First cruise, now hooked

Item: Independence of the Seas
Rating: 5
Author: addicted2cruisn

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review

addicted2cruisn

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 6

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

4 Night Perfect Day & Bahamas (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 01, 2023

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

My fave things about cruise is everything from Carl and all the staff to dining selections, entertainment and our suite. We loved every bit of our experience. No complaints at all.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Embarkation was an absolute breeze. We used birth certificates and had no issues at all. We had a 10:30 am boarding time but was allowed on a little early. We had the Royal Suite so we were in the suite waiting area, it was very nice.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Independence of the Seas offered so many choices to eat (included) and specialty dining options. We had dinner at Chops on the last night of cruise. We also took advantage of all the included options where we never had a issue with service or food. If your looking to stick with the included in your fare options, you will be happy. Just remember, the staff serves 1000’s of passengers so be kind to them. Most will strike up a conversation with you if you are talkative like me. The buffets were plentiful and options were in abundance in terms of food choice. Quick service was just that, quick, efficient and yummy.

Fish & Ships

5 out of 5

I’m so glad we chose to grab some fish from Fish n Ships. It is included in the price unless you get lobster. If you get lobster, it was delicious and the price was very affordable. I think it was $12 but don’t hold me to it. Yummy. We also had the fish basket too and had no complaints. It’s located on the pool deck, they have some seating right by it but is limited. Closes at 6pm I think.

Pool Bar

5 out of 5

Again, we did not have the drink pkg but boy did we have some tasty drinks at the Pool Bar. You gotta try the frozen Blue Hawaiian, omg it’s amazing and so refreshing while in the heat. The Miami Vice is also worth trying. We went up to the bar most of the time and service was so quick. If we waited in line it was only about 2 or 3 minutes. The bartenders would see us coming and start making our drink, that’s how good the service is. Again, we tipped nicely and they showed their appreciation. They were at one point yelling our na,es as we approached, they made it fun. Never had a issue with the taste or strength of the drink lol.

Windjammer Marketplace

5 out of 5

Windjammer was great, again I don’t understand the negative reviews. Service was amazing. The staff was alway happy and ready to have a chat. I think for you to really enjoy a cruise you have to be willing to speak with those around you. It makes all the difference in the world. The food choice was plentiful and the taste hit the spot. There was a variety of choices from hamburgers to Chicken. Plenty of choices for children too. Dessert selection was ll you could ask for on a cruise. Yes, I’m a first time cruiser so I went in with no expectations but was shocked just how good everything was on the ship. I’m booked for 3 more and will go in with the same expectations I had on this cruise. I was pleased, our whole family was very pleased. In fact a couple of our family members had cruised Carnival, I converted them with just one cruise.

Champagne Bar

5 out of 5

We albsolutely loved the Champagne Bar. It is a very lively spot at night, but we brought the party with us. We had all the seating right in front of the piano player because we had a large group. We sang along with him, which he really enjoyed. I think we were the only one clapping for him, he was really good. The service was great, it only took a few minutes for our server to return w our drinks. We did not have the drink pkg, but as I mentioned before, it’s like drinking at home. We drank a lot but it did not justify the package…for us anyway. This was a nightly gathering place. TIP….tip your server we’ll and they will make them drinks as strong as you want. Also…try the lavender margarita. Love love love it.

Main Dining Room

5 out of 5

I can’t say enough about MDR. I read so many complaints about it and wonder if we were on the same ship. MDR is beautiful and it’s beauty matches the personality of the staff. I never seen one staff member who did not welcome us and have a big smile on their faces. Jose was a server during the week, and we’ll, he was accommodating and really paid attention to what we liked. He paid so much attention that he knew we skipped a night eating in MDR. I felt so bad because he truly missed us, as we kept him laughing. I decided to be really kind to him and leave him a $100 tip for the week. I know I didn’t have to but I chose too because they truly work their tails off! Food was great, I love the menus and variety. I have found that when you go out of your way to be kind to the staff, they really appreciate it. I’m not talking about a hefty tip like we gave, I’m talking about having a smile on your face, being willing to chat with them, and throwing out those “thank you’s”.

