As repeat cruises on RCCL, we appreciate the value and variety of activities on a ship like Independence. Unfortunately, the recent changes adding more staterooms, coupled with aggressive incentives, meant an overcrowded ship with passengers who seemed more intent on extracting the full value of their Deluxe Beverage Package than on enjoying ports-of-call. Facilities clearly could not keep pace with demand - Windjammers, the Promenade, and family pool areas (lounge hoarding remains rampant) were often overwhelmed with passengers. Public areas, including hallways, washrooms, and elevators were often littered; cleaning staff unable to keep-up. Teenagers, many clearly uninterested in the club facilities or going ashore, loitered the elevator sitting areas and often left their garbage and dirty dishes behind. Finding a quiet area of respite was practically impossible.
On the dining front, staff were excellent and did their best to address guests' needs. The food on the other hand, was a disappointment. Windjammers selection remained largely unchanged day-to-day, with limited choice for those not interested in fast food or typical English cuisine. There was always a selection of fresh fruits (i.e. melon) but not reflective of the season's bounty; similarly, menu theming was erratic and often did not reflect what was actually being served. Main dining room was better, and a recommended alternative for breakfast or lunch. Dinner in the MDR was hit-and-miss food wise (service was consistently excellent); some evenings offered little inspired choices, while some dishes were excellent (on this particular cruise, beef and fish menu items were particularly successful in the dining room). Chops Grill offers a quality alternative and lovely setting, albeit at a price (recommend to try this venue at least once - it's worth the cost, in our opinion)
Evening entertainment was hot-and-cold - unlike previous cruises, there was no one show we would consider a "must-see". In-house productions were not on par with shows elsewhere in the fleet (Grease was over-hyped. Arrive at least 45 min before show time for seats). Visiting performers, particularly the comedians, were quite good. The Cruise Director was excellent, and was often more entertaining than the shows he MC'd. The ice shows are worth seeing.