Independence of the Seas Review

Stop the boat, I want to get off....

Review for Canary Islands Cruise on Independence of the Seas

Rating by category

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

Additional details

Sail Date: Mar 2010
Cabin: Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

First, the good points.A nice cabin, plenty of space and balcony. A lovely bed. Very quiet.Great staff, hardworking and friendly (apart from guest services below)Some good entertainment - ice show, super violinist Joana Fuczik, Kory Simon in the piano bar, Hilary O'Neill. And no more than we wanted.Enjoyed food in windjammer, and plenty of good coffee. We have previously found dinner in the dining room excessively fussy and drawn out.Now the badToo little port time, and no useful information on ports. No good reason for this, especially as we crawled back to SouthamptonOutrageous markups on drinks - not a huge problem as we were trying to drink less. Still, this and the tips regime an example of stealth pricing. Probably a culture clash between customers who feel they've paid for a holiday, and a company that sees this cost as a downpayment.Hygiene regime following Norovirus outbreak caused dermatitis to me (first time ever!) and an allergic reaction to wife. Not consistently enforced either, especially with big blokes and children. Very callous and indifferent attitude from guest services, and those who used the medical facilities felt overcharged. Wife pointed out that the problem was RCI's fault, and happens to be a professional infection control scientist - was not charged.No decent swimming pool - too many splash poolsHuge queues on embarkation, and not just caused by the norovirus - regularly loading 4000 passengers in 2 hours is worse than most airports.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

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.