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Cruise to Cobh
 
Reviewed By: Thompson, Witney on 2nd Sep 2010
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruises Times cruised before: 1-2
Cruise Ship: Independence of the Seas Sailed: August, 2010
Destination: Mini Cruises Age: 36-45
Cabin: Balcony Occasion: Family holiday
Having read some of the previous reviews about poor behaviour on this ship and some poor comments about food in the main dining room, I was a little apprehensive about our time on board.

However, despite it being a full ship and the final weekend of the school holidays i have to say I witnessed nothing at all to upset me apart from the view of the ship as we departed to go home!!!!!!!

We had a wonderful time, boarding and check in was actually really quick, we left home 70 miles away at 1000 and were eating lunch in the Windjammer by 1215.

Dinner service in the main resteraunt was fantastic, very obliging and helpful waiting staff made dinner a fantastic experience.

Lunch was ok, although the windjammer did get very busy but the variety of food was great and always lots available.

Our cabin was great, deck 7 balcony and the bed was so comfy, shower was fantastic with big towels every day.

Overall we would look at this ship again, however would also like to look at other RCI ships aswell
Quality of Food5
Entertainment4
Shore Excursionsn/a
Staff5
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities4
Cabins4
Overall Rating5
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Opinion: Agree Comment by Lewis, clevedon (03 Sep 10 19:32) about this REVIEW
We have sailed on the IOS and also the sister ship the Freedom. All told we have had 15 cruises on RCL and have sailed with PNO,Holland America,Costa,Azamar and Celbrity. But we always come back to RCL, and ae now Diamond Plus members of the Crown and Anchor Society which is well worth it for the benefits, we have access to the Concierge and Diamon lounges on board their ships and the benefits are excellent. We also like the Brillance of the Sea and Jewel of the Seas and they are smaller ships, but sill enjoy them Sailing on the IOS for two weeks on 11 September and already booked a crusie for September 2011 from Hawai to Sydney australia. So you can see we do enjoy RCL line
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Question by Webster, Manchester (06 Sep 10 09:32) about a COMMENT by Lewis (03 Sep 10 19:32)
Hi we have been on IOS 4 times now but are going next year in a Grand Suite, do you know anything about any perks you may get being in a Grand Suite, as you mention the Diamond lounges etc, what are they???? Thanks
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Answer by Lewis, clevedon (06 Sep 10 21:17) to a QUESTION by Webster (06 Sep 10 09:32)
access to the conceirge club with free alcohol drinks each evening from 5.15-20.30 , reserved area in the theatre, ice show etc. You should be able to find these answer on line for quite suite quest. You will also find details on the crown and anchor page , You will also have bathrobes and slippers flower etc. The diamond lounge is a bar set aside on deck 13 for Crown and Anchor members who have reached the diamond level for the crown and anchor. We have reached Diamond plus level and get access to the concierge clug on deck 10 and also the diamond lounge on deck 13, which of the two we prefer. In the conceirge lounge you will also get your ice show tickets, book tours and cancel. priority tender tickets and help off the concierge member of staff.
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Opinion: Agree Comment by Lewis, clevedon (03 Sep 10 19:32) about this REVIEW
We have sailed on the IOS and also the sister ship the Freedom. All told we have had 15 cruises on RCL and have sailed with PNO,Holland America,Costa,Azamar and Celbrity. But we always come back to RCL, and ae now Diamond Plus members of the Crown and Anchor Society which is well worth it for the benefits, we have access to the Concierge and Diamon lounges on board their ships and the benefits are excellent. We also like the Brillance of the Sea and Jewel of the Seas and they are smaller ships, but sill enjoy them Sailing on the IOS for two weeks on 11 September and already booked a crusie for September 2011 from Hawai to Sydney australia. So you can see we do enjoy RCL line
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Opinion: Agree Comment by Lewis, clevedon (03 Sep 10 19:31) about this REVIEW
We have sailed on the IOS and also the sister ship the Freedom. All told we have had 15 cruises on RCL and have sailed with PNO,Holland America,Costa,Azamar and Celbrity. But we always come back to RCL, and ae now Diamond Plus members of the Crown and Anchor Society which is well worth it for the benefits, we have access to the Concierge and Diamon lounges on board their ships and the benefits are excellent. We also like the Brillance of the Sea and Jewel of the Seas and they are smaller ships, but sill enjoy them Sailing on the IOS for two weeks on 11 September and already booked a crusie for September 2011 from Hawai to Sydney australia. So you can see we do enjoy RCL line
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Opinion: Agree Comment by Offord, Sutton (02 Sep 10 22:43) about this REVIEW
We also had a fabulous time on Indy from 14th to 28th August. I was so worried after reading the reviews but it was seamless in every way. Service fantastic, balcony cabin glorious, embarkation quick and easy, tender boats whisked us to port immediately, food good, teen activities great for my daughter, husband loved his G&T in peace and quiet in the olive or twist bar. There is always a quiet spot to sit and relax. It was wonderful.
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Question by Tait, Plean (02 Sep 10 19:29) about this REVIEW
So you did not encounter any disruptive children or drunken Brits.There was a earlier review where the person mantained because of the afor mentioned it completely spoiled their cruise.I,am glad you had a carefree cruise and enjoyed it.
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Answer by dale, addiewell (03 Sep 10 12:55) to a QUESTION by Tait (02 Sep 10 19:29)
Having read many reports about, behaviour of kids,drunks,shite food etc, etc. I am of the opinion that whoever writes these, usually longwinded reports, need to get a life. These companies would not survive unless they are of good quality. I am going on my first cruise in January 2011, on the Indy, and am looking forward to it immensely. Avast ye blaggards Alan
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Comment by Lewis, clevedon (03 Sep 10 19:37) about an ANSWER by dale (03 Sep 10 12:55)
Agree with your comments, we have sailed with RCL on 15 cruises, and off ont he IOS on 11 Septeember and already booke a cruise for Sept 2011 to Australia on the Radiance of the Sea as we like the design of these ships. However I totally agree that passenger moan all the time about too many children on the cruises etc.etc. Well if you want a much smaller amount of children on a crusie do not go during term times. It is like saying dont go to Blackpool when the illuminations are on as there are too many people there at that time.
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Comment by mark wilson, ely cambridge (03 Sep 10 14:39) about an ANSWER by dale (03 Sep 10 12:55)
We've have been on Independence over 6 times and love the ship, always great food, helpful and friendly staff, plus enjoy meeting new people and making great friends... We are also traveling on the 8th January 2011, so looking forward to this trip, look out for us Alan, were cabin 1640... Mark & Dave
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