For our eleventh cruise with R.C.C.L. we decided to explore the Canary Isles, including ports in Spain and Portugal .We flew Air Canada Kelowna to Vancouver B.C. then direct to Heathrow U.K. (albeit a night flight). By previously arranging for a limousine from the Airport to Southampton to our surprise the flight was on time and our driver was at the departure gate holding up our name card, who then whisked us on a leisurely ride to the Holiday Inn Hotel . Our room had an outstanding view of ships docking at the port.

Within Royal Caribbean's spectacular fleet the Independence of the Seas excels in comfort and design. The crew and Executive officers certainly compliment the vessel. No detail is overlooked to satisfy the guests however small. Cudos went to the young lady in housekeeping who took the time to" iron out" the quirks for a novice to "get on line" in the computer room. An additional merit went to the Cabin Steward in Deck 3 who dumped out his vacuum bag at the end of the day to search and retrieve a lost diamond earing. A particular commendable quality went also to our dining room waiters at the Main seating who seemed to have insight into our cuisine desires without looking at the menu. All parties received additional gratuities for their extra effort..Additionally a word of praise also goes out to the new Hotel Director who managed on the 3rd day to place a jar of Chutney on the condiment table to accompany the many delectable curry dishes presented in the Windjammer buffet.Our stateroom was really centralized especially for the entrance to the dining room and convenient also to the elevators.The cabin had recently been added to the deck plan when the ship underwent renovation..

The Guest service staff were very attentive and informative .....even crediting for a problem experienced in" logging on" to the computer room. Read more