Ship needs a facelift

Item: Independence of the Seas
Rating: 3.8
Author: cantthink

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

cantthink

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 12

Overall rating:

3.8 out of 5

Verified Review

4 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 04, 2024

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin number: GTY

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 7 months ago

Review summary

We were so disappointed with the shape of the ship, lack of employees and food. As avid cruisers, we decided RCL is in decline and hesitate to book an RCL cruise

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Sushi making class was excellent,

Children's Programs

1 out of 5

Teen Club was rarely open

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

We had a good experience with the staff, although the ship seems to be understaffed when it comes to cleaning. Our poor room steward had 23 or 28 rooms to take care of.

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

Ship appeared dirty but we believe it's because it's way understaffed. Chairs in MDR were falling apart..peeling leather off the tops and back. We looked at a rubber band filled with long hair that sat on the pool deck for our entire cruise. Our balcony needed attention..dirty Bring your own soaps..they only have body wash that serves as shampoo..no other amenities besides a bar of soap.

Cabin / Stateroom

1 out of 5

Upper bunk was like sleeping on a hard Kleenex.."mattress" was very thin We only had 1 chair in our room..no small couch Shower was like getting into a tube/time capsule..wayyyy outdated and tiny

Ship tip

Bring your own amenities and realize there are only 2 plugs for electronics in your room

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

5 out of 5

Grand Turk Island

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Traveler Photos

Main dining room chairs are in need of replacement

8 Comments

RoyalCruzer 7 months ago

When you have only cruised 2 times and have no basis for your comments We recently sailed on Indy and the ship was immaculate, and the food was outstanding. In addition, all other reviews of this ship are 4 and 5 stars.

Thumbs Up 2

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javawoody 7 months ago

Thanks for the review

Thumbs Up 1

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deboftheseas 7 months ago

Sad about the chairs….otherwise….all the crew and money gets focused on new ships…sad yet true

Thumbs Up 1

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cruising2004 7 months ago

Sorry you were disappointed with your cruise.

Thumbs Up 0

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karlgrgurich 7 months ago

Sorry you were disappointed

Thumbs Up 0

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HeavySeas 7 months ago

Thanks for sharing

Thumbs Up 0

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Flcruisepro 7 months ago

Unfortunately, RCL is putting all their money into new ships and neglecting the old ships in my opinion. We try to go on the newer ships or if we do go on an old ship, it is because of the price or the itinerary and we lower our expectations. ☹

Thumbs Up 3

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BnCTcruising 7 months ago

Hmm. Sorry your cruise was not totally enjoyable. We liked this ship and the service but we were on it last year. Maybe things have changed.

Thumbs Up 0

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