kids out of control

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 35

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Verified Review
Independence of the Seas

5 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 28, 2015

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

There were over 1500 kids on board and their parents were literally on vacation.  The movies (two of them) were repeated twice - and we were at sea 2 1/2 days.  The screen for viewing was outside over the pools while the theater with three floors of seating was empty???  Even though you could see it, you couldn't hear it and who wants to watch the same movie twice?  Food was wonderful, staff entertaining, the evening performances were grand, comedians mediocre, Ice show was terrific - but again - same show 4 times???  At their level of expertise, I would think they could have two different shows?

The arts and crafts you had to pay for, line dance classes, no instructor showed up, and the dance floors (attached to the bars) were big enough for maybe 3 couples.  Disappointing since we are ballroom dancers.

I forgot we had $130 credit on board - my error - but they could have reminded us at check-in when they were scanning all our documents.  Didn't realize it until we were leaving the ship with slip in hand.  

Overall we learned that we shouldn't book a cruise during a school break and probably with a better quality shipping line - like Princess or Celebrity.

weather was great (but so is FL), rooms were clean, and again, the staff was wonderful.  Celebrating the New Years with over 4,500 folks on board on one floor of a ship was like putting sardines back into the can...not happening for us ole folks!!!  

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Ship tip

Use the Alhambra to better use by having movies there that appeal to a broad spectrum - Hallmark type. Minions and Perfect Pitch 2 were shown twice a day - for two days... Need to budget for MORE movies when you are at sea longer.

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

3 out of 5

Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)

3 out of 5

Falmouth, Jamaica

3 out of 5
Very pushy staff at Diamonds International store. Couldn't look without them trying to help you get your wallet out...
Was this review helpful? 35

2 Comments

nprj    8 years ago

what movie did they show?

daysfan36    8 years ago

I was on the same cruise. I thought New Years was great!! I didn't feel like a sardine but I also thrive off of the energy. I'm a teacher so unfortunately I expect tons of kids on cruises I go on (mine were not with me) so at least be grateful that you can travel during the school year. I do agree that showing the same movies everyday was annoying.

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