GOOD SHIP GOOD FOOD GOOD CRUISE
Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Europe - Western Europe
11 Night Spain & Canary Islands (Southampton Roundtrip)
Sail date: October 02, 2016
Ship: Independence of the Seas
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 8676
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 8 years ago
Review summary
We really enjoyed our time on the Independence of the Seas. The ship is a carbon copy of the Liberty of the Seas which we have also been on. The balcony room was nice and spacious for two with the balcony giving us a different view every morning. The attendant was very friendly and always cleaned the room to a very good standard. His towel folding skills was a nice touch.
The food was good especially in the Chops Grill which for a little extra charge was well worth it. The Windjammer at peak times was overcrowded and a few times we struggled to find a seat but this didn't spoil the wide variety of buffet menu and friendly attendants. The Main Restaurant at night was where we had most evening meals. The menu was very good and the waiters were very efficient. Being more upmarket than the "Jammer" its was nice to dress up and eat in style.
The promenade offered various bars to try but again at night time it was almost impossible to get a seat in any of them.
The shows were excellent with the Ice Show and Grease warranting a special mention.
A couple of the places we stopped at were disappointing. Not for the actual place but for the day and time the ship docked. Sunday when the shops were closed and an 11.00am docking meant the shops closed an hour after we got there. I am not complaining at all but my wife was upset.
Madeira is lovely island and a must to see. Don't be frightened if a taxi driver approaches you offering a site seeing ride. We took one up on the offer and he got us to the front of the basket ride before taking us round the island stopping at various places to take photos etc. This was well worth the cost especially if you are in a party of 4.
Overall this was a very nice enjoyable cruise with only a few teething faults which in no way spoilt our time on the Independance.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Dont rush to disembark. Let the queues die down before you venture out. Dont miss the shows, they are great Try to miss Peak times when dining. It can be chaotic If you don't smoke, try to avoid deck 11. The smokers all congregate there -not nice
Ports of call
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands