April 2024 - 11 Night Northern Europe (Southampton Roundtrip) Cruise on MSC Virtuosa
patrcaribbean
Second Mate
ABERDEEN
Joined 08/2017
32
Cruises17
Reviews403
Helpful VotesI met my partner on The Independence of the seas about 5 years ago and we are still together! since then we have loved Royal Carribean and have never been disappointed!!
Past cruises
February 2024 - 10 Night Egypt & Israel (Athens Roundtrip) Cruise on Celebrity Infinity
January 2024 - 21 nights on MSC Euribia
October 2023 - 6 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day (Cape Liberty Roundtrip) Cruise on Anthem of the Seas
October 2023 - 15 nights on Anthem of the Seas
Shame about the weather!
We had a lovely time but the weather spoilt it for us. Very rough seas which we don't mind!
September 2023 - 14 nights on MSC Virtuosa
June 2023 - 14 Night Northern Europe (Southampton Roundtrip) Cruise on MSC Virtuosa
November 2022 - 7 Night Northern Europe (Southampton To Le Havre) Cruise on MSC Virtuosa
March 2022 - 14 Night Caribbean & Bahamas (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on MSC Divina
March 2022 - 7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on Symphony of the Seas
September 2021 - 7 nights on MSC Virtuosa
May 2021 - 12 nights on MSC Magnifica
March 2020 - 22 nights on MSC Preziosa
October 2019 - 14 Night Caribbean Transatlantic (Southampton To Ft. Lauderdale) Cruise on Independence of the Seas
June 2019 - 14 Night Mediterranean Cities (Southampton Roundtrip) Cruise on Independence of the Seas
Our most favourite ship ever!!!
We met on the Independence of the Seas 7 years ago. We just love it. Everyone is so friendly and it just feels like home! Absolutely gutted that she is leaving Southampton in November and being replaced by Anthem! We are going on her on the transatlantic journey then and looking forward to it!!
May 2019 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on Symphony of the Seas
May 2019 - 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on Symphony of the Seas
March 2019 - 18 Night Msc Grand Voyages (Rio De Janeiro To Genoa) Cruise on MSC Fantasia
First cruise with MSC and it was OK
Most of the cruise was excellent! Food however was pretty awful!
November 2018 - 7 nights on Dream
October 2018 - 14 Night Caribbean Transatlantic (Southampton To Ft. Lauderdale) Cruise on Independence of the Seas
A very well organised cruise!!
Our first transatlanic cruise. Slightly worried as there are 8 sea days on the trot! Rubbish weather for the first few days with 20 foot waves!!
After that vastly improved!
The sea days passed so quickly!
Ship full and loads of crown and anchor members. However the ship made every effort to keep people happy. In the diamond lounge 4 bars were opened to quicken up service which was great!
Food and staff were great! Cabin okay@
Ports at the end very enjoyable!
October 2018 - 13 Night The Snowbird Migration (Quebec City To Ft. Lauderdale) Cruise on Adventure of the Seas
Not the best!!!
We were very disappointed!! A very expensive cruise from the UK and it just wasn't worth it!
Royal Carribwan must up their game otherwise guests will go elsewhere.
Taken to the wrong hotel in Quebec and had to get another taxi to the right one.
Privileges slowly being taken away!! Poor shows overall and poor merchandise in shops on board. Cabins much smaller!!
On the plus side great food drink and amazing staff!
September 2018 - 14 Night Mediterranean Beaches (Southampton Roundtrip) Cruise on Navigator of the Seas
An excellent cruise but the ship needs a refit!!
A cruise with a great itinerary. Lovely ports of call. Superb weather.
However the ship is in a ropey state of repair which is soon to be renovated thank goodness!!
May 2018 - 8 Night Norwegian Fjords (Southampton Roundtrip) Cruise on Independence of the Seas
Fantastic ship refit and amazing scenery
A very enjoyable cruise although a bit short for us. The fjords were just amazing and the captain went out of his way to show us the fab waterfalls even performing a 360 degree turn ensuring we got the best view.
Cruise Director was hardly ever seen which was weird.
April 2018 - Southeast Asia Immersion Cruise on Celebrity Millennium
An amazing cruise and a friendly ship
A very good trip. Booked it only 2 days from embarkation so took our chances with the last cabin 9n the ship. Lots of character and fun.
March 2018 - Spice Of Southeast Asia Cruise on Mariner of the Seas
Another great cruise
Overall excellent. Very long flights from the Uk so don’t know if we will do Asia again.
