Our first cruise, a belated 25th Wedding Anniversary present to ourselves. Booked back in June 2007 before the ship was launched, via Reader Offers. Went to see Independence on her christening at Southampton, breath taken away by the sheer size and presence.

Much has been written already about the ship - it IS fantastic so here goes with some 'supporting' info.....

BOOKING/GRATUITIES Had been mailed updates via Reader Offers and what came across was the topic of (and pressure) paying advance gratuities to staff on board. One of the last mailings offered a special flexible dining package (we were on a set 8.30pm)whereby you could dine at any time provided that you paid your gratuities in advance.....I called Reader Offers and said about the focus on paying gratuities up front and is was not 'British' to do so, we like to pay upon good service after the event not before, I was met with indifference and that they 'couldn't comment' I moved onto the flexible dining package saying that the offer was only open to pre payers and therefore we felt disadvantaged and discriminated against if we did not pay in advance and could not enjoy flexible dining. They disagreed in an offhand way so in all Reader Offers you weren't much help nor were very customer focused or friendly! Advance gratuities is the subject of much debate - check out the websites, as some cruise lines try it and others don't. Pay the staff the right amount and you wouldn't have to screams in my ears! We paid our gratuities in cash on the last night, apparently if you do pre pay, you are delivered envelopes and vouchers to the value of the suggested amounts which you can give out, those who receive will have that amount in the pay packet at month end. Call me cynical but I bet they don't get the full amount, there's no doubt an admin fee docked off... Read more