Amazing first Royal Caribbean Cruise

Item: Independence of the Seas
Rating: 4.9
Author: JSAM

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean

JSAM

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 50

Overall rating:

4.9 out of 5

14 Night Mediterranean Highlights (Southampton Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 30, 2017

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 8323

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

Our cruise was fantastic and we would definitely cruise with R/C again. Probably on a smaller ship next time as although the Independence was great, it did feel over crowded on sea days.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Fast and efficient. Onboard before we knew it.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

We used the ‘my time dining’ and ate in the Romeo & Juliette dining room. The food was exceptional and nothing was to much trouble for our waiter Maher and waitress Veda. They made the dining experience perfect for our party of 13.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

We mainly used the fitness centre which was well equipped. Some of the equipment was a little worn but still usable. We watched the flow rider and people climbing.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

The stage shows were exceptional!.... even when the seas were not so smooth!

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Our waiters and room steward were fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble and their attention to detail was superb! All other staff that we encountered were just as impressive. We sent shirts for ‘pressing only’ on our arrival. One shirt was returned with dirt on the collar. It was needed that day for a formal night so it was worn. We then sent it for washing after commenting that the mark came from when it was pressed. We thought that the cost of washing and ironing again may have been free as a gesture of good will but it was still charged. A second shirt returned with a collar button snapped in two which we didn’t notice immediately so it wasn’t reported. A member of our party had a small sowing kit with them so we were able to replace the button with the spare that was stiched to the inside of the shirt.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

The design of the ship seemed perfect. As this was our first cruise we really don’t have anything to compare it to. All the common areas were immaculately presented at all times.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

The size and comfort of furnishings were good. The air conditioning or air circulation vent controlled via a dial on the wall didn’t seem to respond to temperature adjustment. It always seemed to be quite warm.