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Winter Getaway
29 of 29 people found this review informative
 
Reviewed By: Bennett, Cardiff on 5th Feb 2012
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Cruises Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Independence of the Seas Sailed: January, 2012
Destination: Canaries Age: 56-65
Cabin: Balcony
This was our second trip on Independence of the Seas; our first being to the Mediterranean three years ago. Four of us decided to take an early break to warmer climes.
We travelled to Southampton the day prior to sailing and stayed at the Holiday Inn Express about four miles outside Southampton.
We parked dockside and boarded the ship at 12 midday. Embarkation was smooth and quick (apparently later boarders were delayed - queuing for over 2 hours) and we were eating lunch in The Windjammer by 1230. Our cabin was available by 130 pm. The cabin was spacious with an enormous bed that proved to be exceptionally comfortable. Tea and coffee making facilities were available, but we did find that using water from the tap gave an unpleasant taste to the tea and had to use bottled water when making a cuppa.
We ate in the Macbeth dining room at second sitting, and breakfast and lunch in the self - service Windjammer. The food was good with plenty of choice, but, as other reviewers have mentioned, the Windjammer can become very busy at certain times and finding a seat can be difficult. The service in the main restaurant was very good with waiters proving a quick and efficient dining experience.
There were plenty of activities available on board but we did not take up any on offer (our choice). The entertainment that we saw was very good, with the ice show being a highlight and not to be missed.
We had travelled to many of the ports of call before and did not take any of the ships excursions but did our own thing when in port. Most of the ports were easily accessible by foot; shuttle buses were available (at a cost) in Lisbon and Madeira, and a free shuttle was available at Tenerife. We were very lucky with the weather and crossing the Bay of Biscay.
We found this trip less frenetic than the last trip on IoS which we felt was due to the much older age group travelling at this time of year. There were children and teenagers on board but these were in the minority.
The Indy is a large ship with over 3000 passengers, one criticism would be the lack of gangways when disembarking and embarking; long queues meant delays at these times.
The times spent in some ports were disappointing - we arrived in Madeira at 8am and left at 2.30 pm - the ships excursion for Tea at Reids was at 10am! Times in other ports meant the ship leaving at 3.30 pm or 4 pm.
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our cruise and would sail with Royal Caribbean again at this time of year.
Quality of Food5
As many reviewers have commented - drinks and wine is very expensive. We think the RCI offer cheaper cruises and recoup their money on drinks!
Entertainment5
The entertainment we saw was excellent.
Shore Excursionsn/a
Staff5
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activitiesn/a
The cost of an onboard visit to the kitchens, bridge and engine room was $150 - we felt this was extortionate!
Cabins5
Overall Rating5
29 of 29 people found this review informative
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Question by thomas, Swansea (20 Feb 12 23:08) about this REVIEW
we are going on this same cruise later this year in october sounds brilliant,can you tell me if its easy to get tickets for the ice show,did you have to queue or are you able to book this before you travel.
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Question by Lewis, Clevedon (07 Feb 12 20:08) about this REVIEW
What were the themes of the ice shows, having cruised on the ships 5 times and going again on 6 March have they changed. The previous ones where the Russian woodwork shop and alos the ballet.
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Answer by Bennett, Cardiff (07 Feb 12 21:01) to a QUESTION by Lewis (07 Feb 12 20:08)
The ice show was titled 'Strings' - it was a story about a violin showing you its fantacy journey through time from its manufacture, mysterious disappearance and later discovery in Royal Court, gypsy encampment and present day as a vehicle for the show. It was fantastic to watch.
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