Decent Overall Experience

Item: Independence of the Seas
Rating: 4.1
Author: BillyDSoul

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

BillyDSoul

Contributor Level: Second Mate

20 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 30

Overall rating:

4.1 out of 5

Verified Review

4 Night Bahamas (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 04, 2024

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 9357

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 4 months ago

Review summary

Royal Caribbean continues to up its quality with its newer class of ships. The older classes need to be either refurbished or phased out. This ship and experience felt very "carnival/msc" ish. It was the "motel" experience instead of the 5 star hotel/resort quality I prefer. I chose it for the price and quick getaway. You get what you paid for. I definitely did. Was not a bad cruise, but it was different than my usual fare.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Staff was not as friendly as Port Canaveral or FTL

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Best part of the cruise was the food. Thank goodness for that. I ate at Chops, Giovanni's, & Izumi's. Also ate at Playmakers and the experience was excellent!

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Hot tub in the solarium was great! Definitely less activities than Oasis class ships.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

The shows made the cruise very enjoyable. Performers were great. Musicians were on point. DJs were awesome!

Children's Programs

No kids with me

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Everyone was excellent except some of the entertainment staff. A couple had bad attitudes and were quite rude. Maybe had a bad week. No excuse for their rudeness.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Time for an upgrade but for what it is, very well maintained.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

I give it 4 stars for the space. I give it barely 3 for the old nursing home smell. Barely 3 stars for the old style and wear & tear of being an older ship. If it had been a smaller room, it would have been rough.

Ship tip

Do not compare it to an Oasis class ship experience. This ship and class of ship is perfect for those wanting a cheaper/less than top tier experience. I enjoyed myself, but was wishing to be back on a bigger ship.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

3 out of 5

Not my favorite port - I will take FTL and Port Canaveral anyday.

Thumbs Up 0

Perfect Day At Coco Cay, Bahamas

5 out of 5

Amazing day!! Hideaway Beach is the way to go!

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

3 out of 5

ODD!! Took forever to get out of there. Had to walk the length of the ship in a super long line that was very disorganized. My worst disembarkation experience to date.

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Other reviews of this sailing

Good trip, needs less days at sea though