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Mediterranean Cruises LIBERTY OF THE SEAS

Ports of call: Barcelona, Provence (Toulon), Villefranche (Nice), Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Capri, Cruising, Barcelona
Sailing Date(s): 28 May 2011; 4 Jun 2011, 11 Jun 2011, 18 Jun 2011; 2 Jul 2011, 9 Jul 2011, 16 Jul 2011, 23 Jul 2011, 30 Jul 2011; 6 Aug 2011, 13 Aug 2011, 20 Aug 2011, 27 Aug 2011; 3 Sep 2011, 10 Sep 2011, 17 Sep 2011, 24 Sep 2011; 1 Oct 2011, 8 Oct 2011, 15 Oct 2011, 22 Oct 2011

Liberty of the Seas is offspring of the Freedom-class family, a litter of vessels that began with Freedom of the Seas in 2006 and ended with Independence of the Seas in 2008. The ship, the second-largest cruise ship in the world behind the Oasis-class twins, boasts all the Freedom-class favorites, including popular onshore brands like Johnny Rockets and Ben & Jerry’s, cruising’s only ice rink, a rock-climbing wall, the novel “Promenade” concept and Boleros Latin lounge.

Those acquainted with RCI’s Voyager-class ships will also feel at home on the Freedom-class trio, though the larger size of the latter has afforded the line more space to play. Freedom-class features include the FlowRider surf simulator, the H20 Zone water park and the Everlast boxing ring. But, Liberty and company’s overall concept — both in terms of design and choices — actually emerged some time ago. Introduced back in 1999, Voyager of the Seas is the ship responsible for the majority of the above-mentioned features, which are now staples of the Royal Caribbean fleet. (In fact, Johnny Rockets and Boleros have proven so successful they were added to the older Sovereign-class vessels during that class’ extensive refurbishment.)

And so, through a culmination of Voyager- and Freedom-class innovations, Royal Caribbean has introduced a ship in Liberty of the Seas that offers infinite options in the areas of fitness, recreation and entertainment. With the sheer number of options onboard (especially if the seas are calm), you may find yourself forgetting that you’re actually on a massive floating object, gliding quickly through the Caribbean Sea.

In early 2011, Liberty went under the knife for its first dry dock. During the multimillion dollar refurbishment, the ship gained several features that debuted on Oasis of the Seas, including a cupcake bakery, big-name stage show (“Saturday Night Fever” in this case), a nursery for the youngest cruisers and an outdoor movie screen. New technology knowhow is paraded in the form of interactive in-cabin televisions and the addition of digital deck plan systems, which are located throughout the ship to help passengers navigate with the use of LCD touch-screens that offer customized directions and routing, real time updates and ship factoids.

Liberty of the Seas Fellow Passengers
On a seven-night Eastern Caribbean summer departure, there were more than 1,300 children. That’s nearly one-third of the entire onboard passenger population, and families were certainly the majority of cruisers. Besides seeing one of the youngest demographics in cruising, expect to cavort with mostly North Americans and, out of Miami, a large number of bilingual Spanish- and English-speaking passengers.

Similarly, a Mediterranean cruise was also swamped with children — which was probably due to the Easter holidays. There was a wide mix of Europeans, Asians and North Americans, though I would say there were more of the latter on our trip. Again, RCI seems to attract a young crowd, with plenty of 30- and 40-somethings sans kids.

Liberty of the Seas Dress Code
Seven-night cruises have two formal nights and five casual nights. A decent number of men choose to wear tuxedos for formal dining, though dark suits were more common on our sailing. Women are typically found in cocktail dresses or gowns.

On five-night cruises, there is just one formal night. However, it is not compulsory, and many choose not to participate and dine in Windjammers or Jade to avoid the formal attire.

Liberty of the Seas Gratuity
For cruises departing before July 1, 2011, Royal Caribbean recommends $3.50 per person, per day, to the dining room waiter; $3.50 per person, per day, to the cabin steward (or $5.75 if you’re in a suite); $0.75 per person, per day, to the headwaiter; and $2 per person, per day, to the assistant waiter. This totals $9.75 for those in standard cabins and $12 for those in suites. Gratuities can be prepaid in advance (and must be if you opt for flexible dining), added to your onboard bill or paid in cash at the end of the cruise. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar tabs.

Ship Highlights

Cooking Academy Chefmakers
FlowRider ®
H2O Zone
Cantilevered whirlpools
Climbing Wall
Ice Skating Rink
Royal Promenade
Extensive WiFi capabilities and connectivity for cell phones.
Flat screen TV in each cabin
Themed bars and lounges
Adventure Ocean youth facilities ®
Spa and Gym
Everlast boxing ring full-size

Casino Royale SM
Presidential Family Suite
Sports pool
Full-size sports court
Miniature golf 9 holes
Restaurant-style 50′s Johnny Rockets ®
Portofino Italian Restaurant
Specialty Restaurant Chops Grille
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream ®
Vintages wine bar
Boleros Latin lounge
Sorrento’s Pizzeria
Vitality Wellness Program