We have just returned from 10 nights on this ship and couldnt agree more. Very beautiful interior but just not up to coping for the numbers in public areas. Queuing for an hour at guest relation sis ridiculous, we hyad to and there were 2 or at times 3 staff at the desk, for a ship this size thats just poor. Comparing her to Navigator or Legend, I am afraid she looks the part but as with other experienced cruisers we spoke to,the last time we sail with Independance. That said, overall a good cruise, but for a very different market.

there were un unusually large contingent of children on board as it was the last week of the holidays and it swelled the numbers to well over 4,200 also as the weather was not very good most people were inside the ship and not spread out over all the decks, so it was very crowded. But I do agree that there was not enough large bars or lounges and after the show we found it very difficult to find anywhere to sit, we were part of a large party of cousins on board and it was impossible for all of us to sit together, there seemed to be a lot of wasted space on the solarium deck, and it would have been so much better if the pool area had been covered, so it could have been used when the weather was not so good. Food in all the restaurants was very good and the service was excellent.

This is a fine ship. Staterooms are excellent with plenty of space and good size balcony. With a big ship you expect plenty of bustle especially along The Promenade. Did not experience queues in the Windjammer - in fact usually found a table very quickly. Choice of foods in the Windjammer at breakfast and lunch time was very good. However did not rate the evening 'dining experience' at all. Menu choice often included repeats from previous day and not very imaginative. Presentation of food was acceptable. Ice show and theatre shows were very professional. If you like a big ship with a variety of things to do, then this is the ship for you. Disembarkation was very well done with no queues and lots of harrased cruisers 'eager' to get off. Usually cruise with P&O and they have the edge on dining but not on entertainment.

yes I agree about a lot of guests we went to cork and found the ship good but the food could be warmer and the queues for food was long, by the time you got your egg and got to the other end it was like hard boiled ,we liked the 4 days but would not go again smaller is better like legend and navigator

i was on this cruise too and i must say i never had to queue for 20 minutes,you obviously went at a very busy time.you could of tried deck 3 for breakfast.also apart from the last evening i never saw any queues that would take an hour at guest relations.although i never had to visit guest relations as i had no complaints.but i maybe would of called them if there was a big queue.ship was busy but no busier then other large ships.you also have to take into account the weather was bad on this cruise so everyone wanted to use indoor bars and facilities.i was with a party of 6 and none of us are intrested in watching the ice show,not everyone wants to watch shows.we had a ball.if i had to fault anything the lifts were busy but hey i need to work off all those calories so i used the stairs.chops grille also very good