Strengths and Challenges

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

RoyalCarib

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 32

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 20, 2017

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin number: 6296

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

Dinner in the dining room was very nice and service was very good. The Windjammer was not good. Too many people, not enough plates or silverware and no place to sit cause tables were scarce. Tried it two days in a row and then decided to have breakfast in the Romeo and Juliet dining where we could get a table and have service provided instead of a chaotic free for all in the Windjammer.

This was a much different experience than we had on the Adventure of the Seas last year.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Ship had a difficult time keeping up with the large crowds during breakfast and lunch in the Windjammer. Ran out of food at times and had to wait, no plates or silverware at times. Tables scarce so food was cold by time you could get one.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Rondell Sheldon the comedian was outstanding. Grease was excellent. Enjoyed the nightly entertainment.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Not over friendly staff but welcoming. Dinner staff was much better than in the Windjammer.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Could use some updates and more cleaning.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Our cabin attendant was nice and made up room quickly.

Ship tip

With over 4000 people onboard, crowds in the Windjammer Cafe were large and created shortages of plates, tables, silverware and food. Highly recommend my time dining for early seating and schedule same time for the entire cruise. Schedule as soon as you get onboard.

Thumbs up