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Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Transatlantic

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Reviews: 5
Helpful Votes: 108

Overall rating:

5 out of 5
Verified Review
Independence of the Seas

13 Night Transatlantic Eastbound (Ft. Lauderdale To Southampton)

Sail date: May 01, 2016

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 9499

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

Loved this transatlantic cruise.  60% of guests were from the UK so the menu items had a nice British touch.  I'm a healthy 61 years old and did the Flow Rider (I've never surfed before), climbed the rock wall twice to the top, ice skated (first time since college), and attended the enrichment lectures.  We participated in many of the trivia contests, attended most of the shows, and the food was great.  The service was outstanding and I can't imagine a better way I could have spent the 13 days!  Also did the final RC excursion to Windsor castle and LHR.  It was a good value and the tour guide was excellent.  I'd do this cruise again in a heartbeat!

 

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
I've heard snooty persons say they'd never get an interior cabin. I disagree, I'm on the ship to enjoy the SHIP (so I don't plan on sitting in the room and looking out the window!). Sure, it wasn't a suite but was perfectly fine for my wife and me.

Ship tip

I would suggest eating in the dining room as much as possible. The buffet is OK for when you're in a hurry (for an excursion or some other event) but the dining room served wonderful selections and had terrific service.

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

3 out of 5
I'm not a big fan of Florida (too crowded but boarding at Ft Lauderdale port went smoothly and efficiently.

Nassau, Bahamas

5 out of 5
At this port, we booked a dolphin experience with AA. Better than RC excursion since island was only 30 min away (vs 60 with RC). My wife loved the contact with dolphin but be didn't buy their pics since we heard they were $70+

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

5 out of 5
Rather than take a taxi, we walked into town. It was a mostly shaded and had a sidewalk, probably 1.5 miles and on the level. We are walkers at home so the it was an easy walk for us. Good variety of shops right at dock but prices were cheaper in town.

Southampton (London), England

5 out of 5
We did the RC excursion to Windsor & LHR. Since a basic shuttle was $90, this was a good value at $120/person. I'd buy in advance since it did sell out once on the ship.
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