Independence of the Seas Review
A little rough around the edges, but she's still got it.
Rating by category
Additional details
This was our third time on Indy and its clear why so many still return to her. We live in Hampshire/Wiltshire so know Southampton well.
Embarkation could have been a bit more comfortable - the terminal set up at Ocean terminal is better where you can at least sit before check-in, but this was partly our fault for arriving at a similar time as to the arrival or many others. Terminal staff also unable to count as she was adamant that 'all of these queues are the same' despite our queue being at least two 'bends' more than the others, but oh well. Could have been worse!
We were onboard about an hour after we arrived at the terminal by which point cabins had just become available, so found our 3 cabins at different places on the ship and dropped our hand luggage off to find that nearly all of our big bags had already been delivered - if not to the door at least not too far away! Cabin was clean and tidy and easily unpacked into.
Cabin Review
Interior Stateroom
Cabin was fine - neither of us are fussy.
Bedroom and bathroom were very clean and well presented. A few cracked tiles in the bathroom but the ships 10 years old soon. The furnishings and decor look old fashioned and a little tired in places but this seemed more spacious than inside cabins we've had on other ships. Plenty of storage space - we only used half of the drawers.
Bed was comfortable and I slept like a baby.
Cabin steward was happy to change our double bed back into twins though he seemed a bit confused at first and neither my sister or I were convinced he realised we were siblings and not together until about the last day of the cruise.
Port Reviews
Southampton
We live in Hampshire / Wiltshire and Southampton is our local big city.
Oslo
Oslo looked like a very interesting and pretty city but the weather wasn't great. We walked into the town from the ship and wandered the city centre streets and relaxed in the park in front of the Royal Palace.
We visited the Magic Ice Bar which was a unique experience and worth the entry fee.
We then wandered some more before stopping for a coffee and perusing the shops.
We got wet on the way back to the ship but partly our own fault for not being prepared.
Hamburg
Hamburg was probably a really interesting visit with lots of potential but again we were unlucky with weather.
We visited the city art museum, had lunch, and then spent a few hours at the Miniatur Wunderland. This exhibition was fantastic and worth the small entry fee. Only recommendation is to allow more time - we had about 2.5 hours there but I'd say give yourselves 4 hours. The detail in the displays is phenomenal and its clear that a lot of love and dedication has been put into the whole place.
Paris
Le Havre is pretty enough but it being Bastille Day family only ventured to the beach and wandered its avenues. Most shops and bars etc were closed so the town was fairly quiet. I remained on the ship to enjoy and relax.