After 15 cruises of various cruise lines including 4 previously on RCL I found the 14th March 2015 sailing on the Independence Of The Seas to be way below expectations in several areas. However the short comings did not curtail having a great family vacation.

My wife and I traveled with our two sons, daughter in law and 11 month old granddaughter. One son used Choice Air traveling from Wichita, KS, flying into Fort Lauderdale the night before the cruise. Second son, my wife and I drove to Fort Lauderdale from Orlando. We coordinated and arrived at the pier around 11:00, we all had JR. Suites (upgrade courtesy of RCL) and swiftly went through the embarkation process. We decided to hang out by the pool until the rooms opened up at 1:00 which was fine. Only negative on embarkation is the ship left from pier 29 and the closest parking is the mid port parking garage which was not very convenient.

Our staterooms were on deck 10, 1356, 1360, and 1364, three adjoining Jr. Suites. We found the rooms to be spacious, clean and well appointed. I asked to have the balconies opened between the rooms which was accomplished but not until day two and asking several times. My room steward Herbert was very helpful and friendly throughout the cruise. I had several prolonged and interesting discussions with him. The room steward for the other two rooms was Naida who was also excellent and very helpful with the 11 month old. Only accolades for staterooms and room stewards. Read more