly marked line for each deck, and lots of agents walking through the lines to answer questions and fill out health forms. Our wait was only about 10min. Once we made it to the check –in counter, it took only about 5 min to change our credit card of choice and get our picture taken and to be issued our Sea Pass, which was our entry card, key card, and charge card for the cruise!
- We then took an escalator up to a gangplank, which takes you to the outside deck 4. You have your Sea Pass scanned, and then you stop and get your sail away picture taken, and your in!!!! :yay: Our first impression of the ship was beautiful and SMOKEY! L More on that later – but here are some pictures we took while walking around:

Ready to Relax!

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Stateroom 8558
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On the Disney ship, or door has a cute little Fish just right for a FE!

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I had ordered a cheese and fruit tray with a bottle of wine. It was there waiting for us, complete with plates and silverware, glasses and a corkscrew! The wine was a Solaire from Mondavi - a very nice Cab!

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On the Disney Ship, the couch and desk are next to the balcony. On Liberty, I loved having a King-sized bed right next to the balcony. You could lay in bed and watch arrival or nap in the afternoon during sail away and watch the island or the sea go by!!!:thumbsup2

Looking down on the Royal Promenade, which spans Decks 5 - 8. Note the windows along the sides - these are inside staterooms with a window seat so you can view the promenade and watch parades and entertainment from there. The Promenade is full of shops and restaurants, some of which are included with the cruise.

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Solarium (adult) Pool:

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Family Pool:
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Caribbean Pool Band:

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H2O Zone:
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My first relaxing feet pic - sail away Mai Tai in hand:
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NEXT: GOOD-BYE MIAMI – HELLO UMBRELLA DRINK!




P.S. We did get our luggage! The exit row on Spirit is extremely roomy! You could pay for "BIG Seats" for $75, but these were great! It was a little dirty, and the crew does nothing for you without a fee. They spend alot of time trying to sell drinks and snacks, and get you to sign up for their credit card - it was annoying, but we could really stretch out, so it was worth it.
 
Oh the good 'le days without the kids! When we could cruise and I wouldn't freak out that they were going to fall over the edge! Looks like y ou had a wonderful time. My parents are actually on the Splender of the Sea or something like that out in the Mediterranean crusie. The boat is HUGE!!
 
I am enjoying reading your report very much. We are deciding between the different cruise lines which cruise to take. Their is a big price difference between RRC and Disney, I am trying to decide if it is worth it, what do you think
 
Oh the good 'le days without the kids! When we could cruise and I wouldn't freak out that they were going to fall over the edge! Looks like y ou had a wonderful time. My parents are actually on the Splender of the Sea or something like that out in the Mediterranean crusie. The boat is HUGE!!

Tina! Glad to have you here! :cool1: I hope your parents have a great time! No children were harmed in the sailing of this ship, or any Disney ship, either! :rotfl2: I can see where having a balcony would make you nervous, but all the rails are about armpit high on me and I'm 5'6". With a little supervision, they will be fine! They would have to be climbing monkeys to fall in!:goodvibes

I am enjoying reading your report very much. We are deciding between the different cruise lines which cruise to take. Their is a big price difference between RRC and Disney, I am trying to decide if it is worth it, what do you think

Thank you and Welcome! :cheer2: I have told a few people that our cruise was a gift, and it was wonderful, but if paying for a cruise, I would go with Disney. There are so many nickel and dime stuff on Liberty and so much more free on Disney, I think Disney is still a better value. That being said,
Liberty has a casino and more adult type shows. The flow rider and rock climbing wall were great attractions for the "young ones" and the cantalevered hot tubs were great. I'll get more specific in my TR. I will be happy to answer any questions I can, though! Thanks for sailing with me!pirate:
 
I"m here, Tammie!!! Might take me a day or so, to really read deeply, but making sure I'm signed in, is the first important step in not missing anything. :goodvibes
 
I"m here, Tammie!!! Might take me a day or so, to really read deeply, but making sure I'm signed in, is the first important step in not missing anything. :goodvibes

Hi Leisa! Thanks for checking in! I'm afraid I'm not as creative as you but I hope you'll enjoy the ride!
 
Tammie

I too, am an avid internet researcher. I am always looking for the best bang for the buck!

For our upcoming cruise we are going with SWA. I like the no bag fees, and, we will be leaving from BWI. My DD's boyfriend lives about 10 minutes from there, so he will drop us off and pick us up. Saves on parking! Yes, I am a penny pincher;)!

We ended up paying $602 for 2 RT tickets, that was after all the fees and taxes. The husband of the other couple that is going with us thought that was a little high. Well, checking airfare now, the same flight is just over $1000:eek:! So, I really don't think we did that bad.

