Overall, my family had a great time despite the minor setbacks. This was my 20th cruise and I already have 5 more booked, including one for next month. Generally, the service is much better on a Royal ship so I expected much more. Everyone (staff) has a bad day or cruise, so I chalk it up to that. I probably won't cruise on the Independence again probably because it doesn't have the water show. I love the water show.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Pretty quick & easy
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The food was acceptable at best. Windjammer was not as good as previous Royal ships I've cruised on before. Variety was sub par. Dining room was a little better, but was overshadowed by the situation described in the service tab.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Activities we're great. I finally tried the flowrider and had a great time. The water slides we're also fun. It's best to ride them on port days when everyone gets off. There was basketball, mini golf and video games.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Shows we're great. A little disappointed that there wasn't adult comedy every night. The last comic performed in the arena where the ice shows are held so it was not as intimate a performance, no connection.
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
Cabin steward was rude upon us entering our room. Because it was a suite, she assumed it belonged to an older couple. So, she asked to see our identification to verify that it was our room...although we had all the proper documentation - ship card & paperwork we printed.
We booked a group at the same time (5 rooms) and they somehow managed to screw up our dinner reservations by sitting us at different tables ACROSS the room. They never really corrected it by giving us one table for the cruise. Each night, "Harry" the restaurant manager, did his best to find a vacant table big enough for us all. Sad part is we really never got to know our waiter because of the table switching every night. Overall, the crew just wasn't friendly or inviting.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Staff did a great job cleaning the ship. NO matter what time I walked around the ship, someone was vacuuming, wiping or cleaning something and I walked around all the time.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The cabin was great. I love balconies, the ability to get away from everyone and still enjoy the water. There definitely was enough space, closet was huge. What I loved was the curtains we're heavy and we we're able to full close them to block out all sunlight.
Normally not my favorite port, but we got in and out pretty quick. Parking was full at port #18 so I had to park at #19, a short walk over. Staff was friendly and professional. We did not do an excursion, just drove to and from the port.
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