Fantastic sampler cruise

Item: Independence of the Seas
Rating: 4.9
Author: dickdutch0

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Europe - Western Europe

dickdutch0

Contributor Level: Second Mate

17 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 8

Overall rating:

4.9 out of 5

3 Night Royal Sampler (Southampton Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 25, 2019

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9528

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

We selected this ship and cruise as a tester for our children (both autistic) to see how they would like a cruise. It was a roaring success. Fantastic ship with great facilities. We all had a memorable time. Cannot wait for another cruise!

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Very crowded terminal resulting in hour long wait.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Main dining room and Windjammer buffet were excellent. Buffet very busy at popular times but very quiet early or late

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

SkyPad, Water slides, main pools. All very enjoyable. Skypad can be a strange experience if using VR headset but well worth a go.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

First night comedian was good. Grease the musical was an enjoyable well presented production. The WildBoys 80s band were fantastic, if get chance to see them then do.

Children's Programs

Not used

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Room steward was excellent. Waiters in main dining room were very good although at times seemed very insistent on knowing how well you thought of them!

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Very good design and use of spaces. Whole ship seemed very clean and well maintained

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Cabin was a decent size and balcony was actually larger than I was expecting. Double bed was very comfy and even the sofa bed was also comfy. Still had room to move around with the sofabed made up. Bathroom was a nice size and shower just right.