Lovely hot weather!! A few spectacular storms!!
November 2017 - 10 Night Southern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip) Cruise on Serenade of the Seas
Another fantastic Royal cruiseIt was
This is the first time on Serenade of the Seas. A lovely smaller ship with great character. Superb staff as normal who do everything to make your holiday special.
Mario at the concierge lounge was great! We are lucky to have unlimited drinks and snacks every day from 4.30 to 8. Also 3 free drinks from any bar!!
We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise!!
November 2017 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip) Cruise on Serenade of the Seas
A fantastic start to our back to back cruise!!
We stayed in Fort Lauderdale at the Atlantic Hotel and Spa overlooking the beach. Slightly underwhelming for a so called 5*hotel
September 2017 - 14 Night Mediterranean Highlights (Southampton Roundtrip) Cruise on Independence of the Seas
Another fantastic holiday
Another superb cruise.
However the weather in the nights was very rough and bouncy.
A very severe thunder storm which was exciting.
Independence of the Seas is our favourite ship as we met on her nearly 5 years ago!!!
August 2017 - 6 Night France & Spain (Southampton Roundtrip) Cruise on Navigator of the Seas
A lovely trip with my family
That was our second cruise on the Navigator of the Seas. It was excellent in every way from the food, entertainment and the great staff! We thoroughly recommend Royal Caribbean and all their ships!!
June 2017 - 12 Night Northern Delights (Southampton Roundtrip) Cruise on Navigator of the Seas
An amazing but tiring cruise!!
We went with some friends on this fantastic cruise . The ship itself was great with lovely food and friendly staff. Ports of call were stunning.
Not really a cruise with a lack of mobility due to long days and lots of walking. Thoroughly recommend!!
April 2017 - 16 Night Suez Canal Transit Northbound (Dubai To Venice) Cruise on Vision of the Seas
What can I say!!
Vision of the seas is the friendliest ship we have ever been on. There is a real buzz between guests and staff alike. The ship is immaculate and well presented. Food is delicious and the speciality restaurants excellent.
We tend to go to Chops Grille and Giovannis Table on the first 2 nights as they are on offer at but 1 get 1 free. Steaks are luscious.
Entertainment as good as usual.
The itinerary was just amazing. The highlight has to be the voyage through the Suez Canal. So so interesting!! There is a useful commentary as you progress. Over 30 ships accompanied us. Just amazing to think that it cost about $600000 for us to go through. The large container shop behind us cost $1 million.
All the other ports of call were excellent.
You must do this trip!!
November 2016 - 16 Night Suez Canal Transit Southbound (Venice To Dubai) Cruise on Vision of the Seas
An unforgettable experience
Just the most memorable cruise ever. A fantastic friendly buzz round the ship.
Lovely ports of call but the Suez Canal transient was the highlight!
Great ship staff and entertainment
Independence of the Seas
Sail date: October 28, 2018
A very well organised cruise!!
Our first transatlanic cruise. Slightly worried as there are 8 sea days on the trot! Rubbish weather for the first few days with 20 foot waves!!
After that vastly improved!
The sea days passed so quickly!
Ship full and loads of crown and anchor members. However the ship made every effort to keep people happy. In the diamond lounge 4 bars were opened to quicken up service which was great!
Food and staff were great! Cabin okay@
Ports at the end very enjoyable!
MSC Fantasia
Sail date: March 15, 2019
First cruise with MSC and it was OK
Most of the cruise was excellent! Food however was pretty awful!
Independence of the Seas
Sail date: June 01, 2019
Our most favourite ship ever!!!
We met on the Independence of the Seas 7 years ago. We just love it. Everyone is so friendly and it just feels like home! Absolutely gutted that she is leaving Southampton in November and being replaced by Anthem! We are going on her on the transatlantic journey then and looking forward to it!!
Celebrity Millennium
Sail date: April 26, 2018
An amazing cruise and a friendly ship
A very good trip. Booked it only 2 days from embarkation so took our chances with the last cabin 9n the ship. Lots of character and fun.
Anthem of the Seas
Sail date: October 15, 2023
We had a lovely time but the weather spoilt it for us. Very rough seas which we don't mind!
Navigator of the Seas
Sail date: September 02, 2018
An excellent cruise but the ship needs a refit!!
A cruise with a great itinerary. Lovely ports of call. Superb weather.
