Relaxing Experience

Item: Independence of the Seas
Rating: 4.6
Author: msftparadise

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review

msftparadise

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 62

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 05, 2021

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6314

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 3 years ago

Review summary

Overall we had a great time on our first RC cruise, however I think we will stick with Carnival.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Only took 15 mins to board. Definitely print your checkin docs instead of relying on the card being pulled up thru the RC app. And they ask for your vaccine card at least 5 times.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

The MDR food was a large 1star disappointment and I am not sure if that was due to COVID supply chain shortages or normal. We felt the food offerings on Carnival had more variety and flavor. Paid for Izumi and Italian which helped bring their score back up. All paid options even the wings at playmakers were excellent.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Rockwall, pools, whirlpools and mini golf were great. They are currently limiting capacity in the hot tubs only allowed 6 people in at any time.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Grease and the impersonator were talented and fun. ALL musicians on board top notch! I did wish they had more morning activities and trivia.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Size was perfect for two of us, the balcony was just right and a fantastic view. These rooms were still outdated in color scheme and no outlets by the bed so I recommend always packing an entension cord.

Ship tip

Pay for the Italian restaurant and try a casual lunch at playmakers. If the drink package goes on sale before your trip, buy it then! And of course tip the staff additional, they are working their butts off.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

5 out of 5

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

5 out of 5

The Maya Key private island is the best bang for your buck!

Thumbs Up 1

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Facial recognition and having porters take the bags the night prior made disembarkation incredibly fast.

Traveler Photos

Every corner was so clean, probably because our ship was only at 30% capacity. No lines and great easy layout.

8 Comments

Shh813 3 years ago

We were on Independence of the Seas before the refurbishment and loved it. Grease was the best show I've ever seen on a ship and the food in the MDR was absolutely delicious every night. We loved all the staff. Everyone and everything was fantastic.

Thumbs Up 2

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Bertfish 3 years ago

It’s funny how everyone’s take is different. We’ve always found the MDR food to be good, but not michelin star good, so I get that. Outlets near the bed would be nice I agree, but I’m pretty sure they don’t allow extension cords. Color scheme of the stateroom made me chuckle, but I’m a guy and don’t pay much attention to such things. I’m only in there to sleep, shower and change clothes. Overall sounds like you had a good time and I’m glad for that.

Thumbs Up 2

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purpl 3 years ago

Thanks for your review. Glad you enjoyed your trip.

Thumbs Up 2

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AuntPinkie 3 years ago

Appreciate your feedback. Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

Thumbs Up 2

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izrgreen 3 years ago

Thanks for taking the time to write a review

Thumbs Up 3

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cruising2004 3 years ago

Thanks for sharing

Thumbs Up 3

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javawoody 3 years ago

Glad you enjoyed your cruise thanks for the review

Thumbs Up 3

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Curt34 3 years ago

Thanks for the review. Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

Thumbs Up 3

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