Independence of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose this cruise in order to sail with friends we had met on our previous Trans-Atlantic.
After four days in London, we arrived in Southampton by train and we were at the port within ten minutes. Embarkation was quick and we were on the ship within twenty minutes.
After lunch in the Windjammer, we walked around the ship until our cabin was ready. The cabin (9220) had a balcony that had curved glass panel that looked out over the front of the ship. A good view but also quite open to the views of the bridge and vise-versa. Our cabin steward, Christopher, could not have been any more personable or professional. He kept our cabin in perfect order.
Cabin Review
Superior Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony
A nice cabin with an unusual balcony. There was a curved glass wall on the forward portion of the balcony which afforded a great view towards the bow. It also afforded a view of the bridge; which afforded them a view onto our balcony. Not conducive to sitting out there in one's skivvies ;-). As with all RCI cabins, storage space was well thought out. The bathroom was adequate with sliding shower doors rather than the old-style curtains that seemed to attack one during the shower. We felt very little vibration and heard no unbearable noise from the thrusters or the anchor.
Port Reviews
Southampton
Only embarkation which was a breeze.
San Juan
Having been to San Juan several other times, we opted to only get off the ship and walk around for an hour or so. If this is a new port to a cruiser, I strongly suggest visiting the two forts and walk the streets of Old San Juan; preferably from the top to the bottom. The hills are much easier to walk down than up.
Labadee
We lounged on the beach for about four hours. Luckily, there was no other ship in port; it was a mass of human flesh just from our ship. We compared it to the private "island" of Carnival Corp and decided that Labadee's layout and the aesthetics could be improved.
St. Maarten
Usually, we have rented a Jeep and traversed the island and enjoyed two or three beaches. This time, we stayed in Philipsburg and enjoyed beachside drinks with our friends and spent a short period on the street shopping.