Independence of the Seas Review
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An 18 night cruise on a fantastic ship with all manner of innovative gizmos. Imaginative top decks, first rate fitness centre, enormous and spectacular theatre, a splendid stateroom. But....
We drove to Southampton and shambolic boarding with hundreds of people queueing on the quayside in a stiff breeze at just above freezing temperature for luggage labels which Royal Caribbean (RCI) had not sent in time. We queued for 40 minutes and got thoroughly cold. Later, others told me we were lucky - some including in their 80's and 90's , queued for two hours and more
Our general impression was of a wonderful ship with hard working and attentive staff providing wonderful service, but with queues the rule and popular participation activities hopelessly overcrowded with pushing and shoving and accusations and bad feelings and bad tempers born out of frustration badly marring the cruise experience. Several brochure promises were not met. And if I get 'thank you for your patience and understanding' ágain I shall scream.
Cabin Review
Grand Suite
Grand suite. Absolutely splended, oceans of room, extensive hanging and drawer rspace, greal balcony. Very little hallway noise came in.
For some reason which I totally fail to understand this suite was priced at very little more than a standard balcony cabin - which was why we picked it..