Being our first Diamond Member cruise we were looking forward to what the upgraded status had to offer and we were not disappointed.
We stayed pre-cruise at the Dania Beach Sleep Inn which we have used a number of times. We always come in a day or two early in case the weather is bad and stay a few days after so we aren't rushed to get a flight and to linger a few days longer in the Florida sunshine before heading north. The staff at the Sleep Inn are always friendly and the rooms well kept. They added a port transfer charge this year which was a bit of a surprise but the airport p/u and drop-off is still complimentary.
We tend to arrive at the port mid-morning and boarding the Independence of the Seas was efficient as usual. The terminal the IOS docks at is under construction and a bit congested, so arrive early to avoid the rush. Once on board we checked our seating assignments (we still prefer traditional late seating as we have heard numerous complaints with 'my time' dining). Traditional seating also gives you a chance to get to know a few of the staff a little better which always helps when looking for advice on different venues. The fact they will be anticipating a tip from YOU rather than drawing from a pool often results in better service. Although the IOS has other dining options, we prefer the Dining Room as as the quality of the food is pretty consistent...don't be afraid to send something back if it is not to your liking. We did find some of the Dining Room staff a little green which was a bit of annoyance but I suppose they have to learn somewhere. As for the Head Waiter we had...he never came around once, not even to introduce himself or lend a hand to the often overworked waiters! They have obviously cut back on Dining Room staff as they tend more tables than they use. We have always pre-paid our gratuities but this time we gave cash to those in the Dining Room who actually 'earned' it rather than those who 'expected' it. Our biggest complaint is they always seem to run out of the same selections of wine and then try and pass off a lesser priced one as a substitute. A ship on a 7 or 8 day cruise should not run out of selected wines.
Promenade window seals seem to be going. Should consider single plate tempered glass.