This was cruise number 5 with RCI and they seem to provide what we are looking for. Great itinerary (Gibraltar, Cartegena, Barcelona, Palma, Cadiz, Lisbon and Vigo) on an excellent ship.

Embarkation at Southampton is as stress free as it comes. We parked up at 11:00am and was on the boat by 11:15am, so much easier than an airport.

The Independence didn't disappoint, we had previously cruised on her two sister ships, Liberty and Freedom, so we knew what to expect. The ship was full and there were times when the windjammer is packed, but there are other options. There is plenty of things to do during the day although when the weather is not great, on the days sailing through the Bay Of Biscay, then it does get a little busy inside and people are less inclined to leave the windjammer and allow other people to sit down. The promenade can vary between being very quiet on a port day to a great entertainment area when the ships entertainment team do a themed night - the 70s night is always good. The entertainment team led by Joff were excellent. Read more