Royal Caribbean Cruises | Independence of the Seas | Fantastic Ship - but "My Time" just isn't!

Wednesday 3rd December 2008

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Fantastic Ship - but "My Time" just isn't!
Reviewed By: Ward, Farnham on 6th Sep 2008
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruises	Times cruised before: 6-10
Cruise Ship: Independence of the Seas	Sailed: August, 2008
Destination: Mini Cruises	Age: 56-65

Fantastic Ship – but “My Time just isn’t! Intrigued by the size of the ship, we thought a short trip would be a good way to look it over for a possible longer cruise in warmer climes. We were delighted when RCI announced “My Time” Dining, as the flexible time to eat was one of the main reasons we had previously switched from RCI to Princess, but what a disappointment! We wanted to be able to go to eat when we felt like it but from the moment we arrived on board we were pressurised to “make a reservation” the very antithesis of flexible dining. Firstly there was a letter in our cabin telling us how “much more convenient” it would be if we decided in advance when we wanted to eat and then booked it for the whole cruise. For the first 2 days we tried just arriving when we wanted to dine but were told we had to wait as everything was booked from 6:45 until 8:15 and it would be “much better of we made a booking”. We were effectively forced onto the same fixed times as the First or Second sitting; not what we expected. Eventually we capitulated and made a reservation but still could not dine at “My Time”. Also there were fewer courses available on Independence than we had previously been offered on both large (Mariner) and small (Empress) ships of the RCI line. On the whole mealtimes were a big letdown. The ship itself was truly amazing, our cabin was spacious, the new features of the cantilevered whirlpools were wonderfully relaxing and I am living proof that a Pensioner can successfully and enjoyably participate on the “Flowrider” alongside youngsters discussing their GCSE results! We do like RCI but please sort out the dining.
Quality of Food
Main Dining Room seems to have "lost" a course at dinner. Windjammer good food and coped well with the large number of passengers.
Entertainment
Ice show was just spectacular and ship's production company was excellent - worthy of the West End. Visiting acts were not so good and we did not rate the singer or the comedian.
Shore Excursions	n/a
Went under own steam.
Staff
The man supervising the flowrider was very helpful and encouraging - taught me a lot.
Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities
Loved the Flowrider!!
Cabins

Overall Rating

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