Cafe Promenade

5 out of 5

A great way to start the day. We went and had coffee and a quick bite. The service was great. We paid for our coffee because we did not have a drink pkg but it was like going for coffee at home in terms of price. This is why we did not buy a package. Our danishes were free. The Cafe Promenade was well stocked and clean.

Chop's Grille

5 out of 5

Chops Grill was an amazing place to celebrate my birthday. The food was awesome, lots of choices. Our meal was hot when it hit the table. Jose was our server and he was atttentative to our needs and even stuck around for conversation. He made sure we understood the menu and gave us his favorites which by the way we chose. We had steak, it did not disappoint.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

There is plenty to do onboard the Independence of the Seas. You will never get bored. We did the rock climbing…that was fun as we had a little competition going on and everyone was cheering. The flow rider was a complete blast and so fun to watch others lose their swim shorts (in out group). The pools were amazing…a little crowded at times but our group lives crowds and meeting new people. Chairs are hard to come by so you need to go early. Yes, people…a lot of people were selfish and hogged the chairs. I watched and there were chairs taken but you never saw the people in them. We made use of our chairs…an hour in pool, then off to get drinks and sunbathe. Over all, that’s my only complaint. They have a suite section that we took advantage of too…and yes, there were a few young ones that did not have a suite and snuck in. I politely ask them to leave and they did. They had chairs that didn’t belong to them and we needed them.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Plenty of entertainment onboard. There is something for everyone. I will say the adult comedy show was not the best. I warn you that he is very offensive to the LGBTQ and that was something that I did not like, especially with everything going on. I did reach out to RC and I think they made a change. He is no longer on the ship. The performers on pool deck were amazing, keeping a lively environment at the pool with nice Caribbean music. There was a lady that played piano on the elevator that was quite entertaining.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

We were in the Royal Suite and our concierge Carl was everything. He was fantastic, making sure we had everything we needed from extra pillows to throw blankets. Carl met us in the suite lounge while embarking and gave us a tour of ship. We were the first ones on. He made sure our suite was ready when we boarded, that was awesome in itself. He made our dinner reservations and was always there at the drop of a hat. Carl surprised us with food and drinks in the suite and gave me a RC towel for my birthday. Our steward was equally amazing. She even decorated my suite for my birthday at no charge, got me a photo frame that said happy birthday and made special towel animals for me. I’m sorry but I can’t remember her name. She was so friendly and always spoke to us when she seen us in the hall. A total delight. I’m so grateful for her and Carl. I already spoke about our waiters at the bars, dining and pool. I can’t rave enough about them. We tipped everyone really well. Carl and our steward got the most.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

The ship was pristine. The ambiance was amazing. Bathrooms were clean, everything was top notch for being an older ship. We had no complaints at all. Definitely will be on her again.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

As I mentioned earlier, the Royal suite is paradise on a ship. It is about 1500 sq feet of complete bliss, with 2 bathrooms. The balcony is huge w a jacuzzi on it. We loved hanging out in the suite and on the balcony. Definitely will book it again. The shower in the bedroom was huge, w a separate toilet area. It had a whirlpool too. The shower had double shower heads. A separate area to get ready.

Ship tip

Book excursions early, be patient with staff, and be willing to chat with them. The back of the ship is a great place for sail away.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Perfect Day At Coco Cay, Bahamas

5 out of 5

I’m gonna keep this short because I will ramble. Coco Cay Perfect day lived up to it name. You don’t have to spend money on extras to have a great time. There are plenty of pools with music, beach paths to explore, do it yourself snorkeling areas, and of coarse beautiful beaches. You can take the tram around the island at no cost. There are dancers that put on shows, one when you get off the ship. They truly welcome you in Bahamas style. Take a moment and dance with them. Take it all in. Most food is included in price. We absolutely loved this port and can’t wait to go back.

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Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Though sad to leave, disembarkation was a breeze. We were escorted off by Carl which made it better because we were lead off w no hiccups. No lines. Having a top tier suite does make a difference but it will depend on what your willing to spend. It was worth every dime having the Royal suite.