We are experienced cruisers with 20 or more under our belts with a number of different lines including RCCL. Unfortunately our recent experience on the Independence was definitely not one of the better ones. Our booking was made in Florida approx 9 months ago in US$.

We found very quickly that unless you climb walls, surf, try to play golf in the wind, skate or play trivia there is very little activity during sea days that does not cost extra. The selling and drinking of alcohol seemed to be more prevalent than on any other ship we have been on.

We usually look forward to the port talks where you learn about the places of interest - not on the Independence - it is all about where and on what to spend your money. My husband calls me a shop-a-holic but even this was too much for me. This is also repeated on the cabin tv programme. Read more