We have just retutned from an eleven day cruise to the Canary Islands, stopping at Madeira on the way there and Lisbon and Vigo on the way back. We sailed for the first time In May, and not knowing then what to expect, we thoroughly enjoyed that experience, so much so, we had to go back. Independence of the Seas is a lovely ship, and the staff were very welcoming once again. We even had the same waiters in My time, and the boys in the bars remembered how to mix my favourite cocktail which was delicious! The first time we sailed we had a junior suite, which was lovely, and the cabin staff, very attentive, but this time we had a Grand suite, and this was exceptional. From the service of the cabin, to the Consierge facilites, reserved seating areas. The cabin was very spacious, and enhanced by having the robes and slippers, along with treats every few days. Lovely!.

We were not too impressed with the Canary Islands, but I think, as the weather was not as good as we had expected, it just made for a less enjoyable visit, for us, but perhaps not for others.

As we sailed from Southampton, the weather was not very good, and we had terrible weather through the Bay of Biscay, the motion from the ocean Captain Remo said was the roughest they had had all year, and we had wind gales of 150miles plus, and a force 9-10. A lot of people were staying in cabins pver the first few days, and the ship was a little quiet, but once we were in calmer waters it was lovely and the sun came out. Read more