Independence of the Seas Review

Pleasantly surprised with a few exceptions

Review for the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Independence of the Seas
User Avatar
jaguar306
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Jun 2009
Cabin: Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

Having never cruised before we had no idea what to expect but hope this prooves useful? Travel agent was Thompson and we had a problem when they didnt book our parking at Southampton, then tried to give us a transfer type of parking as it was cheaper for them then ABP at the docks. On complaining it was changed but it shouldnt have occured in the first place. On arriving at Southampton we tried to check in our baggage but had our suit & dress carriers refused by the porters, this was not mentioned by RCI in their literature at any stage. This was a major issue as we each had a carry on bag as advised by RCI and then also had to carry on three suit carriers as well, they were not light as we had used them for suites, dresses and shirts to avoid creasing in the suitcases. The porters said they wouldnt take them as something might fall out? and they didnt want to be responsible! We then entered the terminal to then be given health forms to fill in (Swine Flue) I guess. Whilst I commend RCI on doing this, they did not have sufficent tables etc to fill these out so you had to wait for one or try and rest on something. Now loaded with baggage we had to put everything down first and we were getting hot and bothered. Swine flue is not new so perhaps this health form could have been supplied with the ticket? We had expected to breeze in and show our sail pass, passports etc and then board.Queuing for security and registration to get your seapass card wouldnt have been a problem except we had extra luggage to carry now. Once processed we got on board and through the facial recognition system and went to our cabin. The cabin was lovely with a balcony larger than expected with two chairs and small table. Only complaint about that was it would have been nice to have a higher table as we had envisaged having an occasional romantic meal on the balcony, it was not possible due to this though. The only other moan was that any motion of the boat made doors squeek and creek which when we crossed the bumpy bay of Biscay proved a real pain when your trying to sleep. Room service was good though when I booked it for 7am I would always get a phonecall at 6.20 to tell me it was on its way. The water in the taps although drinkable is not cold and tastes chlorinated, this may be to encourage you to use the Evian bottled water in the minibar at $4.55 for 500ml. We thought the price of water was extortionate on board. Our cabin steward was excellent and would clean our cabin twice a day, we gave him extra for his good work on top of the pre paid gratuity. Food was a high quality and we always enjoyed our meals however do not expect vegetables of any quantity, I dare say we could have asked for more though as every other request was fulfilled. Dissapointingly dispite the menu stating the Chef used the quality ingredients, I discovered that they used IMITATION crab meat in the sushi. I confronted the head waiter and he told me this was the case and that the chef had stated the "crab meat" patties were delivered on board and that he did not make them. I find that unnaceptable that its clearly advertised as containing pieces of "meaty crab" and as such breeches trades description regulations. However the rest of the food was very good and Potifinos speciality dinning resteraunt was supurb with personal attention of the highest order and mouth watering food. There is a $20 per person extra charge but it is worth it. The wines in the main dinning room was very good but didnt like Windjammers single choice in either red or white. The Windjammer provided consistant and constant high quality food of a huge variety, it is however difficult at times to get a table. Everyone on my table of six hated the coffee and never had another one in any resteraunt after the first day, it was always bitter and often tasted burnt. Even my Wife had tea instead which is not something she would normally drink. You can make your own coffee in the snack bars on the Royal promenade and its drinkable if you swamp it with milk. Our table waiter and assistant waiter although friendly, polite and helpful, did in the opinion of most of us fall below our expectations. We would have missing cutlery and glasses not been used were left on the table leaving it cluttered. On occasions people were given the wrong meals although that was infrequent.The interactive TV was excellent and you can check your seapass spending account at any time. Good variety of TV programs and films. The entertainment on board was fantastic and we cannot emphasise that enough. Graham Seymour the cruise entertainments manager was brilliant! The shows were west end standard in our opinion. Get there early to get a seat though. Rock the Boat are a brilliant band and very versatile, just get in the pyramid lounge early enough to get a seat as its always an issue and we rarely managed to get a table which was dissapointing. All the other bars had quality entertainers which created suitable ambiance for the type of lounge you were in.We were surprised that a cruise costing many thousands of pounds and a ship of such quality that RCI peddled such cheap tat on the Royal promenade. It seems out of place when you compare the standard of everything else. Also it seemed a very much American affair on board, targeted at the American guest. Nothing against our freinds from the USA but we are different and have different likes and tastes. This was also the opinion of many British people on board. Yes we are a reserved bunch I know.All in all it was a fantastic experiance and we will cruise again although I will try a different cruise line so I can make an honest comparison.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

Cabin E2

Excellent cabin although although doors and panels squeeked in rough seas.Beds are the finest I have ever slept on and I have never slept so long or so well, can you get them for home use? You can hear the toilet in the cabin next door being flushed which I did not expect. The shower with excellent also.

previous reviewnext review

Find an Independence of the Seas Cruise from $236

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.