Independence - 8 night - Thanksgiving - Mini Review

[masonpips]

I copy my format each year and do a brief (well, it's long but certainly not every item, and no photos) review. This year, Indy for 8 nights over Thanksgiving!

 

Thursday

We left after a 2 hour drive to OKC (cheaper flights) and flew through Atlanta. Everything was on time and our one checked bag was waiting when we got there. Took hotel shuttle (short wait) to Crowne Plaza and checked in for a 2 night pre-cruise stay. Hotel was fine.

 

Friday DH took shuttle back to airport and picked up car for the day. Of couse he upgraded to a convertible (lol) so we rode around in a Mustang, would never buy one, the lack of space, OY!. We ate at Lester's Diner (walking distance to hotel) for breakfast/brunch - really good. We drove up/down the beach towards the Galleria area and did a little shopping. We girls tried to hang at the pool in the afternoon but it was very overcast. Went to Billy's Stone Crab for dinner and sat outside on a glider. Was perfect!

 

Saturday

It was partly sunny/cloudy and we left the hotel about 10:00, arrived at port and were thrown out of the taxi at the VERY end of where people were being picked up. We walked back and started check-in. Our lady was wonderful and had us checked in very quickly. We were escorted to the chairs. I think the guy messed up and saw our Diamond cards as "gold" cards because he put us in the suite area (we did have a Junior Suite). We waited maybe about 15 minutes and then were directed to start walking.

 

We walked through our check-in area (which was closed by then) to the "bigger" check-in area (just opening) and upstairs to the real waiting area (completely empty). We were # 5, 6, 7 and 8 to board the ship! I was very impressed w/the organization given that this was the first time this fall they had used Pier 29 for Indy (she had sailed out of Pier 18 the week before and was in Europe before that).

 

I went and made a hair "up do" appt for the next night and we wandered. We weren't hungry yet (and WJ wasn't open until 11:30?) so we just enjoyed walking around the ship.

 

We did eventually head to WJ and then an announcement was made our rooms were open about 12:55. We had an aft JS (1406), our BIL/SIL had aft E! (1404) and the kids were in an inside (1397). Our room attendant was Savi. She had the BEST personality of any we've ever had. Incredibly personable and outgoing. Loved her

 

Our SIL/BIL and their kids arrived next and we met in the rooms. Everyone wandered and did whatever (ALL of our bags were there and I was COMPLETELY unpacked by 3 pm, it was AWESOME). We did Muster (painless) and then went up for sail away. Which never happened. I think we finally left port at 7:30 or 8 pm? They made an announcement and we saw them working on luggage for hours, but don't really know what happened.

 

We did late dining at 8:30 which we decided (again) we vastly prefer to MTD. MTD has always seemed harried and rushed and confused. We had Wayne and Anna. By far the BEST duo we've ever had. They both got WOW envelopes w/extra tips. FANTASTIC.

 

We ate in Main Dining every night except Monday (Johnny Rockets). It was very good to outstanding. I was VERY impressed by the Prime Rib, the Filet, the lobster was good, and the Thanksgiving dinner was COMPLETELY redone since the last time we had it (3 years ago) and was EXCELLENT! The desserts continue to be WAY better than they were when we first started w/RCCL (2003).

 

I had breakfast 2 times in WJ, several times from Diamond Lounge, twice we had room service (one was excellent, the other was late, not what we ordered and not that good).

 

Lunch we had in WJ, JR (last day), or grabbed pizza or were in port

 

We visited the Diamond Lounge (overflow in Viking Crown) most nights.

The drinks were VERY limited. I had cranberry juice and vodka or wine (the merlot was awful, the cabernet was better). They had 3 beers, 3 wines and very BASIC drinks (rum/coke, scotch), nothing to mix to make a Bloody Mary or Lemondrop (items we've had the last 2 years on Oasis). I picked up ice show tickets there and had breakfast or cappuccinos there most mornings too. It was packed most mornings (and nights).

