First and last time with Royal Caribbean

Item: Independence of the Seas
Rating: 3.2
Author: hpripstein

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

hpripstein

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 109

Overall rating:

3.2 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 27, 2024

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 2663

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 3 months ago

Review summary

Had high expectations because of the price tag but it turns out its only expensive to book for couples families of four are almost the same price. The ship was 50%children running wild until 1am. Ive never been on a ship where I didnt know the captain's name and at least have him make an announcement over the intercom. Drink package was sooooo expensive and chairs on sea day were hard to come by even though the ship was only 75% capacity.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Nothing spectacular

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Good amount to do

Entertainment

3 out of 5

basically 2 nights without shows out of 5 nights

Children's Programs

2 out of 5

Kids have run of the ship until 1am

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Main Dining Staff was excellent

Ship Quality

2 out of 5

Old and outdated

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

Normal size for an interior but very old and outdated. Pillows were terrible, no mini fridge just a mini cooler

Ship tip

If you do not have children, try a different cruise line

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

4 out of 5

Perfect Day At Coco Cay, Bahamas

3 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

9 Comments

Tmac320 3 months ago

I would think the captain made at least one announcement. They're just so often hard to hear! I've always wondered the fascination with knowing who the captain is. At least you can Google it. You don't know anything about the person flying the plane or driving the bus! I'm glad the whole cruise wasn't a loss.

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Bertfish 3 months ago

Book during school break = lots of kids. Kind of a no brainer. Parents not keeping kids under control and respectful in 2024? Kind of a no brainer. Sounds like next trip should be a Virgin Voyage for you. Just say’n

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Gwbigdog 3 months ago

Oops sorry thanks

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1960cruiser 3 months ago

This is what happens with failure to do a complete research of ship and cruise. Personally, I don't like the 12pm captains announcement. Either I can't understand what he is saying or I can't hear it, either way a waste of time unless it's an important announcement.

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javawoody 3 months ago

Appreciate the review

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BarbSeymour 3 months ago

Looks like you still had a good time !

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cruising2004 3 months ago

Sorry you were disappointed with your cruise.

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TiffyTaffy 3 months ago

Thanks for the review. Sorry the ship didn’t meet your expectations.

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HeavySeas 3 months ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise experience

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Other reviews of this sailing

Great Family Time!