Interesting Adventure

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Reviews: 6
Helpful Votes: 215

Overall rating:

3.5 out of 5
Independence of the Seas

5 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 16, 2017

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8556

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

So this cruise started off rough due to the virus on the previous cruise and the delay leaving out. But overall it was cool and can't really say we have major issues. Specific questions hit us up.

Embarkation

1 out of 5
So we came into our normal Hilton property near the port, it was the Embassy Suites, no issues there. Problem arose when there was a virus on the previous cruise, so they had to delay everything with our cruise while they cleaned the entire boat. I think they gave us some sort of credit for the inconvenience.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
The okay rating is due to the virus on the previous cruise, since that issue came up we were unable to get our own utensils during lunch, and the sanitizer squirts were at every few steps. Once again I get it, but it was an inconvenience. Everything had to be served versus a normal buffet, made for longer lines. Of course purchased the unlimited drink package, and of course met the daily threshold without any issues.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
Everything was cool.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Great

Children's Programs

5 out of 5
The kiddo had a blast as always, no sea sickness.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Excellent

Ship Quality

2 out of 5
Ship was great, but due to the virus the cleanliness took a hit on the rating.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
OV Balcony was great as normal.

Ship tip

On any cruise, bring sanitizer wipes, and sprays, and when your able to go into your cabin for the first time, wipe everything down! normally you don't have your luggage yet anyway, so clean sanitize the handles, phone, remotes, etc, etc, etc.

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

3 out of 5
Stayed at the Embassy Suites, didn't do anything the day before.

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

2 out of 5
No excursions, jumped off the boat and walked around the port, normal mad dash by vendors to get you, not impressed.

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5
Visited this port on previous cruise, so we jumped off but just walked around the port.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
I don't recall anything bad, so I take it we were good.
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3 Comments

cruisereckoning    4 years ago

osnapitzdemmy    4 years ago

I don’t understand why you give them a 1 for embarkation. Would you rather them not clean the boat and you all get sick? I don’t know about you, but I’d take a couple hour delay over a virus any day.

Cruiserike0322    4 years ago

Thank you for your review, that must have been concerning knowing about the virus.

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