However the ship is in a ropey state of repair which is soon to be renovated thank goodness!!
Navigator of the Seas
Sail date: August 19, 2017
That was our second cruise on the Navigator of the Seas. It was excellent in every way from the food, entertainment and the great staff! We thoroughly recommend Royal Caribbean and all their ships!!
Independence of the Seas
Sail date: September 02, 2017
Another superb cruise.
However the weather in the nights was very rough and bouncy.
A very severe thunder storm which was exciting.
Independence of the Seas is our favourite ship as we met on her nearly 5 years ago!!!
Serenade of the Seas
Sail date: November 24, 2017
Another fantastic Royal cruiseIt was
This is the first time on Serenade of the Seas. A lovely smaller ship with great character. Superb staff as normal who do everything to make your holiday special.
Mario at the concierge lounge was great! We are lucky to have unlimited drinks and snacks every day from 4.30 to 8. Also 3 free drinks from any bar!!
We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise!!
Serenade of the Seas
Sail date: November 17, 2017
A fantastic start to our back to back cruise!!
We stayed in Fort Lauderdale at the Atlantic Hotel and Spa overlooking the beach. Slightly underwhelming for a so called 5*hotel
Vision of the Seas
Sail date: November 26, 2016
Just the most memorable cruise ever. A fantastic friendly buzz round the ship.
Lovely ports of call but the Suez Canal transient was the highlight!
Great ship staff and entertainment
Mariner of the Seas
Sail date: March 22, 2018
Overall excellent. Very long flights from the Uk so don’t know if we will do Asia again.
Lovely hot weather!! A few spectacular storms!!
Adventure of the Seas
Sail date: October 08, 2018
We were very disappointed!! A very expensive cruise from the UK and it just wasn't worth it!
Royal Carribwan must up their game otherwise guests will go elsewhere.
Taken to the wrong hotel in Quebec and had to get another taxi to the right one.
Privileges slowly being taken away!! Poor shows overall and poor merchandise in shops on board. Cabins much smaller!!
On the plus side great food drink and amazing staff!
Independence of the Seas
Sail date: May 20, 2018
Fantastic ship refit and amazing scenery
A very enjoyable cruise although a bit short for us. The fjords were just amazing and the captain went out of his way to show us the fab waterfalls even performing a 360 degree turn ensuring we got the best view.
Cruise Director was hardly ever seen which was weird.
Navigator of the Seas
Sail date: June 02, 2017
An amazing but tiring cruise!!
We went with some friends on this fantastic cruise . The ship itself was great with lovely food and friendly staff. Ports of call were stunning.
Not really a cruise with a lack of mobility due to long days and lots of walking. Thoroughly recommend!!
Vision of the Seas
Sail date: April 03, 2017
What can I say!!
Vision of the seas is the friendliest ship we have ever been on. There is a real buzz between guests and staff alike. The ship is immaculate and well presented. Food is delicious and the speciality restaurants excellent.
We tend to go to Chops Grille and Giovannis Table on the first 2 nights as they are on offer at but 1 get 1 free. Steaks are luscious.
Entertainment as good as usual.
The itinerary was just amazing. The highlight has to be the voyage through the Suez Canal. So so interesting!! There is a useful commentary as you progress. Over 30 ships accompanied us. Just amazing to think that it cost about $600000 for us to go through. The large container shop behind us cost $1 million.
All the other ports of call were excellent.
You must do this trip!!
Cruise tips
On a Sunday so nothing open closely! Got off and back on quickly!
Did a tour which was great! A coach trip to a local vineyard with tasting!
Anthem of the Seas
Enjoy every minute as it flies past!
Las Ramblas is great to see.
Just walked into the centre!
No excursion but we walked into town and loved it!
Not much to do but some good shops nearby! Good duty free tobacco available. Got some new jumpers for our cold winter!
Our home port!
Sorry but we did not enjoy it very much! Tendered in and then really not much to see!
Our favourite port. A short transfer by bus. The centre is great with lots to see including bars and restaurants.
We love this part! Always buy their amazing custard tarts. Loads of shops. My missus always finds some good value jewellery. A tip is to find a bar off the main streets as better and cheaper!
Independence of the Seas
Just enjoy every minute.
Only used to disembark!
MSC Fantasia
Watch the hygiene as many people didn't sanatise their hands and we both picked up colds!!
Loved it!!
Independence of the Seas
Try and get involved in as many activities as possible!!
We loved it! A stunning place with great shops bars and restaurants! Thoroughly recommend!!
