My Wife and I was excited to take our 3 kids 16,15 & 4 on their first cruise. Unfortunately after ending the cruise my kids have no desire to ever go on another one and I can’t argue. It was so far below the expectations from comfort, things to do and general cleanliness that even I have no desire to do it again.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Good
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
1 out of 5
Horrible planning for kid care, dinners and other activities.
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
Kids pool and kid care closed when trying to catch shows or dinner. Spa pamper for wife and daughter was overbooked where my wife and daughter were told to just sit on the ground.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
You would think “broadway quality” instead it was like they took any random employee put them in a wig and costume and said good luck.
Children's Programs
1 out of 5
When open and available it was nice. However too many times it’s closed at the start of a show or before the show ends that you want to see. Even the water park was closed at time during your day at sea.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Some of the staff were great. But also seams like there is a something where going on. Was informed by multiple staff ( please make sure to give me a 10 on the survey or I won’t get a day off and have to work for the next 8 months straight).
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The staff for the most part did very well at keeping the tables and decks cleaned and clear for use.
Cabin / Stateroom
1 out of 5
Half way through the cruise my daughter found a bag full of USED women hygiene products left in the closet from a previous guest. The Mattresses were nothing more than a box spring, and so uncomfortable to lay on, the air conditioning in the room would not cool off the room, you were almost sweeting just sitting in the room.
The island is beautiful, but to enjoy the water park is an extra $180 per person. So you’re stuck walking around or at best swimming. The kid park for younger children was open and available, but it’s not something your teenagers would enjoy
Sorry you didn't enjoy yourself. Hard to believe. Indy is my favorite ship. Grease is amazing. Admittedly I don't know much about the kids program. I have seen families enjoy their time at cococay without having to go to Waterpark. Maybe try the large ships. But I'm sure you won't like that because the cost is more expensive and some of the extras will cost
Hug? My kids had a blast on that ship, from ice skating to golf flo rider amongst other things to do around the ship. I see those people try their best to make people happy on that ship. 🤷
We have cruised on Independence of the Seas several times and never experienced anything what you describe. Granted it may not be our favorite ship but it certainly a ship that we would cruise again.
I don't understand. It is now July 4th. It states your cruise started July 3rd (yesterday), and you stated in your opening paragraph that it's already over, which isn't possible. Did you and your family leave the ship after one day?
Please clarify.
Please please please, the reviewer is giving their opinion in good faith just as those who say everything is perfect.
If a cruise line avadvertise a cruise as family friendly, a family are entitled to expect a cruise to be perfect for them.
Their experience may be different from a single cruiser, or a couple Cruising.
This forum is for all cruisers to post their opinion.
I have been on the Independence of the Seas and it is a great ship with so much to do for all age groups. Don't know what your problem is. Maybe cruising isn't for you and your family. A cruise is what you make of it. Attitude will give you a great cruise or a bad one. You need to open up and enjoy.
You picked the wrong cruise, and most especially for children. Those short Bahamas cruises are party boats and do not cater to families. They use the oldest ships as they are mostly a free for all. More research was needed. There are many in the cruising community that would be happy to help out.
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