okay cruise ship

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 27

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Independence of the Seas

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 19, 2015

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8344

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

I was disappointed in this ship's entertainment. The only show that I enjoyed was "Once Upon A Time". They actually had a nightclub that catered to Hispanics, and others that catered to Caucasians but none for African Americans. I even sat with one of the Cruise Directors at the sail away party from San Juan and asked if African Americans were forgotten because they did not have any venue for us and there were quite a lot of us onboard. I also, had issues with the service on the first night in the Main Dining Room where the assistant server filling in for my regular one, threw the food at someone sailing with me. The excursion we in St. Maarten, did not match the brochure description and I complained to Guest Services about it. They reimbursed us 50% but I felt it should have been 100% because it was a guest services employee that recommended. The ship was able to fix the dining room situation but I did not spend the amount of money I did to go on vacation to complain. They also catered to children and children were allowed into venues they shouldn't have been, ie. the Love & Marriage game. Things were done and said in there that children should not have been privy to.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Ourcabin attendant, Sherry, was excellent. She went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed.

Ship tip

Don't go on this ship if you are not taking children, they catered to children.

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

5 out of 5

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

5 out of 5

Basseterre, St. Kitts

5 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 27

7 Comments

glomarrone    9 years ago

So sorry to read that this cruise was a disappointment for you.  Cruiselines usually offer all kinds of music.  Perhaps different types of music could play in the lounges changing nightly.  I guess that it is difficult to satisfy everyone.  I am unsure how many small groups can play different types of music.  

 

zcruzzer3    9 years ago

I think cruising is not for you. It's surprising everything offended you, didn't meet your expectations and you felt isolated. Enjoy life for what it is and get over it. Look for the good not the bad in things!

oshunchild    9 years ago

I did not write this review why am I being sent a message as though I did

mediccliff    9 years ago

This one was laughable.

zcruzzer3    9 years ago

WOW. Didn't segregation go away years ago (your music my music). I enjoy all people and all forms of music. I'm Caucasian however, I find Spanish music uplifting and fun, Not sure why Caucasian music and African American music can't be enjoyed by all. I understand the lyrics in Spanish may be in Spanish, but the rest was typically in English. I heard all types (no lables) of music on the ship last week with one exception. The exception was no foul language in the lyrics. Maybe that's what you are referring to. I've been on 15 RC. Cruises and the music venues are pretty much the same. Maybe try a different cruise line. You need to feel comfortable with the surroundings. Glad to hear the dining issue got resolved. Happy cruising.

sciqueen55    9 years ago

I was on this cruise last week as well and TOTALLY agree with the original reviewer re: the ships entertainment; the large numbers of children being at adult only venues and problems in the dining room.  Lol, I even had a half glass of white wine spilled down my back in the Windjammer by one of the assistant waiters and no one even batted an eye!  Speaking of the kids they were pretty out of control on this ship.  I left my own review of this cruise on here too.  Worst one we've taken with RC. And I hear the concern about the lack of African American culture on the ship...and I am white.  It was a good point.

Jnf619    9 years ago

I'm interested to learn what a Caucasian night club is lol. I know cruises play reggaeton frequently which is probably what you're referring to as Hispanic music, but you're on a cruise and Caribbean music seems pretty natural. What's white music though??? And what "black" music would be appropriate for a night club? Sorry to hear about that excursion... Which did you do?

Other reviews of this sailing