Great return to cruising (after 7 cruises cancelled since early 2020).

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 27

Overall rating:

4.8 out of 5
Independence of the Seas

7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 29, 2021

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 7366

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 3 years ago

Review summary

We had a great time. Although our hotel shuttle was very early (the only time choice available) for our embarkation time, fortunately our time slot was called an hour early so we were able to get inside the building and out of the heat. Because the cruise was less than 50% capacity, there was very little or no waiting for anything on the ship, including elevators. "Grease" was EXCELLENT.

Embarkation

4 out of 5
Very hot waiting outside the terminal, but fortunately our 1:30pm "time" was called an hour early (much cooler "inside" the terminal and the complex check-in process went very smoothly).

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
MDR was very good and hopefully the current practice of being served by crew members in the Windjammer is here to stay.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
Survived my first experience doing a water slide (both of them). I did not do the pool or hot tubs.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
"Grease" was fantastic! Most of the other headliners were also very good.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Room steward (Dan) and MDR waiter (May) were excellent. All other crew were friendly and helpful.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Ship was very clean.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Great cabin. No issues. Excellent room steward (Dan).

Ship tip

Go to Sorrento's for pizza as soon as you embark. No waiting and very pleasant place to wait for the cabins to open.

Ports of call

Galveston, Texas

5 out of 5
No excursion (many previous "non-cruise" visits to Galveston).

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

5 out of 5
Excursion to "Preservation Park" was enjoyable (but hot). However, all facilities (food, etc.) were not open at the venue. Appreciated the call from the Excursion Desk on embarkation afternoon checking on our "physical suitability" to participate (lots of walking, steps and a challenging suspension bridge).

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

4 out of 5
No excursion. Just walked around the shops.

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5
No excursion. Just walked around the shops. Shop owners were sometimes a bit annoying as they sought business.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Amazingly fast and smooth!

Traveler Photos

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