Michael Vitale

Ok Doc, here's the skinny. Verizon has a pretty good deal as it relates to Liberty, and the 3 ports we will visit. $40 buys me 100 minutes of talk time, 100 texts (incoming texts free) and a small amount of data. That works for me.

I don't really need the Internet as much as I'd like the ability to text. I will check w Verizon. I'd gladly pay .50 per text for the few each day we would send and receive. Thanx all.

Ok gang,, what is the most current info on how to stay connected ? I've never had anything other than passing interest, but my daughter is staying home alone this time and I'd like to be available to her. If I pay for the Internet, does that also mean I can text message, or is it Internet only ?? Thoughts ? I know different ships have different offerings. We will be on Liberty. Soon. 😎

Ok, they finally opened up reservations for the rest of the restaurants on Liberty for my Super Bowl Sunday cruise. 3 nights at Chops, 2 nights at Giovanni"s. Lobster Night is, of course, in the MDR, and we"re just gonna do finger food for sailing day at the Windjamaire. I originally had Chops reserved for Sunday night, but then I remembered,, THE GAME, so cancelled that one. Not a big fan of Sabor (I know Matt, I know), and I don't do sushi. 37 days out and cannot wait !!

Labor Day has become a semi-tradition for us over the last few years. Kids are back in school, prices become "off-season", and we celebrate the beginning of the NFL season by going on our late summer cruise.

You veteran cruisers have probably seen refurbs come and go. What are the chances that not everything is completely done within the dry dock time, and the first post dry dock cruise is affected by closed venues, construction materials still all over the place, etc ? Or God forbid, the first cruise is postponed ??

Ok gang, the reservation window has apparently opened for my Super Bowl Sunday cruise on Liberty. However, only Chops was listed, aside from My Time Dining in the MDR. No Izumi, no Sabor, no Giovanni's. Is this normal ? Do they unlock them sporadically or is this unusual ? I'd like to get it all done and see my multi-night and first night discount applied sooner rather than later. Thoughts ?

I will definitely be taking advantage of the book 3 nights discount, as I did last time. I have a Q about the first night discount. Do you only qualify if you book onboard that first day, or do you get it even if you book ahead, online ??

Bucket list. Someday maybe I'll be willing to pay triple the fare of a lesser priced cruise, but not quite there yet. I bet it's awesome though, with all the Christmas music and decoration.

Personally I'm less than 'wow'ed by the MDR, so I go to specially restaurants most nights. 2-3 at Chops. Another couple at Giovanni's, and a couple at the Winjamaire on those nights where we just feel like bumming it (pool attire)

Thanx Matt. That's helpful. It looks like 60 days for dining reservations. Another question. Do I lose the first night discount if I reserve now ? Is the discount just for those who buy while on board ?

Does anyone know when you can begin reserving specialty restaurants ?? I've just made final payment and it's saying "we cannot reserve at this time, book onboard". Well duh, that not "reserving". I want to reserve several nights NOW. What gives ?? Anyone ??

The idea of cigars is completely lost on me, but I would think a cigar lounge is something a ship should have if they don't already.

I've been to Bermuda 3 times, though not in many years. One unique thing that was not to be missed was renting a moped. They can be rented relatively affordably for multiple days. With no crime in Bermuda at all, folks would just leave their moped/helmet wherever and for however long and it would remain untouched til returning. Bermuda is a small island, approx 20 (?) miles or so long so it was nothing to do a beautiful ride to the end of the entire island and back. There's an old "prison" at the other end. One thing to remember, Bermuda being a British island, you need to specify COLD beer when ordering lol. I so can't wait to get back there. As I've mentioned to Matt previously, I sure wish they'd do a full 7 day cruise from Bayonne, giving you 4 full days in Bermuda. It's that beautiful. Matt is correct, Horseshoe Bay and Elbow Beach are unbelievably beautiful.

Guys, he didn't fall. He jumped as a result of a domestic dispute. Sounds like news is traveling pretty slow to the other ships.

Wow, 55 is pretty reasonable. All those Playa's seem to run 89 & up

Is Mr Sancho's a RC excursion, or is it something you book directly with them ? I don't see it in the list of RC excursions.

I fully understand the old timey tradition of dressing up on cruises, but for me, the fact that clean, pressed jeans, casual canvas shoes, and a nice sport shirt is acceptable turned me into a cruiser. I also believe that the current popularity of cruising can be at least partially due to this trend. Just my opinion.

A co worker did a WDW vacation recently and I was blown away at the costs for park tickets. I remember when my children were young the admission was more in line with the average one price amusement park. Now ??? Geez

I'll say this,, it can't be easy to seat perhaps 500 people and have every meal be fresh, tasty, and satisfying. However, for the extra few bucks, the specialty restaurants will offer a more personal touch. That's where I'll be found

I couldn't agree more regarding the MDR. We will go to lobster night, but will opt for 2-3 nights at Chops, 2-3 at Giovanni's, and the occasional quick "don't feel like getting dressed after the pool" Windjamaire night. I still fail to see the Sabor obsession so many others have. We've gone twice and I'm not impressed. I did love the spicy margarita. Was the best drink all week.

I just realized while surfing around the website how much the suites cost as opposed to what I thought. I think maybe I had seen a TOTAL cost and misunderstood it as being the PP cost. And then, after explaining it all to the Mrs, and showing her the BATHTUB, rather than that shower tube, she's all for it LOL. And as you enter more guests into the same suite, the PP cost starts to really come down. Not to mention the larger OBC's, free stuff and double points. So,, all you suite folks, tell me how great the grand suite is. Is it as great as it looks in pics ? How about the owners suite ? Big step up ??

Q: if Saturday Night Fever is the show on Liberty now, as it appears on the most recent blog entry, can I assume it will still be there in Feb ? How often do they change ? Or do they just run it forever ? Can I then assume that going back on Liberty in September I'll see the same show ?? Hopefully that will be better than the "show" they had on Navigator in September this year. Motown. Good grief, we were expecting costumes, The Supremes, Temptations, etc. What we got was ONE guy. Singing a medley of Motown hits. For 45 minutes. We kept thinking he was the opening song, and would introduce the production numbers. Nope. LOL

Q : just curious, what is generally involved in a "refurbishment" ? I know about the much publicized water slides additions, and the changeover from Portofino's to Giovanni's Table, but what else is usually included ? My assumption is that the focus is on the areas exposed to the weather ie; pool decks/railings, outdoor furniture, etc. Also bedding, draperies, carpet, and maybe some of the interior furniture. Since I've never sailed Liberty, I'll have no point of reference to use as to what's new. Anyone ?

Doc, what's "significantly cheaper" mean ? Heck, we're still blown away by what all you get for your money on RC. How much less can a similar itinerary be on Carnival ?? And more importantly, doesn't that, as I assume, tend to attract a different clientele ? Younger, more boisterous, etc ?