We have just returned from a 14 night Western Med cruise on the Independence of the Seas and have nothing but praise for our holiday. This was our first cruise ever and definitely won't be our last.
Travel To Port of Embarkation: We drove from Scotland to Southampton and took advantage of the free parking right beside the dock. This was great as we had no concerns with baggage allowance.
Stateroom: We had a oceanview room on the third floor right near the entrance to the Alhambra Theatre. We had some reservations that it might be noisy but it was fine. It was a super location in reference to elevators, stairs up to Sorrentos, the theatre and lots more. There were four in our stateroom (2 adults and a 5 and 9 year old). The children slept in the pullman beds and there was plenty of space. Storage was plentiful and the bathroom was a good size. The shower was fantastic.
3542 - Close to the elevators at front of the ship going directly up to the Solarium. Very close to entrance to Alhambra theatre but no problems with noise. At the bottom of the stairs near Schooner Bar (Deck 4)and Sorrentos (Deck 5). Little noise from engines etc. Only when tendering could hear anchors going down but this was heard in other cabins on higher decks.