Independence of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was our 3rd Jamrock Cruise, and we really enjoyed the first 2 cruises on the Norwegian Pearl, so it was a no-brainer to book this cruise, especially when we saw the amazing lineup (the best yet!). It was like a "who's who" of reggae, with a great balance of legends and current artists playing a wide range of reggae and dancehall (with a small dash of soca mixed in).
The first 2 Jamrock cruises I would rate 5 out of 5, and the reason this one was 4 out of 5 is because there were some issues.
The musical performances were excellent, but there wasn't adequate planning for the possibility of rain, despite mid-November still being hurricane season, and despite one rained out night on each of the two prior cruises. This year it rained on 3 out of the 5 nights, and the concert was moved to the Alhambra Theatre, which only holds about half the passengers (and that is WITH people dangerously jammed into the aisles, blocking off exits). The communication was not good on the first night and many of us did not know where the concert had been moved (or if it had been moved or postponed). We ended up standing at the back of the theater for over 3 hours. The next 2 nights also rained out, so we skipped dinner to get in line, and we got a seat at the theater. I feel they should consider using the ice rink as an additional rain venue, and have concurrent performances each night in 2 venues, with each artist performing at least twice (like I have heard other music cruises do). The sound clash in the ice rink was great - I thought the sound was good in there, and it was a lot of fun!
Cabin Review
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony
The cabin wasn't huge, but it was an adequate size for 2 people. The closet was a bit small, however, and so we were not able to both fully unpack. Our suitcases fit easily under the bed. The "cooler" didn't feel cool at all, so I called to ask how to turn it on. I explained I had eye medication for my glaucoma that needs refrigeration, and our excellent steward Henre brought me a mini-fridge, which kept my eye drops cold and also was handy for keeping bottled water cold.
The balcony was small, but still nice. I have only experienced an aft balcony before (this was our 3rd cruise, and the first on this ship), and I do prefer aft to the side balcony. However, it was nice being close to the elevators. A steward's break area was right outside our cabin, but we did not hear them at all when inside our cabin, so it was no bother. It actually made it easy to find our cabin!
The bed was hard as a rock. I kept meaning to call to see if we could get a foam topper, but we were so busy with all the happenings (it was a reggae cruise) I kept forgetting until it was bedtime. The bed we had on the Norwegian Pearl was MUCH more comfortable. Pillows were good.
The bathroom was small, but I thought the shower was very well designed. It is a little capsule, but unlike many hotel showers there is no clinging curtain, and there are adequate and well-placed shelves for your shampoo, etc. (bring your own!) The water pressure was good, and there is also a hand-held shower head - you switch between the two.
Overall it is a good cabin, but not at all luxurious (and for the price a little luxury would not hurt!)