I had previously posted that as a Celebrity loyalist I would be trying out Royal Caribbean for only the second time in my cruising experience (20 cruises) by spending the half-term school holidays on the Independence of the Seas. I had asked for luck with this venture and quite a few, very nice posters, assured me that I would be fine. They were, to a certain extent, right but my husband and I won't be rushing back anytime soon unless, of course, we have the grandchildren with us.

This was mine and my husband's first time cruising with my son, his wife and two of my grandchildren (aged 11 and 8). This ship is definitely a family orientated ship and we enjoyed many 'family' moments both onboard and ashore.

With Celebrity Elite equalling Diamond on RC we very easily checked-in, slipped through the crowds and went straight onto the ship. This took less than 30 mins. I don't know how long it would have been had we not been diamond, they were handing out #21 and calling #5 when we boarded at 12.15 p.m. We did bring on a bottle of champagne, which was not taken from us at boarding and we had this at sailaway. I have since heard that RCCL are now allowing 2 x bottles of wine to be brought on per cabin at embarkation. Have no idea what made them change this rule but this is now the same as Celebrity. Read more