We headed to Southampton on a bright autumn afternoon - looking forward to our 16th cruise on our largest ship to date. We entered the port of Southampton via dock gate 8 - dock gate 8 is near the holiday inn - it can be tricky to find as the sgins are not clear. AB Parking were on duty at the city cruise terminal - as it was a short cruise it was self parking - we got a great space close to ...

This was our third cruise on the Independence. Despite emails from RC about roadworks around Southampton we had no trouble and even though our sea passes were momentarily lost, we were on the ship enjoying lunch within an hour of arrival. We stayed in a suite as it was a ' special' birthday and the room was fantastic. Loads of storage, daily treats left for us and a wonderful stateroom attendant. ...

Royal Caribbean May 2014 (half term week) S’ton to Le Havre, Bilbao & Gijon – 6 days. Couple in 40’s and two elderly mothers – in 3 balcony cabins To star with positives….. +good cabin size & layout & comfy bed +food very decent in main dining room with number of choices + generally good staff service +ice show very good + crazy golf good fun (but overrun with kids unless you did it in ...

We booked this cruise primarily to take the in-laws on their first cruise experience, they are both in their 80s! We have cruised with RCI and NCL before. The 4 days was too short in some cases and too long in others. The ship was totally amaze.. Loved it! Huge and very busy, there was room for everyone. Not really any queues anywhere, although I expected them. The only time we really had to Q was ...

This was our second time Independence of the Seas and our third cruise in total. Sadly this one did not really have the same impact as the others. There just seemed to be something missing. Our cabin attendant made the customary towel sculpture on the first night and then didn't bother- no big deal I suppose but he failed to give us any clean glasses at all during the vacation and took away our ...

We've never cruised before so thought this would be a good way to try it. Check-in was amazingly easy (although I was in my wheelchair which mean skipping the HUGE queues). Staff were really helpful & whisked our luggage away before assisting us onto the ship. We loved IOS. Amazing service in the dining room each evening& our room attendent was brilliant. Staff were great with my son. He did rock ...