This was our third cruise (2 with RCCL 1 with Norweign). It is our opinion RCCL is far superior than Norweign thus the reason we re-booked on the Independence. Port Everglades was busy as usual and unfortunately, we were told, the computers crashed during our embankment. Took about two hours to get through. We stayed in a Family Promenade Suite (#8307). Loved the extra space and view of Promenade from room. There were 32 in our party, my family of six and we took 3 of the Promenade family suites. I think there is only 4. RCCL is known for their great food and entertainment and they didn't disappoint. We had a seating time of 6pm and our first couple nights were a little "rough" with our waiter. This was the determining factor why we choose RCCL over anything else based on our previous cruise with them. The dinner service was amazing on our previous cruise with them. Waiter had our table of 8 another table of 6 and 3. He was extremely slow and had missed three orders in first night and two the next. Normally I don't say much, very patient, but this was to the point of frustration on vacation. I waited for third dinner when I noticed a lady speaking to head waiter whom our waiter was serving her party of three. She also was irritated. I spoke with her later on to confirm our frustrations. The waiter apologized after that third night and service was better although he still managed to misplace a few orders. Food was outstanding although not as many options we had on first cruise upon Navigator of the Seas.

Pool deck is definitely kid friendly. There are only a few complaints/concerns I had. The baby splash zone is on same side as smoking is allowed. I had to ask for water to be put in the baby splash twice which also leads me to; I don't understand why babies in diapers are not allowed in the pool play area that is only sprinklers and fountains. We witnessed a few families, whose babies/toddlers were in diapers, take diapers off just so they could go in those areas. I'd rather these toddlers have an accident in swim diapers than no diaper. Lastly, with the ice cream machine on same deck we noticed with our kids particularly, if they didn't finish their cone there was no place to throw away on deck. There were receptacles for recycling paper and plastic products, but no garbage! Ice show was great, and if you have never done the "Quest" like us, you need to. Other than those few glitches everything else was amazing. We immediately booked our next cruise to the Southern Caribbean aboard the Navigator in one of the new Panoramic Family Oceanviews. Can't wait and hope there are some reviews soon on those rooms.