 

Weather

We had, by far, the BEST weather I've ever had on a cruise. Saturday wasn't great leaving. After that, until the following Saturday after lunch, we basically had PERFECTION. Sunday on deck was outstanding. The winds were pleasant and it was SUNNY! Many times leaving FL it can be crappy the first day. I couldn't believe how great the weather was overall!

 

Ports

St. Maarten - we got off, took a taxi to Orient Beach and hung out all day. The place we went last year had burned (I remember reading it here) so we went right next to it. It was a great fun day but the vendors are OUT OF CONTROL. Too many, all offering the same stuff and constantly asking you.

 

St. Kitts - we private chartered Nevis Yacht and it was AMAZING. Miles is fabulous and we all agreed this was one of our most favorite excursions ever. Loved St. Kitts and Nevis. We sailed over and had lunch on the beach there. We stopped and snorkeled on the way there and sailed the whole way back!

 

San Juan - we went and walked into Old Town. It was HOT. Not much was open (Thanksgiving) and it was HOT. We went over to the fort side, took a few pics and got back on the ship. It did rain for about 5 minutes, but was during the time we were changing back into pool gear and then it was really nice after that.

 

Labadee - we rented an Adrenaline Beach cabana. EXCELLENT! 6 of our group went to Zipline (took forever) while Dh and I laid on the mats in the water and/or relaxed. The food was "meh" for lunch but the beach day was wonderful! Grandeur was also there so it was pretty crowded along the beach but our location was great. They brought in a helicopter at one point to take a passenger (don't know which ship) to a hospital in Dominican Republic. That stopped the loading of passengers (I was on ship trying to get back) and the lines to board after that were LONG! I ran back to the beach for an hour and after that it was fine again.

 

Staff

The cruise director was HILARIOUS (Joff Eaton) and his activities guy (Tim?) came to our Meet and Mingle and was hilarious as well. They did a great job. The captain was a RIOT. I don't think he meant to be but his first address he talked about the "white puffy clouds" and we ended up thinking he was smokin in his cabin each day and/or eating brownies. We laughed at every announcement after that ("we are headed..... WEST") and his close ("Captain OUT") every time.

 

I had my hair put up by Zoey on first formal night and liked her so much that I went back and took DD on Thanksgiving. She was great! The rest of the crew was really friendly overall as well and good service in the bars and other areas.

 

The shopping was AWFUL. The ship has just returned from Europe so half the shops are not ones we are used to and have nothing we usually buy (logo gear was in ONE corner of one shop as an after thought). The sales at night were the same in the Promenade night after night (watches, perfume, a tiny bit of jewelry, etc.). No $10 sale (I was hoping to snag a small clutch purse for formal nights), no logo t-shirt sale (on deck or in Promenade) that they usually have, etc. It became a joke where we would say "we're going shopping" down the Promenade because there was never anything new!

 

Sea Days

Our experience with Thanksgiving cruises is that it doesn't seem as crowded at the pool due to extended family members (old and young) that don't seem to "lay out" as much. This held true and we had no troubles with finding seats. The upper deck (12) was only super windy the last day and it rained off/on after lunch that day so we only hung out in the am.

 

Shows

The ice show was GREAT. And I say that not having liked a few in previous years. It was much more of a "team" show and based around a violin (Strings) that was handed down through the years. Really enjoyed it.

 

Love & Marriage - first half was good, then I went to bed. It was too long and the "random" drawing of couples doesn't make it as funny as finding a newlywed, longest time and "auditioning" the 3rd couple.

 

Quest was funny (Joff), it was also appropriate (for the most part) to take teens to. They did not put the disclaimer (18 and older) on the Compass so a lot of people brought kids. We did with ours and they loved it.

 

ABBAcadabra - it was "ok". We stayed for about 25 minutes. I didn't go to any others. Caught Joff and Tim's Morning Show on tv and it was funny.

 

Saturday

Set the alarm for 7:00 a.m. We left the room about 8:00 and we were off the ship and through Customs and in a taxi at 8:16. I was VERY impressed given that we had cruised Oasis the last 2 years and they have it down. I was worried with Allure also in port it could be chaos. No worries at all.

