Great trip tainted by shore excursion management.

Item: Independence of the Seas
Rating: 3.7
Author: sradner

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Europe

sradner

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 33

Overall rating:

3.7 out of 5

France & Spain

Sail date: August 12, 2017

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 9634

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

I hate to grind on about shore excursion problem, but this is the second Royal cruise with a cancelled trip. This really taints the experience. They were very honest both times that the trip was cancelled for limited participation, I translate this to mean, Royal looses money if we send a trip with so few people. I specifically booked with Royal for all their bragging about it being the safe thing to do, and preferential treatment. I understand their position, but would expect very serious consideration, not 10% off another trip (I got 10% off for booking the first one 6+ months in advance). The excursion desk manager was quick to point out they were legally allowed to do this, but offered nothing meaningful in anyway to resolve my problems. Booking with another company was no longer an option with such short notice, so I was basically unable to save the day. I felt the woman was rude, arrogant, and only cared about Royal's bottom line. In contrast I have done "guaranteed departure" tours with third parties for far less than the equivalent ship tour, and in one case my family of 4 was alone in a 12 passenger van, and the guide just said it part of running a good company. If you have your heart set on a particular trip, I would do some serious research and find a reputable third party rather than risking the same fate.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Great treatment, early access.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Excellent wait staff, food on RCCL lacks day to day variety but competent.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Loved the new team mystery game (escape room light). Mini golf was always available.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Grease was a great show. Mystery Dinner experience was really fun.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Most where top notch with the exception of the excursion desk. Most notoriously the excursion desk assistant manager.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Starting to get a little old, but well maintained, with many updates.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Junior suite. Get's you double cruise points, but does not include concierge services. Extra space was nice, and it does have an adjoining balcony room.

Ship tip

If a shore excursion is a vital part of you trip, consider booking from a third party with GUARANTEED DEPARTURES. Royal cancels excursions if they are under subscribed and the line will lose money. The consideration they offer when this happens is laughable.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Southampton (London), England

3 out of 5

Our shore excursion and transfer was cancelled. Spent most of the day at Heathrow waiting for a flight.

Thumbs Up 0

Gijon, Spain

4 out of 5

Just took the shuttle into town. The aquarium is really enjoyable, town is easy to navigate on your own.

Thumbs Up 0

Bilbao, Spain

4 out of 5

Took a bus tour with a couple of stops, in hindsight probably would have just transferred into town. Ended up walking a couple miles back to the bridge to get more time with this unique piece of engineering.

Thumbs Up 1

La Coruna, Spain

5 out of 5

Got around with taxis. Out to the Scenic Elevator, lots of walking around town. Seems like somewhere I would like to return to.

Thumbs Up 0

Cherbourg, France

4 out of 5

Lots to do right at the port. Submarine and Aquarium are both excellent, Titanic exhibit was interesting but did not take long. Easy walk into town, winding streets, very friendly.

Thumbs Up 2

Le Havre (Paris), France

3 out of 5

Had to take the kids to the Eiffel tower. Crossed it off the list, bus rides are long, but the guide was entertaining, she even sang us Les Champs-Elysees! Very crowded in August.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

1 out of 5

Wrecked by the cancelled shore excursion.

3 Comments

Sarahs58 7 years ago

Not many companies operating excursions from Southampton. Most passengers are British and so only travelling to and from the port. Otherwise a lot of people coming in from other countries will stay in London before or after the cruise and travel down by train. There are quite a few airport taxi companies who will take you to or from Heathrow or Gatwick, try searching online and booking as early as possible before your cruise.

Thumbs Up 0

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afamnheidi 7 years ago

that would make me upset also. 😐

Thumbs Up 1

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HalfHand 7 years ago

The internet broke the cruise lines excursion model and they are way behind the curve to fix it. Cruise lines still use buses, independents use vans and are adaptable enough to switch those to cars if there is a low turn out.

Thumbs Up 0

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