We have been sailing Royal Caribbean for many years. Our last cruise was on Vision of the Seas and we had a very poor experience. We decided to give RCCL one more shot and decided on The Independence of the Seas.

First off it is a beautiful ship, but obviously a beautiful ship helps but does not makeup the total experience. The staff put together for this ship is excellent. The Wait staff was very attentive from the Main Dining room to the Windjammer Café. By the way, no matter how busy the Windjammer was we always found a table for 4 with an excellent view. Tables were cleaned quickly, plates were cleared when empty and beverages were offered tableside. The bartending staff did an excellent job all over the ship. Even when there was a line they worked quickly and efficiently to serve drinks with courtesy and a smile. Our room steward also did an excellent job. We never saw her much but always when we needed her. I personally love having ice all the time and requested it Day 1. We never returned to the room with an empty ice container.

The food was also surprisingly good. We ate breakfast & lunch at the Windjammer Café and Dinner in the Main Dining room. The Windjammer depending on what kinds of food that you enjoy had mixed reviews. I like salmon with red onions, fresh fruit & eggs for breakfast. There were no complaints. Lunch was typically salad with a few sides. So we are fairly easy to please. All of our dinners were very good in the Main Dining Room. Crusted Salmon, Prime Rib, Lobster Tail, Lamb Shank all excellent. Appetizers, soups and salads were all very good. Read more