Amazing Ship & Trip!

Item: Independence of the Seas
Rating: 4.9
Author: roshanelyse

Independence of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

roshanelyse

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 4

Overall rating:

4.9 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 05, 2024

Ship: Independence of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6308

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 13 days ago

Review summary

This was the first time we went on a cruise and we will definitely go again. The ship was spectacular and the staff... there are no words to describe how kind, helpful, and skilled they are. I kept thinking there was a catch, lol. LOVED the main dining staff and our cabin steward. We also had a great couple's massage and I got my toes painted. Honestly the best pedicure I ever got. The food and venues and all of the activities were wonderful, although the virtual reality activity was gone and we were bummed about that. We talked to 3 other couples who said it was their third time booking this ship because they love it so much. We can see why!

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Pretty smooth and great people. The only issue is they changed the dock and didn't notify us until we got there. Put our driver out.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

The main dining room was spectacular. Never had such amazing service. Truly wonderful people.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

We soaked in the hot tubs (some of the jets didn't work) and it was lovey. The virtual experience at the top of the ship was dismantled and they had corn hole instead. Disappointed about that. Other than that, everything was so fun. My husband and I did the water slides several times. The pools looked fun but were so crowded. I tried to go into the fitness center but I didn't have close-toes shoes so I couldn't. I will know for next time.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Really excellent entertainment. The ice skating was really good and a little scary at times. How they can land all those jumps and spins while the boat is rocking is beyond me! The competition games were fun, and Grease was so good!

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Absolutely the best service I have ever experienced from everyone. Over the top.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

The cleaning staff were like ninjas. I NEVER saw anything dirty anywhere.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Great size and the balcony was perfect. We also had a great placement for our cabin as it was quiet at all hours.

Ship tip

Bring close-toed shoes for the gym, and Windjammer is the all you can eat buffet up by the pools. We didn't realize this until the last day. We thought it was a ride.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

5 out of 5

Perfect Day At Coco Cay, Bahamas

5 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Very smooth, although the driver who took us to Ft. Lauderdale airport was a scary driver and kind of forced tips. He was grumpy! I don't think he was part of Royal Caribbean, though.

6 Comments

VAcruisemate 9 days ago

Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising! We started in 1981 and it remains the ultimate vacation in my book.

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Gwbigdog 11 days ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

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Ricdalek 11 days ago

Yes, the sky pads were discontinued after a serious injury (if not 2 injuries) so all 5 skypads will not be used until they determine another use for the area after the 5 year drydock.

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cruising2004 13 days ago

Welcome, glad you enjoyed your cruise!

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VAcruisenut 13 days ago

Welcome to cruising! Thanks for sharing your first, fun, fantastic cruise.

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javawoody 13 days ago

Appreciate the review

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Other reviews of this sailing

An OKAY experience.

Overall the trip was fantastic. Huricaine Milton was hitting land so it changed our Itinerary. The captain was very good at keeping us up to date and even though things changed and we even got an extray day at sea the entire crew was very helpful.