First experience of using Royal Caribbean

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Europe - Western Europe

Cruiser54959964

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 25

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

4 Night Paris & Bruges (Southampton Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 26, 2016

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 2560

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

This trip was primarily to give my Grandchildren their first ever cruise at 1/2 term and for me to experience RC as a product having cruised with both P&O and Cunard. Most of the 1st day was spent locating myself and getting used to the lay out of the ship and understanding what was complimentary or what I would be charged for, given my budget was small. I also struggled with the dollar conversion so again was slightly apprehensive & cautious about any purchasing as I had not been allocated any onboard spending as part of the initial cruise price.

The ship was well appointed for children and there seemed to be enough room so that everyone could enjoy the experience. I particularly enjoyed The Ice dancing performance which I thought was spectacular and both children enjoyed the theatre show Grease.

It is natural to compare products and I guess if asked 'would I go again', I would consider it for the children but perhaps not for me which could only be down to becoming more familiar with RC and what it offers.

All staff and the food choices (especially the free ice cream) were excellent.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Children and I were very well looked after. Good selection on children menu. Food excellent.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

It took a bit of getting used to how it all worked and we never did get a chance to do the 'kids club' which would have been ideal as a single grandparent with two grandchildren aged 9 & 12. It would have given me a little time and space to myself. Maybe next time. I think that due to the weather/wind being so bitterly cold it prevented the children perhaps enjoying the outside pools as much as they could have. So ideally choosing a ship with a covered inside pool may be beneficial in the future.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Excellent shows. Particularly the Ice spectacular show & theatre. Brilliant performances from each.

Children's Programs

1 out of 5

Possibly may have been very good but never got to use them in the short time aboard.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

All staff very helpful and friendly.. Nothing seemed to be any trouble to them. Excellent.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Parts of the ship seemed a little tired. But overall fine for the length of time on board.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Adequate - shower facility very small. Two bunks above main double bed were fine other than there was frequent tendency to hit your head on the bunks when manovering on the bed below... The Cabin steward did offer to split the double bed into two twins, but it seemed a lot of trouble to go to for such a short trip. Any longer onboard I would certainly recommend having twin bed configuration - (which I thought I had originally asked for when booking the cruise) , to potentially prevent this occurring again. I was surprised that there were no shower caps provided - this would have been helpful to my 9 year old grand daughter who had very long hair.. We adjusted the shower to prevent her hair having to be dried each day. Our cabin steward looked after us very well each day and the children loved the towels being made into fun animals..

Ship tip

Take shower caps and a travel iron.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Le Havre (Paris), France

5 out of 5

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