Frustrating

Item: Independence of the Seas
Rating: 2
Author: Nate0808

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

Nate0808

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 19

Overall rating:

2 out of 5

4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 15, 2021

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

They skyrocketed their prices... My wife and kids had to pay way more for the exact same cruise than what we had when it was canceled in 2020, even with the 30% extra that they gave us. Waiting in line for 45 minutes twice to get covid test results was more drawn out than it needed to be. What we paid for was to go to Perfect day at Cocoacay, when that didn't happen, they were unwilling to provide any kind of partial refund.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

I had my family with me and my children are too young to be vaccinated. We had to wait in a line for them to receive a COVID test and were told that we'd have to wait 45 minutes to receive the results, that was to be expected. What was frustrating, however, is that after waiting 45 minutes we were told that my daughter had unclear test results and that we'd have to wait another 45 minutes, they didn't have to reswab or anything so I'm unsure as to why we had to wait an additional 45 minutes to get on the ship.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5

Fun, but my 8 year old daughter was too short to ride flowrider (even though our flowrider at home allowed her to ride when she was only 5 years old). And my 4-year-old son was too short to do anything (Sky pad, flow rider, waterslides, etc.) so the only activity he could really do was sit in the pool or play mini golf...

Entertainment

2 out of 5

Children's Programs

2 out of 5

Service and Staff

2 out of 5

Ship Quality

2 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

Ship tip

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

2 out of 5

Thumbs Up 1

Nassau, Bahamas

2 out of 5

Thumbs Up 1

Perfect Day At Coco Cay, Bahamas

1 out of 5

Our captain could not land the ship and so we were not able to enjoy this port. This is the primary reason we chose this cruise but Royal Caribbean is unwilling to provide us with a partial refund. In their contract, it is stated that they're able to change their itinerary. What that basically means is that you could be at sea the entire trip and they don't care to issue any kind of refund even though they haven't delivered the experience that they said they would.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

2 out of 5

10 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe 3 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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Ricdalek 2 years ago

That week (according to our captain) there were higher than usual winds in the islands. We were able to dock but the captain had announced the potential for the missed port.

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izrgreen 2 years ago

Sorry you did not have a good experience

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Bertfish 2 years ago

Why could the captain not dock? Seems odd. I assume you did not pay for any type of extra at coco cay because I know they’d reimburse you for that. Does their website not state height restrictions etc? We’ve never taken kids so I’m not sure. As far as pricing, it will settle back down in time I’m sure. Probably should have waited to book if it’s an issue. Personally I haven’t seen much in the way of fare increase but thinks like drink packages have stayed high. Research, Research, research. Gotta be an informed consumer.

Thumbs Up 2

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javawoody 2 years ago

I acknowledge your view

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cruising2004 2 years ago

Sorry about your experience

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TXatsea 2 years ago

Maybe cruising isn’t for you

Thumbs Up 2

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AuntPinkie 2 years ago

Appreciate your feedback. Sorry this cruise didn’t meet your expectations. I agree prices are increasing not only for the passengers but for the cruise lines. Hope your next cruise is better.

Thumbs Up 1

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CruzeFan 2 years ago

Thanks. We’ve always had a great experience with Royal Caribbean. Prices on most things are much higher now, especially travel related. With the current Covid restrictions for children, there are much better options than cruising currently. Hopefully others with upcoming cruises are aware of the restrictions listed on the websites and will make an informed decision on whether to cruise or postpone until later.

Thumbs Up 2

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RoyalCruzer 2 years ago

Supply and demand. The basics of economics.

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Other reviews of this sailing

Must go on this one again

Amazing crew and Fun Ship

GREAT FIRST CRUISE SINCE COVID