April 2015 - 6 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip) Cruise on Independence of the Seas
Better than we expected
jackneve
Purser
Joined 04/2015
1
Cruise1
Review22
Helpful VotesPast cruises
Independence of the Seas
Sail date: April 19, 2015
This was our first cruise in 30 years so we didn't know quite what to expect. We are in our 70's and have traveled extensively, flying to destinations and traveling independently. We wanted to find out what a cruise experience would be like. Our overall experience was good. The ship is really nice, the crew is great and the food was plentiful and good. The entertainment at night was excellent. We found the large number of passengers overwhelming at times but we were able to find quiet spaces on the top deck where we could relax. The stops were great. We booked excursions over the internet before we left after reading about the islands. the cruise offers lots of excursions, most of which are just too active for us.We had an inner cabin with a large mirror that made it seem bigger. That was fine for us as we spent very little time in the cabin. I personally hated walking through the casino area to get to the theater - smoked filled and noisy - but others might like the gambling. There were many families traveling together, even very small children. I personally wouldn't take small children on a cruise, but they seemed to be managing well. We loved the sunshine and getting to know Jamaica and Grand Cayman.
Cruise tips
We booked a private guide who took us to Turtle River and Falls. This was just right for us. Beautiful falls and flowers and no crowds. Afterwards our guide took us to lunch at Scotchies where we enjoyed the jerk chicken.
Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)
We spent the day lounging on the beaches.
We took an excursion to the sting ray area. This was really nice though a bit crowded. Snorkling was ok but waves a little hard to contend with.
Independence of the Seas
We found the buffet crowded and a little frantic at peak times. Best come a little late for a more relaxing meal. The dining room always offered a relaxing setting. We paid for flexible dining and were seated every night with different people which we enjoyed.
Badges earned (Learn more)
Points (View leaderboard)
0
This week
This week
0
Total
Total
This was our first cruise in 30 years so we didn't know quite what to expect. We are in our 70's and have traveled extensively, flying to destinations and traveling independently. We wanted to find out what a cruise experience would be like. Our overall experience was good. The ship is really nice, the crew is great and the food was plentiful and good. The entertainment at night was excellent. We found the large number of passengers overwhelming at times but we were able to find quiet spaces on the top deck where we could relax. The stops were great. We booked excursions over the internet before we left after reading about the islands. the cruise offers lots of excursions, most of which are just too active for us.We had an inner cabin with a large mirror that made it seem bigger. That was fine for us as we spent very little time in the cabin. I personally hated walking through the casino area to get to the theater - smoked filled and noisy - but others might like the gambling. There were many families traveling together, even very small children. I personally wouldn't take small children on a cruise, but they seemed to be managing well. We loved the sunshine and getting to know Jamaica and Grand Cayman.