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royal caribbean par excellence!
 
Reviewed By: playle, rayleigh on 4th Jul 2009
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruises Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Independence of the Seas Sailed: September, 2008
Destination: Western Europe Age: 65+
Cabin: Inside
My wife and I cruised on Independence of the Seas last September arriving in Southampton at 1pm and we were in our cabin within 30 minutes,fantastic booking in system considering they are handling 3000 + customers.In Miami and Port Canaveral they use the same efficient system which makes for happy customers.We booked an interior cabin as we usually do and were pleasantly surprised to be upgraded to promenade cabin which has a bay window overlooking the high street of shops and 2 cafes.One serving home made cakes and biscuits and sandwiches the other serving hot delicatassen and pizzas these were open 24 hrs.The cabins are slightly larger than other cruise lines we have been on and really 1st class.On the entertainment front the advantage of catering for large amounts of passengers is that R.C. can afford top line performers.There are 2 different ice shows on a 2 week cruise and the performers are all olympic class ice dancers as good as any west end shows.Likewise the main theatre hosts top line comediens vocalists magicians etc.This is a brand new ship and decor and cleanlness to match but in fairness we have sailed on 5 of R.C.ships and they have all been well presented no signs of rust that you see on one or two other lines.We have also taken our 40 year old son and daughter in law and our 4 year old granddaughter on Mariner of the seas and they were so impressed that we arew all booking up for 2010.Ths really emphasises thgat all ages can really enjoy cruising but do your research first as some cruises we have been on we have lowered the average age by going on board and we are 65+I wish you all happy cruising!
David Playle.
Quality of Food4
Windjammer Self Service Huge selection!! Main Restaraunt.Stylish menus and service a little slower than USA cruises perhaps the americans are more demanding.Food is great but we have not yet found anything but great food on any cruise line however small or inexpensive.
Entertainment5
Ice Shows fantastic.
Shore Excursionsn/a
Staff5
Cabin steward so friendly that we purchased a personal gift as well as gratuity.
Children's Facilities5
USA cruise great for our 4 year old.But on Indepence we sailed as a couple but the kids facilities loked even better especially the water park.
Onboard Activities5
Plenty going on R.C. even reward you with prizes for attendin keep fit and other activities.
Cabins4
Very spacious
Overall Rating5
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Comment by Davis, WALLASEY (06 Jul 09 22:19) about this REVIEW
I do hope that reviews make a difference. However, I have now read with interest many reviews - some very petulant and carping. We have now made three cruises, and thoroughly enjoyed them all. So much so that we never once left the ships! Our other foreign holidays have tended to be tours by car in France - which we loved! In my "previous life" I toured the world - mostly singing - and was prepared to be -well, at least scornful, but the standard of food, accomodation and above all, entertainment I found to be excellent. You keep up the good work - I'm sure criticism helps!! Cheers - and very good sailing - oops, I nearly wrote "Tight sails"!! TONY DAVIS - once a Spinner and often a shantyman too!!
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Opinion: Disagree Comment by Poolay, Lincolnshire (04 Jul 09 15:50) about this REVIEW
I am just back today from a 2 week cruise with Royal Caribbean sailing in the Independence of the Seas. Never ever again. I will write my review with comments and my personal reasons in a few days time. Just not got it all collated together yet. But mainly extra hidden costs, unwelcome staff comments and their way of pacifying a simple request of cold food, and mandatory gratuities!!!! And the list goes on.
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Comment by Stevens, Rayleigh (11 Jul 09 11:32) about a COMMENT by Poolay (04 Jul 09 15:50)
Looking forward to reading Poolays litany of poor service on Independence but will take him to task re mandatory gratuities as they certainly not mandatory.Just tell the reception desk to not charge same and you are given envelopes to reward staff as you see fit.The Americans are renowned as heavy tippers and the Brits only reward good service. David Playle.
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Comment by Boyd, Keith (05 Jul 09 17:18) about a COMMENT by Poolay (04 Jul 09 15:50)
can't wait to read your review, I was on Independence of the seas last May ( 2008 ) and had no complaints
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Comment by Sander, LONDON (04 Jul 09 18:39) about a COMMENT by Poolay (04 Jul 09 15:50)
Wow can't wait!
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