Rather than a review stating likes/dislikes of recent cruise with RCI, thought I'd do a comparison of my experience on Independence of the Seas and on Ruby Princess. Both ships are marketed as 'big family ships' and are roughly same age. Cruises took place during peak season - July 09/July 10

I.O.T.S - Guest Capacity 3634 pax - on our sailing, ship had 4000 pax Ruby Princess - Guest Capacity 3000 pax - on our sailing, ship was full

Embarkation: Arrived about midday on both lines and embarkation was fairly smooth - taking under an hour. Only hold-ups were on RCI - before boarding photographers insist on taking 'welcome aboard' picture resulting in long queue (you can by-pass this if you wish on Princess) then as soon as you board another queue caused by RCI staff selling? childrens wristbands, drinks packages. Read more