Another superb cruise.
However the weather in the nights was very rough and bouncy.
A very severe thunder storm which was exciting.
Independence of the Seas is our favourite ship as we met on her nearly 5 years ago!!!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Faultless as not. It wasn't even 25 minutes from being dropped off by taxi to drinking a frozen mojito at the pool bar. Being a diamond plus member does quicken the process up but most guests got on very quickly!!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We had our breakfast in the Diamond lounge every day. That way we avoided the cram in the Windjammer and enjoyed a lovely continental brekkie with a latte.
Every evening we are in Romeo and Juliet. We had the same waiters which was nice.
Food was good but gets a bit samey after a time.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Lots of quizzes dance lessons etc if you wanted to do them. We were content with spending some quiet time together.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
On the whole the shows were fab. However a couple of headliner shows weren't that good. An illusionist and a comedian just weren't very enjoyable and several guests walked out!!
However Darren Day was just amazing together with a full length show of Grease.
The ice shows were unmissable and even better with the rough weather.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
As usual all excellent from our cabin steward to our waiting staff.
The bar staff in the Diamond lounge were so attentive and our glasses were constantly being replenished.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
In need of a refurb which is being done early next year.
Otherwise all clean and tidy.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
A very comfortable cabin. A huge bed which was made up in the morning and put down in the evening.
Balcony large and spacious.
Bathroom clean. Towels renewed twice a day.
We asked for ice which was provided twice a day.
TV channels limited.
Ship tip
Just enjoy every minute. The ship is just fantastic. Go to the evening shows and have a small gamble in the casino!!
Do as much or as little as you want to do.
what a lovely and unique place. Took the shuttle in which cost 19 euros but well worth it. A beautiful harbour. Lovely shops. It was a Sunday so the market was on. Unmissable. Lots of soap and lavender!!
A favourite port if ours.
We always tske the little train outside the ship. 5 euros return and great fun.
34 degrees so burning hot!!
A lovely walk by the harbour followed by fajitas and sangria in a Mexican restaurant.
Just too hot!
We decided to walk in which was a mistake. 30 minutes each way and we paid for it. Exhausted on our return.
Lisbon however is a lovely place and well worth a visit.
We sat in the solarium and watched the lightning, was great to see⚡🌩⚡🌩⚡🌩. Didn't find any part of the cruise rough though although it was a bit breezy out on the top deck. Missed being able to walk outside late at night. Glad you enjoyed your 2nd cruise Smoggy, think our 2nd one was our favourite so far, although they have all been great. Now wishing my life away again, 353 days to go. 😃😃😃😃😃🍰🍰🍰🍷🍷🍷🍹🍹🍹
the thunderstorm was great to watch when we left livorno it didn't seem to bother people ship listed a bit here and there but overall fantastic 2nd cruise for us and the best ship to sail out of Southampton
LOL - A severe thunder storm (at sea) which was exciting. I can bet there were several hundred aboard who did NOT agree with your enthusiasm. Glad you enjoyed your storm at sea!
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