Good, but expected more

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 28

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5
Verified Review
Independence of the Seas

4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 25, 2022

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 6357

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

Overall this was a good cruise for the first time. I expected a lot more...without all the extra fees. I truly did not like all the add on fees.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
The onboard process was very easy. However, I did not know I would have to dispose of my water like at the airport. That was a little upsetting, because I had just filled it.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
I thought the food was good, however it was noting to brag about. I did not like the only thing to eat after 9pm was pizza. Another thing, you had to pay for. Also, this ship was lacking "water stations", especially on the sports deck where the wave rider, basketball court, rock climbing etc was located. If any place on the ship should have a place to simply fill up a water bottle would be this deck and the gym. There was a water fountain at the gym, but who wants to use a water fountain these days with covid. I also think that each cabin should be allow at lease one device to have wifi at all time. Having to pay for wifi sucks!!! I would only recommend the alcohol drink package if you truly drink a lot of alcohol.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
Onboard activists were good, but everything closed down at 6pm, which was very disappointing. I was traveling with 3 young adult men (18-20), and they had absolutely nothing to do. They did not want to see any of the shows and the pool and other activities were closed. They were too old to hang out at the teen events ...if they had any...not sure. I highly recommend having something specific for "young adults", like you do for the kids and teenagers. There should be an excursion you can take to learn more about the ship and tour the cruise line to see how it operates. There is only one escape room and you must book early for a spot.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
Please get rid of the unicycle comedian. He was boarding!!!. One of the best events was the silent party, but it was only hosted once. Loved the interactive game shows and interactive activities.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Loved my room steward, Derwin. He made us feel special calling us by name and leaving us towels designed into bears and other animals.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Fabulous job on a clean cruise line.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
For 3 people, I found this cabin to be suitable. It had a lot of cubby holes to store items.

Ship tip

Bring items like cards, dominos or other items you can play with others to keep you busy if you don't want to attend the shows. Also, If you do want to see the shows, do not book the 8pm dinner time as you will miss the majority of them, unless you eat at the buffet versus the dinning room.

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

5 out of 5
I think the process went very smooth, however I arrived around 12:30. I can only imagine the line were very long the longer you wanted to board.

Nassau, Bahamas

5 out of 5
It rained, so all the excursions were canceled. However, I did find this fabulous place to eat in Nassau Bahamas called Bayside Grill & Bar. The food is excellent. I highly recommend the curry mutton. It is to die for. The restaurant is located off the beaten path, so you will only see locals coming in...at least that was my experience, but like I said earlier it had rained.

Perfect Day At Coco Cay, Bahamas

4 out of 5
We opted not to do the water park, as like any other water park or amusement park there are long lines. We did get into the ocean and snorkeled (bring your gear with you). I also loved the pool party atmosphere. That was great. The food provided was also good.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
I think they did a pretty good job getting us off of the ship.
Was this review helpful? 28

8 Comments

Tropicgal    2 years ago

Thanks for reviewing.

sunme    2 years ago

Cruising again on Indy this October. Thank you for your review!

Cruiselovers70    2 years ago

The extras you referring to are typical for most cruise lines unless unless you book all inclusive type cruise such as offered on Celebrity. However the cost for all inclusive cruise is usually $1000 more.

GSpringer    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing

Dadm    2 years ago

Seems that you enjoyed your cruise.

kef2016    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise experience.

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

AuntPinkie    2 years ago

Appreciate your feedback. Glad you mostly enjoyed your first cruise!

Other reviews of this sailing