 

We were "randomized" at FLL so we were able to leave our shoes on and our bags packed (no liquids) and through the line quickly. We had over 4 hours to wait for our flight (checked our bags downstairs w/porters since we were so early). The AirTran/SW terminal is really lacking in options but we grabbed a booth (with outlets), ate and were on time departure, through Atlanta, and back into OKC.

 

Overall thoughts:

The ship looked great. I liked the artwork in the stairwells a lot. Some were hilarious (an old time ship battle w/a Star Wars fighter shooting down on them, deer head on a tree in the forest with a deer looking at it).

 

We rebooked onboard for Oasis for next Thanksgiving. I would have rebooked Indy in a heartbeat because the 8 nights were perfection. I felt like I had SO much more time! But it's hard to get flights on Sunday only and we had to have the kids miss another day by flying out Thursday. Plus the kids love the extra stuff on Oasis too.

 

 

__________________

[Artemis]

It's wonderful your family enjoyed such a great Thanksgiving cruise together! And what a good report on Indy. Thanks for sharing the experience.

 

Enjoy your year of anticipating turkey on Oasis!

 

PS - I love your review format--may have to copy it!

[TwitterCruise1]

Where in Oklahoma do you live? I'm in Tulsa

[Keith1010]

I very much enjoyed your review.

 

Keith

[kathyemma]

The weather was perfection!!!!!!!!! And the shopping AWFUL!!!!!!!! I asked about it and they said that ship uses a different company for on board stores. It was the first time is - what 13 years? - that I was unable to buy a Christmas Tree decoration on the cruise!

 

We did mtd NEVER AGAIN!!!!! It was AWFUL. We celebrated two birthdays on board. They forgot both. Some nights we would show up and they would tell us to TRY again in 2 hours.

 

We went to Olive or Twist most nights for drinks. The others rooms were packed and had no view. I love it up there.

 

I think we will be joining you on Oasis. We booked an open booking.

 

Kathy

[joepeka]

The weather was perfection!!!!!!!!! And the shopping AWFUL!!!!!!!! I asked about it and they said that ship uses a different company for on board stores. It was the first time is - what 13 years? - that I was unable to buy a Christmas Tree decoration on the cruise!

 

We did mtd NEVER AGAIN!!!!! It was AWFUL. We celebrated two birthdays on board. They forgot both. Some nights we would show up and they would tell us to TRY again in 2 hours.

 

We went to Olive or Twist most nights for drinks. The others rooms were packed and had no view. I love it up there.

 

I think we will be joining you on Oasis. We booked an open booking.

 

Kathy

We were on Indy the week prior and I totally agree about the on-board shopping and limited stock - very little RCI/Indy logo items. DW was also po'd that she could not get a Christmas ornament, for the first time ever. :mad:

 

We were lucky maybe on MTD in that we got a great team the first night and stuck with them the remainder of the cruise (except for one night in Chops). Mehai, John and Sydney (beverage server) were exceptional. We went to Olive or Twist one evening and found it almost as crowded as the CL so we didn't use either after that. Seems like on a ship that size they could allocate more space for the CL.

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

MasonPips, I so appreciate your review of your eight-night Indy cruise. We will be doing the same one on Dec 7, so everything you wrote will help. WE did sign up for MTD which will be our frst time with that as we have always done traditional dining. Now I am having second thoughts. I wonder if it is too late to change. Maybe having D+ status will help to make a change, but I doubt it.

 

I am surprised tickets are needed for the ice show because on Liberty, we just waltz right in. Glad to know it, thanks to you and will see the concierge first thing to line up tickets. The show you describe is the same one or very close to it that Indy has had since its inaugural saling.

 

 

I hope the shopping situation is straightened out by our cruise, but really don't hold out high hopes. The on board shopping hasn't been what it used to be in the last few years. In particular, I feel there has been a marked decrease in the quality and selection of the ten dollar items. I have an evening bag from eight years ago that is still attractive that I bought on Mariner at the ten dollar sale. The ones they have offered lately would never hold up that well. The "pashminas" come in far fewer colors and are much thinner material. They hardly do much good at all to keep oneself warm.