Enjoying your TR, keep it coming!
 
Our journey to and from this fabulous cruise became so many legs and complications, I couldn’t help but think of Steve Martin and John Candy in
Trains, Planes and Automobiles. As one of our DIS-buddies asked, there are o trains involved, but there are shuttles J
Planes, Trains and Automobiles??? I hope there's a ship in there somewhere or this is going to be a boring cruise TR!!! :confused3
Lesson learned: there are no $9 or even $49 flights, and tell DH we are driving to Reno next time - not try to find another departure first ;)
Crazy the way they entice you with that low initial price and then have figured out about a 100 ways to "add-on." I tried this once with Allegiant and pretty much just gave up. It is insane!:sad2:
11:45 – Arrive at port – Our First View of the Huge, beautiful Liberty of the Seas:
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Ah, okay, there IS a ship!!! :woohoo:
[FONT=&quot]***On the Disney Ship*** The check-in process for us seemed a little confusing. We got off the Disney bus and weren’t sure where to go. Someone pointed us to a door where a man grabbed our bags, and we rode up an escalator, where we joined an extrememly slow line. You were given [/FONT]a boarding number and everyone was milling around with not enough seats until that number was called.
Wow, that sounds very disorganized. :eek: I expect more from Disney!:confused:
Ready to Relax!

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READY to relax??? Looks like you're already there!!! :rotfl2:
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On the Disney Ship, the couch and desk are next to the balcony. On Liberty, I loved having a King-sized bed right next to the balcony. You could lay in bed and watch arrival or nap in the afternoon during sail away and watch the island or the sea go by!!!:thumbsup2
Nice, I like it!!! :thumbsup2
Looking down on the Royal Promenade, which spans Decks 5 - 8. Note the windows along the sides - these are inside staterooms with a window seat so you can view the promenade and watch parades and entertainment from there. The Promenade is full of shops and restaurants, some of which are included with the cruise.

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I guess if you can't watch the ocean and islands go by, they have to give you something to look at. :banana: for people watching!
Solarium (adult) Pool:

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I'm assuming this is where you can find the adult :drinking1 :yay:
My first relaxing feet pic - sail away Mai Tai in hand:
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I guess I could cheer for the feet, but you might think I'm a perv......(and I should at least wait until later for you to discover that interesting fact....:rolleyes1) so I'll just say Where's the picture of the Mai Tai, you tease??? :confused3

Actually, great pic! I feel more relaxed already!!! :rotfl: So cool you got right into the lifestyle!!! :cool2:
 
:flower3:Hey Tammie!

Finally made it! Aren't the relaxing feet pictures a must do? LOL. I even have little bit into it now! Can't wait to hear all about it! :goodvibes
 
I need a relaxing cruise right now......subbing to live vicariously through yours!
 
I just bagged it and went with SWA. Check in with SWA – Effortless, easy, friendly – FREE BAGS!!!

Having tried half dozen airlines, SW has never let us down, not only the best price, but gotta love the free baggage and window seat. :goodvibes
Our summer trip on another airline charges over $100.x for baggage!!!



11am – SAS friendly shuttle driver calls to say he’ll be there at 11:20. He was right on time!

We have used and highly recommended SAS to others several times. The owner Steve is very nice and very dependable. Upon return he's calling you and letting you know where to meet him. Not to mention can't beat his price ~ least expensive out there!! :thumbsup2



On the Disney Ship, the couch and desk are next to the balcony. On Liberty, I loved having a King-sized bed right next to the balcony. You could lay in bed and watch arrival or nap in the afternoon during sail away and watch the island or the sea go by!!!

Yes, love RCCL layout and access to balcony much better than Disney :thumbsup2!! We had cabin #7358 which has same layout as yours. Also love the comfy king bed with the rounded foot edge and no bumping of legs ;)!! Really enjoyed sitting on the balcony watching the peaceful aqua blue ocean while rejuvenating the soul. Some days we ordered in and ate breakfast out there :lovestruc. Altho like the round curvature and sliding door of RCCL showers, I'll have to give Disney for their split bathrooms!! :)

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Solarium (adult) Pool

DH and I really enjoyed the tranquility of adult area also, including sitting in their cozy swings!! :lovestruc

BTW ~ did you get a chance to try the catilevered hot tub? Now that's quite the adventure and view to behold from so far up!! :woohoo:


My first relaxing feet pic - sail away Mai Tai in hand:


Ditto! No other feeling in the world quite like sail away while sipping on your colorful tropical drink! :wizard:
I have to chuckle, as I have a relaxing feet pix too ~ from the comfy hammock of RCCL’s private island Labadee!! :rotfl2:

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