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Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Europe - Western Europe

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 47

Overall rating:

4.7 out of 5
Independence of the Seas

14 Night Sunshine In The Canaries (Southampton Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 16, 2017

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8228

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

I've cruised a lot and enjoyed this one. Many of the ports on the Canary Islands itinerary you can do on your own by walking but make sure you have good supportive shoes and are physically able to walk several miles. I've noticed RCL has cut down on amenities such as robes, lotion, conditioner. You have to ask if you need them and they will be provided. The cheapest wine is $35 a bottle and I feel is way overpriced for what it is. Overall, very happy with the cruise.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Pastries were exceptional. Food in all venues was excellent. Disappointed lobster isn't on the menu for evening dining. My only complaint in the buffet was silverware wasn't replaced often enough and it was difficult to locate at times.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
The ship is so large pool facilities were pretty crowded. I didn't participate in many shipboard activities. All companies need to come up with fresh ideas other than trivia, marriage games, etc. I appreciated the seminars on forensics and criminal investigations. More educational seminars would be my suggestion for daytime activities.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Excellent entertainment.

Children's Programs

Did not travel with children.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Room steward was exceptional. It's apparent all staff are drilled in customer relations. I found everyone I dealt with was courteous and helpful.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
The ship was clean, however in need of updating. I understand it is scheduled for renovation in the next few months.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Cabin was terrific and quite roomy. Balcony quite large. Closet and bathroom conflict with each other at times.

Ship tip

Enjoy yourself. Currently it's a ship in need of updating, but personnel, dining and activities are very good.

Ports of call

Vigo, Spain

5 out of 5

Lisbon, Portugal

5 out of 5
Lisbon by land and water (duck boat) excursion was not worth it in my opinion. Take the free shuttle into town center and walk back.

Cadiz (Seville), Spain

5 out of 5

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

4 out of 5

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

4 out of 5

Tenerife, Canary Islands

4 out of 5

Santa Cruz De La Palma, Canary Islands

4 out of 5

Funchal, Madeira

5 out of 5
Toboggan ride from ElMonte was fun. We hired a private taxi for half day.

La Coruna, Spain

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
We carried our own luggage and walked directly to taxi stand. Had plenty of time for breakfast before departure.
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