 

I'm a huge fan of Oasis and Allure, but we chose Indy for its itinerary. My son and DIL have not been to St Kitts or San Juan yet, so they were eager to visit those ports. Much as we treasure our sailings on O and A, the same itineraries do get tiresome. We really sail O & A for the awesome ships and their shows and dining options, dual Flow Riders, and so on.

 

Again, many thanks for your informative review.

[kathyemma]

Not sure what you have planned on St Kitts but we did a wonderful tour with Thenford Gray. Just google his name.

 

Kathy

 

 

 

 

MasonPips, I so appreciate your review of your eight-night Indy cruise. We will be doing the same one on Dec 7, so everything you wrote will help. WE did sign up for MTD which will be our frst time with that as we have always done traditional dining. Now I am having second thoughts. I wonder if it is too late to change. Maybe having D+ status will help to make a change, but I doubt it.

 

I am surprised tickets are needed for the ice show because on Liberty, we just waltz right in. Glad to know it, thanks to you and will see the concierge first thing to line up tickets. The show you describe is the same one or very close to it that Indy has had since its inaugural saling.

 

 

I hope the shopping situation is straightened out by our cruise, but really don't hold out high hopes. The on board shopping hasn't been what it used to be in the last few years. In particular, I feel there has been a marked decrease in the quality and selection of the ten dollar items. I have an evening bag from eight years ago that is still attractive that I bought on Mariner at the ten dollar sale. The ones they have offered lately would never hold up that well. The "pashminas" come in far fewer colors and are much thinner material. They hardly do much good at all to keep oneself warm.

 

I'm a huge fan of Oasis and Allure, but we chose Indy for its itinerary. My son and DIL have not been to St Kitts or San Juan yet, so they were eager to visit those ports. Much as we treasure our sailings on O and A, the same itineraries do get tiresome. We really sail O & A for the awesome ships and their shows and dining options, dual Flow Riders, and so on.

 

Again, many thanks for your informative review.

[masonpips]

WE did sign up for MTD which will be our frst time with that as we have always done traditional dining. Now I am having second thoughts. I wonder if it is too late to change. Maybe having D+ status will help to make a change, but I doubt it.

 

We originally had a seat to the left as you entered the dining room at a long table for 10 (we were a party of 8, linked). It was RIGHT behind a serving station and we knew how loud that area can be, plus with NO view of the dining room at all since the window was behind us, the serving station in front. My DH went and asked to be moved to a round of 8 so we could talk more at dinner.

 

They had us seated with another party of 2 (that could have been awkward for them with a family of 8 and possibly for us with our usual "family" discussions). We were moved to immediately left of the central staircase which allowed us to see the entire dining room (which we loved) and the table of 8 which was wonderful (plus Wayne and Anna!). So, I would definitely go and check when you board. We had a couple of tables near us (a 4 top and a 2 top) that never had anyone at them!

 

Enjoy your trip!!

[masonpips]

Where in Oklahoma do you live? I'm in Tulsa

 

North of Tulsa in B'ville. We fly out of TUL, OKC, ICT or MCI depending on prices! LOL

[Verfai]

Fully agree on the MTD, its allays chaotic and rushed compared to the fixed seating, we will never do MTD ever again...Even the cruise line that promotes "what you want, when you want" screw it up big time...Did on LOS 5nighter it was okay but no up to par, tried it again on NOS it was a disaster...Late fixed seating for the win!

 

Can you share what days the formal nights where...Looking to book Giovanni's table, but don't want to do on a formal night...

 

Guessing day 02 the first sea day and day ... ???

 

Thanks!

[masonpips]

Can you share what days the formal nights where...Looking to book Giovanni's table, but don't want to do on a formal night...

 

Guessing day 02 the first sea day and day ... ???

 

Thanks!

