Independence of the Seas Review

Never Again

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Independence of the Seas
User Avatar
jlarou1916
10+ Cruises • Age 50s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Nov 2019
Cabin: Spacious Ocean View Balcony

Corporate should be embarrassed by this ship. Rooms are dated and worn-out as are the public areas. Our cabin steward Magda and Fernando at the Champagne Bar gave excellent service. The rest seemed disonnected, confused and uninformed. Many public areas had off odor of sewage. Public area bathrooms were dirty and unkept. In one bathroom near Johnny Rockets wife had to hold her nose from the sewage smell. Rooms were dated, took me back to a 1980's Holiday Inn this is what they consider Amped up? Sink drain clogged and toilet overflowing into room. Holes in the couch and could someone please clean the A/C vents from all the dust. Food was mediocre at best. Windjammer is fine if you like curry's, mashed potatoes and stews. Who is eating this for lunch? No healthy selections? Main dining room is chaos. Johnny Rocket uniformed staff running around MDR & Chops Grill trying to set tables and waitstaff that seemed as if they were just going through the motions. Ate at Giovannis table on a Wednesday. Had the "signature dish" Osso Bucco. Found the same exact dish on the menu in the main dining room for free on Thursday I don't mind up-charging but I consider that a rip off. Did the Chef leave the ship? Chops Grill ordered the seafood tower did someone forget to order crab claws? Oh yes and the red wine by the glass you ordered we don't have that either. No half n half on the ship for coffee, did they forget to order this? Only milk. Asked for ketchup in MDR at breakfast server said they will see what they can do. Internet is a disgrace no Voom here. Ice skating show, comedian and hypnotist were all excellent shows. Not sure how RCCL corporate can say they AMPED up this ship? Is that by adding Playmakers? We were entertained by the bartenders arguing amongst themselves about who is in a training class? Returned home 15 minutes late no problem until it took 1 hour to get off ship and then Customs for another 1 hour. Two hours to get to curb from the time we got in line to get off. This has never happened in over 25 cruises we have taken. Only 4 people scanning Sea Pass to get off ship their excuse was the ship came in late, complete fiasco. Have they taken all the good staff and moved them up or are they only concentrating on new builds? Fully understand the difference between older vessels and newer vessels but when service standards aren't maintained, interiors aren't upgraded, food is subpar and staff is disorganized one has to wonder did I just get ripped off. My answer is yes. Corporate greed at its best. Never again.

Cabin Review

Spacious Ocean View Balcony

Dated and worn out.

7 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.