Independence of the Seas Review

Great Western Med Cruise with just a few minor issues

Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on Independence of the Seas
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cu19821
6-10 Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Sep 2014
Cabin: Interior Stateroom

We were on the Sept 20th cruise out of Southampton to the Western Med. Overall the cruise was very very good, as the weather generally cooperated, and the ports were excellent. We were very pleased with the ship, as we had never been on an RCI Freedom class before. The sheer number of activities and facilities were amazing, and we are now a little spoiled.

First a bit about us. Two Yanks, fairly experienced cruisers and middle age. Have cruised Europe before, Bermuda, Alaska and numerous Caribbean locations. For us, a cruise is just a wonderfully relaxing and incredibly cost effective way to vacation.

So from the beginning - embarkation was very good. We arrived at Southampton coach station after a short ride from London and took a taxi with another group to the pier. Processing was very smooth even though we arrived at about 1230, which was supposed to be the peak time. We were on board within about 20 minutes. Went to the Windjammer for a quick bite, which was mobbed as expected on the first day. A little after 1:00, the announcement was made that rooms were ready and we headed down to our stateroom on deck 6. We had chosen an inside cabin because the cost at time of booking for oceanview or balcony was much much higher, and to be blunt we spend very little time in the cabin. Time for our first complaint, which I know nothing can be done about. RCI despite charging a premium compared to other "mass market" lines has some of the smallest inside cabins in the business. Ours was clean and well designed, but just too tight. We were constantly bumping into each other when getting dressed. See Carnival, Princess and Celebrity for an appropriately sized cabin. Despite that our room was fine, with comfortable beds and a very good steward. We did have a minor issue with a service aisle behind our room and there was some banging and "crashing" of service carts late in the evening, but it really didn't impact our sleep.

Cabin Review

Interior Stateroom

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