 

Yes, Day 2 at sea for sure. For us it was Thanksgiving Day 6 (or San Juan) but we had a special menu (turkey) that night and Labadee was lobster. So I think it will be the same day for you (San Juan) since you leave port at 2 pm but you will probably have your lobster that evening?

[wolfganghowell]

Yay thanks for the review. Been waiting for some Indy Caribbean reports.

 

Can you share anything about the entertainers in the Pub and Schooner Bar? How is the pool band? Hopefully the usual reggae/Caribbean style!

[Verfai]

Yes, Day 2 at sea for sure. For us it was Thanksgiving Day 6 (or San Juan) but we had a special menu (turkey) that night and Labadee was lobster. So I think it will be the same day for you (San Juan) since you leave port at 2 pm but you will probably have your lobster that evening?

 

Good catch on that lobster remark :D the misses does NOT want to miss the lobster :D LOL, that and everybody in fancy dress up mode makes it a must to dine in the MDR in our opinion

[masonpips]

 

Can you share anything about the entertainers in the Pub and Schooner Bar? How is the pool band? Hopefully the usual reggae/Caribbean style!

 

Pool band yes, they were out there occasionally and it was reggae type, they were definitely enjoyable. With the big screen out there and football, there were several days where they had the games on (fine by me, it was fun to watch!), plus the Macy's parade. Saturday the band played while college football was on!

 

The Schooner Bar, I never saw anyone! But we only walked through once or twice. The Bolero's latin music was very popular. The Champagne Bar seemed to be "the" pre dinner place for drinks. I never heard the lady in the Pub - we seemed to be on a mission to find football (I blame DH) so we spent more time than usual in On Air and places w/screens!

Edited December 2, 2013 by masonpips

[fourkittys]

Thanks for the wonderful review!

 

I do have a question as to flight prices at Thanksgiving and just booked a cruise for Nov. 30,2014 which will mean we will be flying to the port area 4 days after Thanksgiving. (Indianapolis to Orlando)

I see you drove a bit to save on flight prices (we won't do that), but compared to non holidays were the prices much higher?. I plan to book LONG before than hoping that will help. So what do you think?

Thanks so much!

[masonpips]

I do have a question as to flight prices at Thanksgiving and just booked a cruise for Nov. 30,2014 which will mean we will be flying to the port area 4 days after Thanksgiving. (Indianapolis to Orlando)

I see you drove a bit to save on flight prices (we won't do that), but compared to non holidays were the prices much higher?. I plan to book LONG before than hoping that will help. So what do you think?

 

Flights on Sat/Sun are the highest. If I would have agreed to fly back Monday I would have been much better off. I would start watching at issue date (about 11 months out?) and book as soon as you see something you can live with.

 

One reason we chose Oasis for next year is it gives us more options. We can fly home Sat OR Sun and allows me to pick more flights. Sunday is by far the most expensive of them all. If you can fly in Fri night or Sat you will find better prices! Plus, Sunday can be chaos at the airport. We've been super lucky to have ontime flights and no weather issues but as the day goes on, you can see how busy the airports are!

[fourkittys]

Flights on Sat/Sun are the highest. If I would have agreed to fly back Monday I would have been much better off. I would start watching at issue date (about 11 months out?) and book as soon as you see something you can live with.

 

One reason we chose Oasis for next year is it gives us more options. We can fly home Sat OR Sun and allows me to pick more flights. Sunday is by far the most expensive of them all. If you can fly in Fri night or Sat you will find better prices! Plus, Sunday can be chaos at the airport. We've been super lucky to have ontime flights and no weather issues but as the day goes on, you can see how busy the airports are!

 

Thank you!!. We have no problem leaving a day or two early but since Thanksgiving is on Thursday and we need to be in Orlando no later than Sat. I'm hoping for Fri. or Sat to fly out of Indy. Guess I'll just have to wait and see.

[lauren0309]

As I will be on the Indy this coming Saturday, would you happen to have a copy of the 8 night dining room menu?

