Terrible cruise for young kids, with hidden extra charges

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

mariorojas1

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 29

Overall rating:

2.5 out of 5

Verified Review

4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 27, 2022

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 3254

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

We had really high hopes for this cruise as it was our first experience as a family with young children (4 and 2 y/o), but unfortunately it wasn't at all what we expected. All the activities are for older kids, which basically meant that our boys couldn't do anything on the ship during the entire cruise, aside from mini golf under the hot sun, or playing in the extremely crowded water park when we were allowed (Our 2 y/o wasn't allowed in the water park, it was made for around 20/30 kids but it constantly had around 50 kids). Aside from that. we were shocked with all the hidden costs of going in a cruise. For starters we wanted to get water for our kids and we were forced to buy a drinks package (Which was supposed to be part of the cruise), which was ridiculous! You are in the middle of nowhere and unless you pay extra, you can't get water?? And on top of that. after purchasing this so called drinks package, they charge you US$14 for every time they handle you a bottle of water as a "Service charge"! Which we only realized once they sent us the bill after we left the ship.. We most definitely won't go on a cruise like this ever again.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Children's Programs

1 out of 5

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

Ports of call

Nassau, Bahamas

1 out of 5

Perfect Day At Coco Cay, Bahamas

3 out of 5

Disembarkation

3 out of 5

12 Comments

live2cruise2 2 years ago

We always bring our reusable thermo cups and just fill them with ice and water at the Buffet. Never bought a bottle of water.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

heaabb 2 years ago

I was on this same cruise and had a great time! The 14.50 is a daily charge pp for gratuities for the crew not for serving you water. If you really don't think the crew deserves a tip you can request they remove that from your bill. Royal never includes drink packages and yes I agree their alcohol drink package for this cruise was ridiculously expensive and the per drink prices are as well. You may want to do a little more research and reading for your next cruise. I used YouTube to get lots of info and the cruiselines have questions and answers on their sights for almost everything. Maybe try NCL they have free at sea open bar lots of other things included. Hope your next cruise is awesome!

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

loriad28 2 years ago

You can bring bottled water onboard and I grab a glass of water or two every time I pass a cafe.......

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Sionainn 2 years ago

They have water almost anywhere. You can ask for a cup… as far as the 2 yr old. That is definitely a safety issue… cruising is amazing.. and Royal is one of the best

Thumbs Up 5

Flag

AuntPinkie 2 years ago

Sorry this cruise didn’t meet your expectations. Yes, bottled water costs, but all the other water is good to drink (as others have mentioned). Appreciate your feedback.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

RoyalCruzer 2 years ago

Free water is everywhere...Cafe Promenade, Park Cafe, MDR, Windjammer. Also, EVERY single bar on the ship. Sorry your lack.of general basic research made for an unenjoyable vacation.

Thumbs Up 4

Flag

Bertfish 2 years ago

$14 per bottle service charge with a drink package? Lol not true. Something fishy indeed with this review.

Thumbs Up 3

Flag

Dadm 2 years ago

So often it seems that new cruisers don’t take the time to either read or ask so many important questions. The advantage is that hopefully you have learned more about traveling.

Thumbs Up 3

Flag

Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Oops 😬 thanks

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Shh813 2 years ago

Oh yes, no excuse for not having water. It’s all over for free especially in MDR. Also why was the day of the cruise and the day of your review the same???!

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

CruzeFan 2 years ago

Thanks for the review. It sounds like cruising is not for you. There is all the Free water you want available at the Buffet or from the faucet in the bathroom in your cabin or you can buy bottled water individually or to have in your room. A refillable water bottle is the best option and just refill it at the buffet.

Thumbs Up 3

Flag

javawoody 2 years ago

Sorry this cruise was not for you

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Other reviews of this sailing

Excellent except for teens on elevator

Always Nice to Cruise!

NOT the same food quality at all