We have just returned from our first Canary Island Cruise on the Independence of the Seas and to say I was a little nervous having read a couple of negative reviews I can honestly say that the negativity does not seem to be warranted. This was our first cruise and the experience has been truly wonderful.
On arrival at Southampton we were greeted by the largest ship I have ever seen and hard to imagine what it was going to be like. We arrived around 12pm in readiness for our departure at 4.30pm. We made our way to the Windjammer restaurant which became our choice restaurant for lunch. The food options were plentiful and all the food is fresh. The soft drinks were great too, with homemade lemonade, mixed fruit punch and the usual tea, coffee and water, plenty of it and always available.
Our stateroom which was on Deck 7 was very clean and our attendant Dumitru was a real sweety who was so pleasant and courteous and always asked if everything was ok and if we needed anything. The animal creations made with towels were a highlight most evenings on returning to our cabin and were in the form of elephants, penguins, monkeys etc. Very unusual. The only thing I would say is that when I cruise again I would definitely go for the port hole or balcony option purely for the light first thing in the morning as the cabin is very dark and you are not aware of the time. Other than that no complaints on comfort.