Independence of the Seas- August 2010

[Bella1]

I can't work out how to put a trip report on the Cruise section so I thought I would post it here and it can be moved!

We sailed in August 2010 on Independence of the Seas. Myself DH, DD 16 and DS 13. Our only other cruise experience was on Ocean Village two years previously. It was a 14 night sailing from Southampton around the Med.

We had a Grand Suite but for some reason I hardly seem to have any photos of the room. It was a lovely size with a double bed and a double sofa bed. The kids fought in the sofabedon the first night so DS ended up on the floor. We told the room steward this and she found us a z-bed that fitted perfectly in the dressing area and made for a much more peaceful holiday. The Grand Suite comes with Concierge which meant priority seating for the shows, a private sun bathing area, treats like strawberries in chocolate in the room and free drinks pre-dinner each evening.

We opted for the any time dining option and the waiting staff were amazing. They went out of their way to remember you even though you didn't see the same ones every night and the treated our children brilliantly. We ate most nights in the formal dining room but occasionally used the buffet but we found the huge buffet quite hectic although the food selection was good. We always found the food very nice.

The entertainment was pretty good with some great guset acts and one absolutely awful one where we ended up leaving, as did most of the audience it was so embarrasingly bad

I have posted pictures but have concentrated on the ship rather than the ports.

The main thoroughfare




All the free activities required a consent form and the wearing of a wristband-yes that is me on the rockwall, the instructors were brilliant!




Lots of things to do on deck too although this picture makes it look rather hectic!






And in the evenings there was lots to do





Having the concierge also meant that we were invited up to the bridge which was fascinating


Our room had a huge balcony which is one of the reasons I love cruising, how can anyone not love going to be with one view and waking up with another!

We had a brilliant trip but the boat was absolutely heaving and I have since realised I prefer slightly smaller ships or bigs ships outside of the main holidays but I certainly can't fault the service and the number of activities on board, it was all superb.

[Bats]

Thanks for posting Dawn, it will help people who want to see other cruise ships

I'll link to it in the TR thread for you.

[andyhayley]

Looked like you had a great time, makes me want to get back on Indie now!

[JSP]

Thanks for posting, we have our first RCI cruise booke 4 days after we get back from Florida this year, in October!
I have sailed P&O, Carnival and Princess, but never RCI yet, its great to see some pictures

[HiddenMickey35]

Beautiful photos similar to Freedom of the Seas which I went to Eastern Caribbean for my speical birthday...

Scottishwee35

[disney owl]

great photos, thanks for posting