I am a 50+ multi-lingual experienced traveler. I have just completed my first cruise ever on Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas. The ship is huge and beautiful and decorated nicely for the holidays. Our Junior Suite 1370 was very spacious with lots of storage and a balcony big enough for 4 people to sit comfortably. Embarking was very easy – less than 15 minutes from taxi to onboard!! We went to the Windjammer as suggested and had some cocktails while overlooking Ft. Lauderdale. I had bought the beer and wine package, my husband had the ultimate beverage package. I was surprised to discover not all wines were included. I was also surprised that I could order multiple glasses of wine but could not get a whole bottle unless I paid for it! Silly. Every time we ordered a drink that was not covered, we had to sign for it. It already included an 18% gratuity, but there was a line if you wanted to add extra. I would have preferred a more expensive wine package that included ALL wines and did not request me to sign each time.
Anytime dining does not mean that. You need to make reservations for the same “anytime” for the rest of the cruise. The Main Dining Room was beautiful but the food was less than average. Windjammer Buffet and Jade were surprisingly good. We preferred to get our dinner in the Windjammer and take it to our cabin and eat on our balcony. Windjammer was so busy and noisy it was not a restful place to dine. The Main Dining Room was elegant and quiet, but the food was only average. Chops which cost $40pp extra was absolutely delicious, but again we had to pay extra for the wine we chose that evening. Room Service was unorganized.
Since the ship is so huge there were lines for everything but they moved fairly quickly. On “At Sea” days the pools were packed and the thumping dance music never stopped. Between Christmas Carols throughout the ship and the dance music my head was spinning. The Library was quiet but did not have an outside view. I expected to feel the rolling of the ship but I was surprised by the chug chug chug vibration I felt. It took about 24 hours to get used to.
Excellent size, good location on deck 10, excellent service.