We have cruised happily and quietly on RC Independence, at least 12 times, we liked the layout and the shopping mall, where one could sit and relax. But we thought time for a change. We knew there had been Covid on the transatlantic Silhouette trip, coming over to Southampton. Outside the terminal, we were told to get to the back of the queue (around 20 people), we had always walked straight to check in before. But this was not to be. Inside was a six line Disney style zig zag queue. No social distancing, it took 1 and 1/4 hours standing there, only one entrance was open. Then another queue where someone checked our details, inoculations, antigen test, etc. eventually we boarded the ship, and it seemed full to capacity.

All staff were very polite and welcoming, all wore masks, our room was very clean, with a strong shower, comfy beds and pillows. Complimentary toiletries.

The Anytime Dining Cuvee restaurant. Entree was a very small portion, overall service slow. After two nights being seated at 7.30 and waiting for starters and mains to be cleared, looking at our watches as we wanted to go into the theatre for 9pm ( we missed the beginning on two nights because service was so slow). After that we ate every evening at the Ocean View buffet, food was average, quite repetitive. Read more