Great as Always - With Some Opportunity to Make Better

Item: Independence of the Seas
Rating: 5
Author: CruzinMammazann

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

CruzinMammazann

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 60

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 11, 2017

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 1574

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

This was our 3rd time on the Independence of the Seas, and our 5th time with Royal Carribean (RC). RC is our cruise line of choice due to their amazing staff, attention to detail and high quality facilities. A couple of messages for RC management from folks (us and our friends) who have stayed on Deck 10 in Grand and Owners' suites 4 times. We are very disappointed that the Bose speakers were removed from the guest suites. Why???? We are Bose fans and want to see them back in the RC suites. Touches like Bose speakers were a welcome surprise on our trips and it feels like these types of touches are slowly being taken away. More attention needs to be paid to the drawers in the suites that are wearing out and sometimes difficult to close...as well as to small details such as replacing light bulbs in the vanity mirrors. For the concierge lounge...it's wonderful that all liquors served there are top shelf...but why the Tisdale wines? We can get those in the USA for $4-$5 per bottle. The Tisdale wines are cheap, taste cheap and not concierge lounge-worthy. Please at least serve something that is $10-$12/bottle, such as Kendall Jackson, Josh, Bogle, etc. My next comment is about the price of WiFI on the ship. For those of us who are paying top dollar to stay on deck 10, we should not also be asked to pay an outrageous amount of money for WiFi. In all the hotels we stay at, WiFi is complementary due to our status at the hotels....at Platinum Status and on deck 10....charging us for WiFi feels like gouging. My last comment is about food safety. I and many in my family are allergic to shellfish. Others, I'm sure are allergic to peanuts, etc. The appetizers in the concierge lounge are not only not labeled, but they are co-mingled on platters...for example, there will be a tray with shrimp, chicken and vegetarian appetizers...with no labels..and the opportunity for cross-contamination of allergens. Please change this process as you are setting the stage for potential harm to unsuspecting travelers. Thanks, Suzanne

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Excellent everywhere we ate. Mostly, we ate breakfast at Chops, then dinner at our assigned dining room as well as Chops and Giovanni's.

Onboard Activities

We opted to just relax on the ship so did not participate in any onboard activities, except to eat and drink. The music at the pool is unbearable loud, so we found ourselves retreating to activities inside the ship rather than hanging out at the pool in the sun as we would have enjoyed. The music at the pool seems to always be gauged to younger people...how about some music gauged to the age of the people on the ship? Some classic rock 'n roll would have been nice. The movies were good.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

We were surprised that the ice show "Strings" was repeated from last year, but loved it just the same. A great violinist and wonderful skaters. The Love and Marriage show is always a treat! The piano guy in the lounges was lacking for musical variety.

Children's Programs

We do not have children.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Hernaldo took care of our cabin - he was cheerful, helpful, and attentive. We loved the towel animals/games as always. Felix, Jo Jo and Luis were awesome in the concierge lounge. Jackie was wonderful in the Diamond Club. The spa staff are also excellent, but please tone down the constant selling of product in the spa - it's a turn-off. My friend did not go back for a second massage because she did not want to deal with the constant up-selling and pressure to purchase product.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Very clean...but getting tired. Need some refurbishment. Some of the chairs in the concierge lounge had rips on the arms; the concierge lounge is too small. Carpeting is old and worn in some areas...some cabins need attention to drawers that are difficult to open and close.

Cabin / Stateroom

Disappointed that Bose speakers were removed - always enjoyed listening to Bose on previous cruises in the Suites. Vanity light was burned out; some drawers did not close well, no wine glasses in the cabin. We were pleased to see more hangers in the closets - nice touch! Only one robe for a 2-person cabin - why? Otherwise, very nice!

Ship tip

Book a Grand Suite - the Concierge Lounge and benefits are worth the up charge (i.e. reserved seating at shows, breakfast at Chops, away from crowds, easy on and off the ship, a Felix to help you with everything, etc.)

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

3 out of 5

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

3 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

2 Comments

cruisetiludrop 7 years ago

I was also disappointed that the bose speakers were not there.

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Sarahs58 7 years ago

Agree with the comment really food labelling. I am also allergic to shellfish. I have found it a problem that they sometimes label food but not always. It would almost be safer to have no labels at all and have staff for who can be asked. Just putting signs on some dishes can lead to a false sense of security.

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Other reviews of this sailing

Wonderful experience for a first time cruise.

Very Relaxing:

Independece of the Sease