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Independance of the Seas - Maiden voyage to Cork |
| Reviewed By: Lamb, Essex on 11th May 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruises |
Times cruised before: 10+ |
| Cruise Ship: Independence of the Seas |
Sailed:
May,
2008 |
| Destination: British Isles |
Age: 26-35 |
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I have been dying to get on board one of the Freedom Class Royal Caribbean ships for ages and so when I found out about the new Independence of the Seas, I booked up straight away.
Considering it was a maiden voyage, checking in at Southampton was flawless. We pre booked the parking and so had no problems parking. We checked in our luggage earlier in the day and so by the time we embarked it was all in the room waiting for us.
We booked an inside cabin for three people so it was a little on the small side, but that was only because of the type of room we booked. The bathroom was lovely - the shower was one of the best I've had on a ship. The room attendant was excellent too - really friendly and left us with various animal shaped towel foldings. The chocolate left in the room tasted a bit odd though!
There were plenty of specialty restaurants that were not included in the price but we did not try any of these as it was only a 4 day cruise and the food in the restaurants included was very good.
The breakfast buffets in the Windjammer and Jade were excellent. Huge amount of choice and a lot of obscure American specialties I had never seen before. The only downside was the tea. My friend, an avid tea drinker, found it impossible to get a cup of tea made with real boiling water. We did however have a kettle and tea bags in the cabin, so not to worry.
Again, we tended to opt for the buffet style lunches. As a veggie, it would have been nice for a bit clearer labeling as to what was veggie and what was not but there were still a fantastic choice for everyone.
The evening meals were served over the split floored dining rooms which made the dining experience feel really rather luxurious. Again, lots of choice for meat eaters and veggies and we had an excellent waiter who was always happy to provide alternatives if we wanted them. However, despite advertising the restaurant as providing 5 course dinners, there were only ever 3 on offer. To be honest, this was probably a good thing as there was already plenty of food.
One thing that did put me off and which seemed a rather curious thing to do on a late sitting was to parade the kids club (3-8 year olds) through the dining room on the second night. They continued to shout and sing for about 20 minutes and this really didn't seem appropriate for adult diners.
There was so much to do on the ship other than eat that we did not really get around it all in the 4 days, even though we barely left the ship. The library was amazing as was the gym which opened at 6 every day which suited me for an early morning wake up session. We also tried some of the classes which were well organised and stimulating.
The spa felt suitably luxurious and with the current exchange rate on the dollar, the treatments were quite reasonably priced.
There was also the ice rink, climbing wall, golf course and flow rider to try. Worth getting in the queues early for these as they do get rather packed.
Apart from locking us out on the first day, the screening room was super, showing a lot of recently to DVD films.
The one trip we took - to Kinsale - was ok but not the best half day trip I have ever done. The guide was very knowledgeable but the 50 minutes we had in Kinsale itself was not really enough time.
The evening entertainment carried on a little late for my taste, not starting until 11 for late seating and carrying on way after midnight. The shows looked incredible but were just that little bit too polished...it often felt like we were watching an episode of American Idol. The cruise director was also just that little bit too...American. I'm not sure how else to put it. I guess I'm just a miserable Brit though!
We managed to get tickets to see the ice show - these were free but it was necessary to queue up to get these the day before - and it was incredibly well done considering that the rink is not exactly huge. Well worth the queuing! The bar service at the ice show sadly yielded the worst mojito I have ever tasted though, and the waitress did not think to provide a glass for the cans of guiness and even after 2 requests, still did not bring it but never mind!
We did not venture into the night club when it was in full swing but did wander around it on the first day and I must say the decor was fantastic! It looked like a cross between an ice palace and the Addams family mansion - gorgeous!
Overall, the experience was brilliant. You could never have guessed it was a maiden voyage as the service and organization was impeccable. It was a much more family oriented cruise than any other I had ever been on. I am used to being the youngest on the ship - I'm 27, however, this was by no means the case this time. Also, it just felt very American even though most of the staff were not. Gorgeous new ship and well worth a look!
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Veggie options in the main dining room | | Entertainment | |
| The ice show - Strings | | Shore Excursions |  |
| Only did one - Scenic Ireland and Kinsale | | Staff |  |
| Our waiter, Joy. Always happy to find alternatives to the menu if we wanted them | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | |
| Too many to get round! | | Cabins | |
| Comfortable, warm and well maintained | | Overall Rating | |
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