Independence of the Seas Review

4.5 / 5.0
1,703 reviews

Independence 5-Night Western

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Independence of the Seas
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Caribbean One
10+ Cruises • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Mar 2017

I took this 2-port, 5-Night cruise to visit Haiti and Jamaica. This was my 27th cruise and I usually cruise Solo. Unfortunately, we had a "medical emergency" which caused us to turn back and go to the Miami Port. Judging by how long we stayed at the port, this was obviously a tragic incident. What bothered me though was that RC decided to skip our first port of call and head directly to Jamaica once we set sail again. They blamed the change on the weather (high winds). I began to recent this change as I longingly looked at all the islands we passed on our way to Jamaica. RC could have given us another port stop instead of blaming the skip on the weather. If I wanted a 1-port cruise I would have booked a 3-4 night cruise for far less than what I paid for this 1-port cruise.

I checked to see when students had their spring break before booking this cruise, but totally forgot about the college students. The Independence was full of college students. They turned out to be a very well-behaved group - no problem there. BUT they took over all of the hot tubs/ whirlpools and regular cruisers couldn't get anywhere near the hot tubs during the day and some evenings. It was clear RC was not going to address that issue - think huge money made from alcoholic beverage purchases. This was the first cruise where I heard so many comments of first-time cruisers - they were not going to cruise a second time. Then there were the others who said they were not sailing with RC again. With this type of attitude I can see why the cruise prices have taken such an astronomical leap in cost. Have to make up for those who won't cruise again, and repeat business is the lifeline of the cruising industry.

I like the Independence. For the most part it is well maintained and kept clean. The crew and staff could be a bit more friendly but being short handed and harried, they do a good job. I did not eat in the MDR but took all my meals in the Windjammer Cafe. The food was much better on this ship compared to the food on Freedom of the Seas in October. The food was varied and tables were cleared as quickly as possible. Something to note here, there used to be drink choices of fruit punch, lemonade, flavored water and iced tea. The fruit drinks, like Punch, have long been gone but now RC doesn't even serve the iced tea they use to make. The choices are now lemonade and water with a sprinkling of flavored water. The brown stuff that showed up from time to time did not taste like the iced tea RC used to make and serve. Pretty soon everyone who wants a drink other than water will have to buy a beverage package.

Cabin Review

Port Reviews

Falmouth

I found prices in Falmouth have increased significantly since last year and the year before. Ground transportation now costs a fortune compared to the cost of the shore excursions purchased on board the ship that I previously took. The quality (not good) of some of the merchandise in the shops does not justify the overpricing.

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