Well, we just returned this morning from the Independence of the Seas 1st Caribbean voyage post European tour. The ship was beautiful as expected and the stateroom was as expected very nice. Our first issue was that the refrigerator wasn't cool and it took 4 phone calls and nagging to finally get them to bring a working fridge to our room. The ship was just in for refurbishment this year so we expected great things? Once we got a new fridge, they sent some kind of food to our room as a make up gift every day

Since this is about our 50th or so cruise, we have come to know what good, great, and exceptional are, as well as sub par. My wife and I felt that the Independence was a pretty ship with all the great amenities of most big ships. The ships personnel seemed well trained to make eye contact and always say hello. The housekeeping staff friendlier and more educated than we've ever seen and it was a pleasure interacting with them. The room was kept clean, towels replaced promptly and this made our cruise very enjoyable.

The shows I can't comment on because we have seen so many we don't bother anymore. The music was great and we would love to have had a bit more of the Caribbean flare (steel drum) music that keeps us going back to the Caribbean destinations that can all be found very similar. Read more