Independence of the Seas Review

4.5 / 5.0
1,701 reviews

Wow Wow and wow again

Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on Independence of the Seas
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Barber
10+ Cruises • Age 20s

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Sail Date: Sep 2011
Cabin: Superior Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

Have just returned from our wonderful cruise on indy. We travelled with two friends and were disappointed to find we had been placed on separate dining tables for the 8.30 dinner sitting. However we were sent to the head waiter and within a short period of time all was sorted out for our dining experience to be enjoyed at its best. We were placed on a table for eight, but the other four guests did not deem to join us very often.We opted for the gold wine package and pre paid before the cruise, this does save a lot of money(just under $100)well worth doing as the drinks are very expensive.Our state room was excellent a very quiet part of the ship almost opposite the library, convenient to the dining and every other aspect of the ship. Little things that we have experienced on other cruises were missing, we only had the towel animals in our cabin 5 nights out of 14 where as on other cuises its been every night. The bed was not turned down for us as on other cruises and the lights in the cabin not let dimmed which makes the cabin warm and welcoming, but it was one of the largest cabins we have stayed in.Although only the suites are provided with robes, your cabin attendant will get you them if asked early enough and there are spares available. The bathroom was not so big but enough room for your needs. The shower always had hot water and the towels changed at our convenience. You do need to take conditioner and body wash as these were not provided, (just complimentary bars of soap and shampoo). The entertainment was brilliant, cruise staff shows a must see, and don't miss the two spectacular ice shows on-boards. We had tickets for both weeks and chose the days we were at sea. But non of the performances clash with anything else being offered so no worries. We had been told that you must get down stairs in the queue early (6.30) as tickets go for grabs from 8am, and we were right up there at the front although not the first. But you really don't need to do this there are tickets for everyone (5 performances each week of the same show - a different show each week. BOTH SPECTACULAR

The four promenade parties are a must go to, and although it gets very packed you see everything and the atmosphere is electric. The entertainment manager JOFF was just brilliant.

We made our own arrangements for the ports of call except for Rome (we booked the private shuttle and train) and could not fault this. As you are taken from the ship to the train and then brought back the same way everyone had a seat there was little waiting and you were guaranteed getting back in time for sail away. Some guests making there own train arrangements missed sail away due to confusion at the station.In Florence we did the coach to Florence and Pisa but then you are on your own. Very good value for money. In Lisbon we had a taxi which took us into the old town (private cars, buses and coaches not permitted)it cost 30 euros each and was well worth it, our driver taking us to places we just wouldn't have had the time to see on our own and combined most of the ships offers into one. This was the first cruise ship we have been on where the swimming pool,jacuzzi putting green were open 24 hours, so if you want that late night dip under the stars go for it.Windjammer for breakfast and lunch very good choice of food and although busy we always managed to get a table for four.The room service (breakfast in bed luxury) on time, hot and just what you want. Don't be put of by the menu list. If you want something not within the tick boxes just write it on (eg.,boiled eggs, omelette)they will provide.

Cabin Review

Superior Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

Cabin D2

7660 VERY QUIET PART OF THE SHIP. CONVENIENT FOR ALL AMMENITIES, DINING ROOM, PROMENADE ETC. LARGE BALCONY. PROBABLY THE BEST POSITION SHOULD YOU SUFFER FROM MOTION SICKNESS. THE SHIP MOVES MORE THE HIGHER UP THE SHIP YOU GET.

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