Hi, I'm so pleased I have read your review, I can't wait to go. It's the first time I'm sailing in Oct 2009 (might be on at the same time as you??), I'm going for my 30th birthday with my partner, we only booked it today!! I've read a few negative reviews but now I've read yours I'm more excited than ever!!, Thank you for your review on EVERYTHING about the ship, you're been really helpful.

I am heartened by the support I have received in your comments about the unfortunate attitude of a person who found a platform to let off steam and show his inadequacies in life! I read the information which said comments would be checked out and not appear if they were offensive or hurtful.... never mind, my faith in human nature is restored..... I believe my review is a condensed version of what I would have liked to say but felt it would be a burden if any longer....... Independence of the Seas is grand and would appeal to any age, any socio-economic group and all in all it is a cruise lifestyle to remain with me forever.... thank you for your support.

take no notice of unknownsock, this is an excellent review of what we also believe to be a fab ship, we sailed on the 6th may cruise and had a amazing holiday, we were in a party of different age groups, and there was something for everyone, my only moan is that my husband and i put a few pounds on, but thats not royal carribeans fault its ours, for being greedy pigs with the wonderful desserts on offer, to good to resist , all in all a great cruise and as seasoned cruisers we have been with many other companies and this ship was the best, we have booked 2 more cruies such is our faith in this ship, that saddo unknownsock has probably never been on this ship, and has to get his kicks being insulting to others, grow up

This was an excellent review, but I thought that comments and answers were to be screened by the people running this site. The comments by 'Unknownsock' should never have been put up on the site. This person is obviously unbalanced and really we should pity him/her.

We have also had a fantastic holiday on this cruise, we were in a large party of different age groups, unknownsock is a sad insulting person who does not have the balls to put his name to his insults, in our party were a solictor, two doctors and other professional people,but it wouldnt matter if my family were dockers or labourers nobody has the right to be so rude to others, oh and my father was before retirement a top chef, and he found the food to be fresh and excellent quality, we all like different things, we loved the cruise and have 2 more booked, just because you didnt like it unknownsock dont spoil it for others,you really need to get a life,

Merseydive, Nottingham, Manchester, Rhyl & Plymouth just really goes to prove my point. Independence is for the council house crowd. RCI made a big mistake in their choice of Godmother, they obviously, to reflect their target audience should have gone with Kerry Katona!!

As the author of this review - I would like to say i submitted it in good faith... it is my view of a wonderful cruise. I had no idea that people would write such horrid comments .... so unhelpful and hurtful. I think my ''taste'' in travel choices should not be attacked with such venom. If this continues I will NOT be wasting my time sharing my experiences if they are going to be ridiculed so callously. thank you to those who read them and hopefully they were helpful to genuine traveller/cruisers.