We had to turn back to Halifax due to a medical emergency! Not Royals fault at all but we missed our private tour! Just walked to the market! Disappointed!!
The old city was just stunning!!
Went to the Kennedy space centre. It was just amazing!! Spent the whole day there and could have spent two!!
Missed this port due to the remnants of hurricane Henry! No port fees refunded!! Surprise surprise!!
Adventure of the Seas
Avoid this cruise if you need space!! The diamond lounge was crammed with no seats available!!
Stop is docked 5 minutes from town. A lovely walk in and the shops have the best bargains ever. Especially short sleeved shirts and polos for ,€10.
Amazing port. It is tendered so the ship is anchored away from the actual port. Great fun in light seas. The port itself is idyllic with several lovely shops.
We love Gibraltar having visited several times before. We just walked into town and had a mooch and a cocktail. A tip is to walk in if able rather than a taxi as it's only a 15 minute stroll.
Just to embark and disembark. No problems.
We just got off and had a pleasant wander.
Palma De Mallorca, Balearic Islands
An overnight stopover in Palma. Just lovely but the walk into town is a long hike. Paying for a transfer is a good idea. Palma is a large city with a fun atmosphere and good shopping.
We have visited Malaga a few times. We always get on the little train which is just outside the ship. It drops us close to the shops and restaurants.
Navigator of the Seas
Join in as much as possible and get off in every port even if it's just to look around on your own!!
Another beautiful place to stop.
Amazing scenery. Took the railway which was stunning!!
A lovely port with shops just off the ship. Very quaint and pretty. We went on the hop on hop off bus which cost £30 each. Only 3 stops so very expensive really.
Lovely port. We just went for a walk round the town. super!!
Sorry but not a great port to visit unless you are on an organised tour. Massive queues to get back on the ship.
We just visited the few stalls outside the ship. Internet access did not work.
Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia
Just used to disembark
Nothing to get excited about!!
Stayed in a nice hotel close by. Beautiful position. Chinatown was great to look round. Embarkation easy!!
Petropavlovsk, Russian Federation
Sorry but a poor stop. We were wanting to go off independently but it was too late once our number had been called!! The Russian immigration took too long and many guests were frustrated. Also very rough for the tenders and a few had problems with very heavy seas. A long queue to get back and it was freezing.
Celebrity Millennium
Be ready to have a great time
Visited an English speaking school which opened especially for us on a Sunday. Had a great time there. The orchestra put on a show which was amazing. Everyone was so pleased to see us.
Mariner of the Seas
We didn’t find a huge amount to do on the ship so enjoy the ports of call. The ice show is fantastic and must not be missed!!
Penang (Pulau Pinang), Malaysia
Our tour did not take us to the best places in Penang. To a fish market and then to Little India!! Okay but next time a visit to the coast would be good!
We did a quick tour of the city. The botanical gardens especially the orchid garden was amazing!!
Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia
We did an independent city tour with cruising excursions.com. Took us to the twin towers and other places which was good.
We did another tour through cruise excursions. The ship is tendered in so all the taxi drivers were waiting to harass us. We were so irritated that we got lost and couldn’t find the tour bus. It took a phone call to locate us!! Tour itself was great!! If only the taxi touts could be stopped. We went back to Phuket after and went to the Fantasia show. Superb!!
Langkawi (Pulau Langkawi), Malaysia
We just loved Penang. Tour was brilliant !!w
We went on an eco tour which was interesting!! A ship organised tour that took us to an eco friendly refuge!! We saw alligators who seemed to be in a randy mood!! After going out a 130 step lighthouse we went to a beach where the guides cooked us a delicious lunch including soft drinks. A bit of relaxing then back to the ship. A good trip!!!
Just had a wander off the ship to the shops and bars. A roasting day so was happy to visit the touristy shops and fantastic bars there. Visited Starbucks too as we were desperate for a coffee. There is a trolley train there to take you round the whole area if you like it. About £20 hop on hop off and it seemed very popular.
Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
Okay. Just used for embarking and disembarking!!!
