Independence of the Seas Review
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This was the second week of our B2B cruise, and we were joined by 24 friends, including our TA. In spring '14, some old high school friends suggested that I get a "reunion" cruise together, so after some research I choose this cruise. The Independence would be big enough to deliver the WOW for those new to cruising, and some had wanted to go to Labadee after seeing my video from when I did the zip line.
We moved from an E2 last week to a Junior Suite this week, since we anticipated entertaining friends. This was our first JS, and we were very impressed with the roominess of it. Our things were moved by the previous cabin steward and were in the cabin by the time we re-boarded. Our cabin attendant, Savitri, was very friendly and attentive to our needs. She quickly provided an extension cord and distilled water for my husband's Cpap machine. When I told her that we expected to have friends join us at times, she made sure to have extra wine glasses available.
We were very excited to have so many people join us--we had always cruised alone or with our son before. I had kept everyone up-to-date with what to expect--most were first-time cruisers--and arranged a meeting place for sail away. I had made a request to the Port Everglades Webcam for a sail-away wave. Being from the Pittsburgh, PA area, we all brought our "Terrible Towels" to wave. They did catch us as we waved good-bye, and we have gone to the archives and viewed it since coming home.
Cabin Review
Junior Suite
This was our first time in a JS, and we loved it. I especially liked all of the storage space with the walk-in closet. It was so nice to have the extra room when we invited friends over. The cabin was well maintained and very clean. I liked having a bathtub in the bathroom, too.
Port Reviews
Falmouth
We walked around the port shops for a while and then stopped in to Margerittaville for a dip in the pool and a drink. The pool was crowded with children--another cruise ship with 1,000 kids was in port, too--but very little parenting.
Labadee
We rented cabana #9 on Nellie's Beach, along with two other couples from our group. This was the first time renting a cabana, and we were all very pleased with it. Our cabana attendants, Fritz and Leon were helpful and attentive. The view was amazing as we could see the ship from the cabana. We felt safe leaving our things in the cabana while we went off swimming, to eat, or to shop. Labadee is our favorite beach port in the Caribbean.
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
Ft. Lauderdale was very easy to get around. After debarkation, we took a cab to the Rodeway Inn and Suites to get a day room. Our flight wasn't until 8:20 p.m., so this gave us a relaxing place to stay until we had to be at the airport. It was a very well appointed, clean room on the bottom level which made it easy to get our luggage there--although they will store your luggage, too. They asked if we wanted a free shuttle ride to the airport, and scheduled that as we checked in. The on-site restaurant was a sports bar with very good food.