This is the first time that we had been on a cruise during Christmas. We had been warned to expect lots of kids onboard.
Boarding: We drove our car to Fort Lauderdale and used the services of Park and Go. After leaving our car there, they loaded our luggage and gave great service for my husband who had to use a transport chair for boarding. This was a nice feature in that we had requested help for boarding and were able to pass the long line. Earlier that morning we had been notified that the ship's departure and our boarding was pushed back two hours later. Additionally, the ship would be docked in another port number instead of the original one given. Later we found out that a young man had jumped over board as the prior sailing was returning. So sorry to hear of a thing like this happening during a family's holiday sailing.
The ship: The Independence of the Sea ship is larger than other ships we have been on but we found it easy to manuever.The ship itself was nice but the decor was not what I would call beautiful. A term of saying more practical would be appropriate, especially since it has to accommodate so many passengers. It is nice, and although the carpet a little worn, it is kept clean.
The Cabin. We really liked our cabin 9620 with a balcony.. As you entered, the sitting area was first and then the bed and balcony. The bathroom is of a nice size and the cabin's location made it convenient. Our attendant gave excellent service.
The food: The food was good but nothing spectacular. We did enjoy the escargot as a appetizer that we could have ordered every night. We had open seating/eating but ended up eating two nights in the main dining room at the same time and then on the last two nights, ate at the Windjammer. I'm not sure just how special the speciality restaurants would have been. Most were right off the Windjammer area and one time we were seated in one of them as the Windjammer was fairly crowded. Other times we were able to find a table on our own.
Cozumel: We have been to Cozumel before and this time opted for an electric/pedal bike ride with lunch. You could pedal your bike or use the electric motor and just ride. The trip was along the ocean, there was a short demonstration on how to make rum, and also lunch was included. This excursion was not booked through the cruise line and a short taxi ride was required ro get to the bike company. It was enjoyable but we would have liked to cut the ride a little shorter. Getting off and on the ship was easy and uneventful.
Entertainment: The entertainment was good. The singers and dancers certainly earn their pay and the cruise activity director was good. We enjoyed the comedian and the special guest singer, as well as the production of Grease. The music on the Promenade was fantastic and so glad we did not miss The Village People. There always was plenty of room to find seats in the main theater and all seats had a good view of the stage. We also enjoyed the ice skating show.
Shopping: Was a little disappointed in the Promenade and its shops. There was only one variety store where you could buy any neissity items you may have forgotten to pack, plus candies and chips and small souvenirs, etc. Of course, there was the perfume store, as well as a couple of purse stores. There was a kiosk of watches, sunglasses and more purses, as well as a couple of jewelry stores. For a large ship felt like there was not that much we were interested in.
Kids: Although we had been warned that there would be lots of kids, the ship was not "over-run" with youngsters on the loose. I had heard that the children programs were wonderful and many did not want to depart from them. The children we did see with their families were well-behaved and we enjoyed seeing families together of all nationalities.
We enjoyed the cruise and the ship. Although we did bring a dollar store wreath to hand on our outside cabin door, there were not many others who decorated. A couple of doors down, they had put wrapping paper up with an battery operated lights along the edging but otherwise, most were plain. The wreath was great as it actually helped to identify our cabin. Although we did not partake in the swimming, there were two pool sections - one for children and the other for grown-ups. It was laid out well. Ditto on the wall climbing and volleyball area. The only complaints would be when ordering breakfast to the room. It was late, so plan accordingly. We had heard that there were 500 orders that particular morning, however, it is a large ship. The second complaint would be one lady bartender who just could not make a good drink. As usually one to just accept something mediocre and not complain, I even had to have her take it back. It was the most awful pina colada I ever had. She made another drink for me and it was terrible too. It was just her as there were no other times we were disappointed.
Getting off the ship was also very easy for us. Again, we needed help with this process and cannot tell you how much we appreciated the service we received. Upon returning to port, we arrived at the original port number. Just expect long lines and lots of walking.
