Very nice and relaxing cruise

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 6
Helpful Votes: 122

Overall rating:

3.8 out of 5
Independence of the Seas

4 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 19, 2019

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6240

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

This is a good mid-sized ship for anyone who doesn't like crowds but would like the stability of a bigger ship than the smaller ones. As a whole, the staff were very accommodating and respectful - too bad I can't say the same about some passengers. Two incidents where I witnessed teens walking along the Promenade Deck and dropped their pizzas and simply left it on the ground and walked away!!!!! Raise your children right people!!!

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Purchased The Key and it was worth every penny from Embarkation to Debarkation

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
We ate mostly in the Windjammer with one dinner in the MDR. The food was average, good but nothing spectular. There were plenty of choices on the Windjammer. Pizza at Sorrento's was delicious. Good desserts at the Cafe Promenade. I was not impressed with Johnny Rockets, although all we had were fries, onion rings and grilled chicken club sandwich.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
With having rain most of the cruise, the pool water was cold. Some of the outdoor activities were closed due to high winds or rain.

Entertainment

I didn't go to any shows or deck parties. The performances on the Promenade were fun though and people seemed like they had enjoyed themselves.

Children's Programs

4 out of 5
My 11 year old daughter and her friends (11 & 8) enjoyed camp for the most part.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5
Overall, the staff were professional and friendly. My room steward was not as friendly as I have been accustomed to but still did a wonderful job with our cabin.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5
The ship is old and could use an uplift, paint job and a complete overhaul. The layout was easy to navigate as there were information boards everywhere.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Overall, it was plenty of room for my daughter and me. The room attendant did a wonderful job every day we were there. There plenty of closet space, storage under the bed and plenty of space on the balcony. NO SOFABED

Ship tip

Travel with a positive attitude. Know it's a medium size ship so expect crowds especially at chow time. Purchase The KEY!!!

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

4 out of 5
No excursion here just boarding and de-boarding - easy to navigate.

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5
It was a typical port. Plenty of shops, eateries and local activities. I took my 11 year old daughter on the Dolphin Swim VIP All-Access excursion and she had a great time! Of course the pictures (electronic file) were a bit expensive but the experience and pictures will certainly last a lifetime. The VIP lunch buffet was nice and relaxing but most of the food were not kid-friendly. The main lunch buffet was kid-friendly but overly crowded.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
Purchase The KEY and was off the ship and in the taxi area within 10 minutes.

Traveler Photos

partial privacy curtain closet shelves and safe main closet space rm 6240 2 storage mirror panels Balcony 6240
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4 Comments

Fiesta83    4 years ago

Hope you had fun

CruzeFan    4 years ago

Glad you enjoyed it.

4Goodtimes    4 years ago

Thanks for posting the pictures.

Tmac320    4 years ago

IOS was just "amped" in 2018 so no updates for a few more years.

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