I found an excursion online which proved to be a real gem and I thoroughly recommend it to everyone who likes all inclusive beach breaks. This was to Maya Chan Beach and cost £49 each for the whole day. This includes taxis both ways unlimited drinks and a delicious local buffet lunch. After having trouble navigating out of the port we found our meeting area. We were booked in and a taxi turned up a few minutes later. A 20 minute very bumpy trip and we arrived to be welcomed and taken to our private area which included chairs and a bed! Drinks and snacks came. There are lots of watersports including paddle boards and kayaks. Also large inflatable chairs out in the ocean to chill in. Cocktails are served all the time and their strawberry daiquiries are to die for. The staff even kayaked cocktails out to the chairs on a tray!! Amazing!! Buffet consisted of fajitas and your choice of beef pork or chicken. Various salads. Taxis were arranged to go back and ensure we got to the ship before it departed. Once again a fantastic trip!!
Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras
We went a on a royal carribean tour round the island on a small bus with no air conditioning. The roads are very poor but we stilled loved seeing it all.The driver and guide wete both excellent.
Serenade of the Seas
If you are young make sure you join in with all the ship entertainments including the dance parties. Unfortunately I am not going any more so happy to retire quite early. Our cabin was right by the centre. . This is where a lot of the evening entertainment happens so we could just pop out and watch for a bit. Once A cruise there is a Show of Nations when each country that is on the ship is paraded with their Flag. Not to be missed!!
Loved it. Went on a 7 hour excursion on a catamaran to visit a plantation and snorkelling. On the way back a massive party with unlimited rum punch and loud music. Brilliant. We were running out of time so they dropped us off right by the ship. Organised by Carnival sailing that I booked online. £98 each but worth it!!
Itinerary changed yet again!!!
Okay. Went on a deep sea fishing trip that was very disappointing. 4 hours and no fish. Certainly wouldn’t do again as it was £100
Not a nice port at all. It rained all day which didn’t help much. Very over rated we think!!
We just wandered around. Found lots of bargains in the shops and ended up in a local bar that we have visited before!!
Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
Just used to embark and disembark
Serenade of the Seas
Enjoy and experience everything on the ship!!
We go in by tender which is always exciting and unique. We had a wander round the town followed by a pizza and a bottle of wine in the sun
Just too hot! We decided to walk in which was a mistake. 30 minutes each way and we paid for it. Exhausted on our return. Lisbon however is a lovely place and well worth a visit.
Just ok. We have been to Rome so just wandered round the town. Not a lot there.
We went to another port instead.
Just used to embark and disembark the ship. Port staff fantastic and helpful.
A favourite port if ours. We always tske the little train outside the ship. 5 euros return and great fun. 34 degrees so burning hot!! A lovely walk by the harbour followed by fajitas and sangria in a Mexican restaurant.
what a lovely and unique place. Took the shuttle in which cost 19 euros but well worth it. A beautiful harbour. Lovely shops. It was a Sunday so the market was on. Unmissable. Lots of soap and lavender!!
Our favourite port. We always walk in which is only a 15 minute trek. Weather was good and we always visit Charlie's Bar.
Independence of the Seas
Just enjoy every minute. The ship is just fantastic. Go to the evening shows and have a small gamble in the casino!! Do as much or as little as you want to do.
We went to Bethlehem which was amazing. A bit too touristy for our liking but still good to see. Saw lots of churches etc. Beware taken to a souvenir shop and kept there for 45 minutes. Mostly a lot of expensive rubbish
We just arrived there and got straight on the ship
We went on a poor ships excursion to an outside arena. Freezing cold and rainy. Not a great start to our cruise we
A bit false but fascinating to see. So expensive. Went to see the fountains dancing in time to music overlooking the Burge Kalifa. So so hot and humid!!
An unforgettable experience. Accompanied by another 29 ships. Kept well informed by historical commentary as we went. Lovely weather helped . So many different things to look at which were never boring!
It was cancelled due to high winds and storms
Went to a 5*hotel for the day which was lovely and relaxing.
Vision of the Seas
Take advantage of all the shows and entertainment
We did not go on an organised excursion but decided to walk to the closest beach. This was only 800 metres away and took only about 20 minutes. The beach itself was large and clean! Very busy even with the locals. However the water was very cold!!
We always stay at the Chilworth Manor Hotel the night before a cruise. We do a cruise and stay package which includes parking for the duration together with a taxi to and from the cruise terminal. Excellent not to get stressed on the morning of your cruise
We took the shuttle bus into town. $10 each and good value. The town was lovely filled with nice shops and cafes. A nice beach too. Very enjoyable!!
Badges earned (Learn more)
Points (View leaderboard)
0
This week
This week
370
Total
Total
Favorites
Cruise lines
Destinations
Following
Ship
Ship
Ship
Ship