Liberty of the Seas Review + Cruise News [Podcast]

Doug Parker and Richard Simms discuss cruise industry updates, including a minor fire on the world’s largest cruise ship, Carnival Corporation’s financial success of $92M profit, heat warnings for Greece, and Seattle’s 2027 shore power mandate, and Princess Cruises’ loyalty points promotion.

Kurt shares his experience on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, detailing the ship’s layout, dining options, entertainment, and ports of call like Bermuda, Saint Martin, San Juan, and Puerto Plata. Kurt’s feedback highlights positive aspects and areas for improvement on the cruise.

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Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or where you listen to your favorite podcast.

Timestamps:

• The fire on the Icon of the Seas (00:00:36): Discuss a small fire on the Icon of the Seas cruise ship, the response, and the impact on passengers.
• Carnival Corporation’s financial report (00:02:26): Overview of Carnival Corporation’s latest quarterly report and financial performance, including high occupancy and onboard spending.
• Extreme heat warnings in Greece (00:06:24): Cruise passengers in Greece received warnings due to record-breaking temperatures and resulting fatalities.
• Port of Seattle’s shore power mandate (00:07:59): Mandate for cruise ships to switch to shore power by 2027 at the Port of Seattle, and its environmental significance.
• Princess Cruise Line’s loyalty points offer (00:09:29): Details of Princess Cruise Line’s limited-time offer to double loyalty points for certain cruise packages, with additional points for booking a suite.
• Review of Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas (00:14:17): A guest’s experience on a nine-night Caribbean voyage on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, including embarkation and first impressions.
• The layout of the ship (00:16:52): Comparison of ship layout and expectations, minor differences noted.
• Promenade and stateroom (00:17:25): Comparison of promenade offerings and stateroom experience, including unexpected changes.
• Dining experiences (00:20:52): Review of food quality and variety in Windjammer and the main dining room.
• Entertainment on board (00:24:13): An overview of production shows, an aerialist group, a hypnotist, and an Elton John tribute act.
• Ports of call (00:28:28): Discuss activities and experiences in Bermuda, including shopping and exploring.
• Saint Martin port (00:30:54): Description of activities in Saint Martin, including visiting a duty-free shop and enjoying the seaside.
• San Juan port (00:32:22): Exploration of the local bakery, Isla Verde Beach, and the old town area of San Juan.
• Porta Plata port (00:34:21): Overview of the day in the Dominican Republic, including visiting a grocery store and the old town area.
• The developed port areas (00:34:29): Discussion about the developed port area, the free pool, and the lazy river as a replacement for the original port due to troubles in Haiti.
• Debacle at disembarkation (00:35:08): Description of the slow disembarkation process and the unusual delay due to a gangway issue.
• Tips for sailing and room issues (00:36:19): Advice on checking the room thoroughly and dealing with room maintenance issues, along with a tip for getting a specialty lunch instead of fighting through the buffet.
• Final thoughts on Liberty of the Seas (00:37:50): Overall impressions of the ship, comparison to other vessels, and unique features such as the big slide.