The wind howled and the seas were rough. Although it was great to get away from snow and cold, the weather for the cruise was cooler and windier than I ever remember a Western Caribbean cruise being. It was with great expectations we went on the Independence of the Seas, the largest cruise ship second only to the QE2. The ship offered the flow rider, rock climbing wall and miniature golf, but for the most part the weather prohibited use of the attractions. The activities were primarily focused outside and there did not seem to be a plan B for bad weather. The ice show was exceptional but the other entertainment was just OK. The accommodations (we had a suite) were great but the individual attention we have grown to expect on Royal Caribbean was missing. WE hardly ever saw our cabin attendant. The food was good but not great. It was warm, not hot, when we received it the portions have shrunk (not that this is a bad thing). The midnight formal buffet has disappeared as a cost cutting action. The food had a strong emphasis on curry and middle eastern spices, which no one at our table liked. We were able to find food that was more main stream to meet the needs of our fellow travelers. The dining room staff were efficient but again the individual attention and frivolity that has been present on other cruises was missing. The three deck dining room make it difficult to see the show that the wait staff put on which was unfortunate because they only sang a few songs, without the dancing and costumtry of days gone by. I am hoping that this experience is because the ship is relatively new and staff are still becoming accustomed to the ship and each other. If this is the new Royal Caribbean way of doing business, I am disappointed and may need to explore other lines.