Perfect first impression

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 38

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5
Independence of the Seas

5 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 12, 2019

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

This was our first cruise. We couldn't have gotten a better first impression. There are a lot of things I would have liked to do / try that we didn't. But, I wouldn't change anything. We couldn't have asked for a better vacation.

Embarkation

4 out of 5
We were incuraged by our group to show up and check in early (our scheduled embarcation time was 2:30). We were at the port by around 10. Check in was smooth, every one of the attendants were friendly. We did have to wait in line, which was the only drag, until they started boarding at around 11:30.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Everything seemed clean and well tended. We have kind of particular dietary needs. Once our wait staff knew about them they seemed to go out of their way to accommodate us. Food was very good. Coffee was very strong. The staff seemed genuinely happy to help.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
We did very little activities, which was our intention. The dance parties were fun. The pool was very nice. Again the attendants very pleasant.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
The few times we did see / hear them. The live music was very good and the DJ's were great.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Everyone was very pleasant, remembered our particular needs and genuinely a pleasure to talk with.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Everything was easy to locate. All the areas we were in were clean and tidy.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
No complaints... Bed was comfortable, as was the sofa. Considering it was an inside cabin it was plenty big. And the attendant kept it clean and tidy.

Ship tip

Take the time to relax and enjoy the view. The Viking Lounge was one of our favorite places to hang out.

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

4 out of 5
Didn't spent much time in the port itself. We did have most of a day when we returned and spent most of it tooling around. The city is pleasant.

Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)

4 out of 5
Labadee is very beautiful but obviously a resort. The beaches and water is beautiful and well attended. The food is good and part of the cruise (included). The shops are rented by locals. Be ready for very aggressive sales.

Falmouth, Jamaica

4 out of 5
The port is run by Royal Caribbean. It's clean and very well kept. Once you leave the port you are in Jamaica. We went to a local restaurant a few miles away (Rock Style Cafe), via taxi, very good food, very nice people.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Very smooth and timely, no complaints.
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