 

How are the clubs for dancing at night? What kind of music do they play? We like dancing to the 80's music. Do the people actually get up and dance or just sit around. When we were on our last 2 cruises no one seemed to want to get up and dance. Very disappointed as we didn't want to be the only ones on the dance floor.

[masonpips]

As I will be on the Indy this coming Saturday, would you happen to have a copy of the 8 night dining room menu?

 

How are the clubs for dancing at night? What kind of music do they play? We like dancing to the 80's music. Do the people actually get up and dance or just sit around. When we were on our last 2 cruises no one seemed to want to get up and dance. Very disappointed as we didn't want to be the only ones on the dance floor.

 

Sorry, didn't take pics of menu. I know it was Prime Rib the first night, Filet the second (as normal). Thanksgiving was a special menu (turkey and something for Hanukah) then lobster and the shiitake menu on the last two nights. There was a saffron night in the middle (probably my least favorite).

 

We rarely went out after dinner except to Love & Marriage and Quest so I can't help. It did seem as people got more lively as the week went on tho in terms of being out and about

Edited December 2, 2013 by masonpips

[micmacmissy]

I

 

The shopping was AWFUL. The ship has just returned from Europe so half the shops are not ones we are used to and have nothing we usually buy (logo gear was in ONE corner of one shop as an after thought). The sales at night were the same in the Promenade night after night (watches, perfume, a tiny bit of jewelry, etc.). No $10 sale (I was hoping to snag a small clutch purse for formal nights), no logo t-shirt sale (on deck or in Promenade) that they usually have, etc. It became a joke where we would say "we're going shopping" down the Promenade because there was never anything new!

 

 

Unfortunately, their shopping is ALWAYS like that. We went on Indy last year, well into their US caribbean season, and they were still selling clotted cream biscuits in a can, and Princess Diana books. It was crappy!

 

My daughter wanted a tshirt, I wanted an xmas ornament...none to be found. Only logo wear was in men's sizes. Missed revenue opportunity for RCCL!

[h18furball]

I was also on this cruise with my family of 11. I agree with everything MasonPips posted. In addition I want to emphasize that you need to go to all sows 30 minutes before hand if you have any size of a group (4 or more). I ran into a problem at love and marriage show with people draping clothing across tons of seats. I arrived with 9 folks 20 minutes prior and had to move clothing and remind them that there is now saving of seats. I hate doing this as it puts me in a sour mood for the rest of the evening.

[RSLeesburg]

Sorry, didn't take pics of menu. I know it was Prime Rib the first night, Filet the second (as normal). Thanksgiving was a special menu (turkey and something for Hanukah) then lobster and the shiitake menu on the last two nights. There was a saffron night in the middle (probably my least favorite).

 

We rarely went out after dinner except to Love & Marriage and Quest so I can't help. It did seem as people got more lively as the week went on tho in terms of being out and about

 

I had a question about the number of children on board. I heard that there can be a lot over Thanksgiving, but was wondering if the longer cruise had any impact on this.

[masonpips]

I had a question about the number of children on board. I heard that there can be a lot over Thanksgiving, but was wondering if the longer cruise had any impact on this.

 

I think someone told me 600 or so. It wasn't a ton of little kids (to me at least) but a lot of pre-teen and teens and young adults. Again, LOTS of groups of families (tables up to 14 or 16 in dining room) so a lot of spread out ages. Saw very little mis-behavior, just a little bit of running in Promenade with no regard for others and saw a few extra elevator buttons pushed. :p

[RSLeesburg]

I think someone told me 600 or so. It wasn't a ton of little kids (to me at least) but a lot of pre-teen and teens and young adults. Again, LOTS of groups of families (tables up to 14 or 16 in dining room) so a lot of spread out ages. Saw very little mis-behavior, just a little bit of running in Promenade with no regard for others and saw a few extra elevator buttons pushed. :p

 

Thanks. We are on Thanksgiving cruise on Grandeur next year, also an 8 day cruise, so was trying to gauge how full it will be. He will be 5. I am not too worried about bad behavior, just that being such a smaller ship, will it be too crowded for the little guy to enjoy. :)