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Cruising Big Time |
| Reviewed By: Lomax, Swinton, Manchester on 30th Nov 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruises |
Times cruised before: 10+ |
| Cruise Ship: Independence of the Seas |
Sailed:
October,
2008 |
| Destination: Canaries |
Age: 65+ |
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Setting sail and sailing a percentage of the Bay of Biscay in gale force winds (Beaufort scale 10), the ship was remarkably steady. There is no doubt that Independence of the Seas is a large ship and when at sea patience has to be shown due to the number of passengers on the Royal Promenade, Ice Show and the Alhambra Theatre. If you want a good seat in the shows you have to go early. This should not distract from the fact that Royal Caribbean have created a ship of beauty, which has everything for all ages. It is also excellent for people with mobility problems as there are wide corridors and the Royal Promenade with its cafes. The increase in ship size of Freedom over Voyager Class has made the Royal Promenade better with shops easier to walk in and also more comfortable to sit in Sorrento’s Pizza place, The Dog & Badger pub and The Promenade Café. Now that tea and coffee facilities have been included in the Stateroom, this has taken pressure off The Promenade Café. The staterooms are to RCCL’s high standards and you have more room at the dressing table with the flat screen TV and also a better picture. Our balcony also appeared larger than on Voyager Class ships. Lunchtimes were spent in the Windjammer, where everything seemed to run well, with a good a varied selection of food and room to move between tables. Evening meals were taken in the Romeo & Juliet restaurant at a fixed time although flexible dining was available. The service was efficient which meant well presented meals were always served hot, which again was to a standard expected of RCCL with its variety and quality. The entertainment in the Alhambra Theatre was a little disappointing as a number of the acts had been seen on previous RCCL cruises; however the two Ice Shows more than compensated. The new “Flowrider” at the stern of the ship was well used and provided entertainment for those like us who just wanted to sit there and watch. Another thing we did enjoy was the experience of the cantilevered Jacuzzi, with nothing to support it underneath. The conclusion of the cruise is “adapt to the ship” and you should have a great time”. Well done RCCL!
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Romeo & Juliet Dining Room
Windjammer | | Entertainment |  |
| Ice shows were excellent
In the Theatre we had seen some of the acts on previous RCCL cruises | | Shore Excursions | |
| Santiago de Compostela was a little overpowering with the granduer of the place and more time needed to take everything in.
Madeira had some pleasant scenery and good wine tasting but little else unless you had not done the toboggan run.
Tenerife main attraction was Mount Teidi, interesting to drive above the clouds.
Lanzarote had Fire Mountain with very interesting demonstratins. | | Staff | |
| A very well run ship with staff very helpful and obliging | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | |
| swimmimg,table-tennis,mini-golf,deck- shuffleboard,Wave rider, rock climbing,ice-skating,sports court,all types of competitions both indoors and outdoors, quizes,lectures etc..
NB Did not participate in all onboard activities. | | Cabins |  |
| Balcony was larger than on previous RCCL ships. Flat screen TV plus tea and coffee facilities were a welcomed improvements. | | Overall Rating | |
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