Independence of the Seas Review
RCCL Independence of the Seas; 8 Day Cruise
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Additional details
This was our 10th cruise; 9 with RCCL (1 with Celebrity). The ship is big, and it is beautiful. We have been on the smaller ships which were o'k, but we liked the bigger ships better. We were on the sister ship Liberty a few years ago which was wonderful.
We arrived in Fort Lauderdale the day prior to the cruise and stayed at a Quality Inn, Stirling Road. Nice hotel; pick up from the airport was included. We did sign up for transfer to the cruise ship the next day, but it was chaos in the morning with many of the guests going on other cruise ships. We opted for a taxi which cost us with tip only $15.00. Well worth it, and they took us right to the ship.
RCCL has implemented suggested boarding times to the ship. While ours indicated 2:30, we had to be checked out of our hotel by 11 and our cab dropped us off by 10:30. There was an unfortunate glitch with RCCL computers when we arrived which was bad for those that had to do check in's the old fashion way; but they were courteous and prompt which got us on board the ship by 11:15.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony
Cabin was wonderful! I don't know how they make their sheets so soft, but they are heavenly. The bed was comfortable too! Lots of closet room; we always pack a few extra hangers with us as we bring lots of clothes. While not as spacious as a Suite, the room was fine for 2 people. We had a balcony which was center on the hump. Loved, loved, loved the view. We drank our wine on the balcony, and watched the stars at night.
Port Reviews
St. Maarten
Took a cab to the downtown area; cost is $3.00 and it took you to the shopping area along with the beach. The cost to get back was another $3.00; well worth it.
Labadee
This is a wonderful place to experience; very lush and tropical. There are paved walkways all around the island. You can zip line if you want, or take part of other activities or none at all. We opted for a cold drink and a beach chair.
San Juan
We've been to San Juan before. Although we had no intention of getting off the ship, we did to use the internet at a Starbucks which is about 2 blocks from the ship. For the price of a coffee you had 3 hours of internet; price on the ship was $30 for 24 hours (a little expensive). San Juan is a wonderful place to go and sight see if you've never seen it before.