"Live" (its my plan) from Independence of the Seas February 9th 2014

[chrcruiser]

Thanks so much for your review. We leave on the same Cruise on Indy in two weeks. Have a wonderful time.

[niksmom630]

Thank you so very much for taking the time and expense to do a live report. Marie and I are taking this exact same cruise for new years, even have an over the water cabana rented. Looking forward to see in advance what our cruise will be like. :D

 

 

 

BTW you were not the only one having CC server problems yesterday but it seems to be better today.

 

Thanks, Bill! I have so enjoyed your live reviews, and were really looking forward to our cabana on labadee! The cc app is still being persnickety. Let's see if I can get some photos posted here shortly!

 

 

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[niksmom630]

If you can, will you please get an updated price list for internet service i.e.: different package prices?

 

We are sailing in 2 months and would like to have an idea of choices.

 

Thanks and have a great cruise!

 

 

I so appreciated the unlimited internet package on Allure. I'll post package prices tomorrow, they are by the minute, and not inexpensive. Seems like I will have to make sure I log off, lest my minutes will be wasted away

 

 

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[niksmom630]

Cabin pics

 

 

 

 

 

We are in a Jr. Suite on deck 10. Rather in between both elevator banks. Balcony has one lounger. Photobucket and the cruise critic form app are sporadic in functioning. If it's not one, that's acting up, it's the other!

 

 

 

 

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[KMagz]

Looking forward to traveling along. In your travels can you tell me if Indy has the Coke Freestyle machines on board? Thanks and enjoy!

 

 

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[niksmom630]

Thanks, retired professor for the cruise point sharing offer! so kind of you!

 

There are no freestyle machines on board that I have seen.

 

I will investigate more today, since I have the purchased the premium beverage package, so the cup is included.

 

I am up early and will attempt some sunrise photos. Currently sitting in the smoking section in deck 11 with my cup of coffee. The big screen is active this morning, displaying the daily cruise compass and the music is a bit loud for this early hour. A bit too much visual stimulation. I much preferred sitting on my balcony. May venture down to deck 4 for some peace and quiet!

 

 

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[niksmom630]

Big screen photo from yesterday. I think it was less obtrusive yesterday. Not enjoying it so much at 5 am

 

 

 

 

 

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[niksmom630]

Woops, wrong photo

 

 

 

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[niksmom630]

I purchased a $50 package. We will see how long this lasts.....

 

 

 

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[countess5]

Signing on! Looking at this cruise January 2015. We just came off Oasis February 1st.

 

Will be watching and reading. Thanks

[LBumb]

great start

ready for more

[niksmom630]

Some photos taken before sail away yesterday

 

 

 

 

The Allure sailing along side of us a dinner

 

 

 

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[niksmom630]

I do usually take pictures of food, but I found a setting on my Nikon specifically for food photos.

 

This is photo worthy anyway, because escargot is alive and well on Indy !

 

 

Dessert....chocolate sensation

 

 

Shots taken in the predawn hours around the pool and solarium

 

 

 

 

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[niksmom630]

 

 

This is the first time I've seen a runner on the floor in the solarium, great idea!

 

 

 

 

 

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[niksmom630]

And this mornings sunrise photos, looks like the start to a beautiful day....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[linedancer]

Thanks for doing this review. I will be on her real soon.

 

Did they do a sail-a-way party?? I was on the Liberty in Jan and the sail-a-way party lasted 1/2hr. That was it. A little line dancing (not really,it was more like Zumba). No band, just the DJ and it was over. They then did a parade on the Promenade.

 

I really missed the fun we usually have waiting to leave port and listening to Caribbean music and dancing.

 

Have a great trip and looking forward to reading more of your review

 

Irene

[sneedham]

Thank you so much! I am booked on this same cruise next January, love your pictures!

[cndcruiser65]

We will be on the Indy this Saturday. I was wondering if they are showing the Olympics on board? Thanks

[joand452]

Following along, in anticipation of our first Indy cruise!

Edited February 10, 2014 by joand452

[dmndlil]

Thanks so much for taking us along. This will help the time pass quickly till my May cruise on Freedom! Looking forward to more :)

[mszmek]

I am looking forward to your review! We will be on this cruise on February 23rd and I can't wait!!

 

We stayed at the Hilton Marina last year and we will be staying there again this time. It is a really nice hotel and I love waking up and looking out the window to see all the ships!

 

I hope you are enjoying your cruise!

[donnaandtim]

I think we booked it about 5 months ago. As soon as the excursions were available for booking!

 

 

We booked our over the water last month and our cruise is not until Feb 2015

[niksmom630]

Day #1 & Day #2– Thoughts, Obser vations, and Random Information

--Purchased the premium drink package. Since they changed the package to include bottled water and expanded the wine selection, and because DH did not have to buy it—I thought I’d give it a shot (no pun intended). I like not having to sign individual slips, but I often tip a bit extra to my favorite bartenders, so now I have to carry some cash around as well. Service seems to be consistently good, regardless of whether the package was purchased or not.

--This crew is one of the friendliest, most accommodating, and courteous of any ship I have sailed.

--Cannot say the same for some of the passengers on this ship. Apparently the word “excuse me” has fallen out of fashion. When the elevator doors open, you let the passengers out first, and THEN you enter. Not so this week! As soon as the door opens, your mission is to blast into the elevator at full speed, two to three across, and holding hands! To heck with the people in the back of the elevator! Thanks, ok. I’m getting lots of exercise on the stairs, and I’m keeping myself out of harms way!

--Service in the main dining room was outstanding last night. This is also ranking as one of my better experiences. Last night’s menu was Mojo. (Prime Rib, Pork Chop, Salmon options). Our waiter has promised to let us know which night will be the best for us to visit Chops this weekSpent s.

--Spent some time in the casino last night, and my wallet is a bit lighter as a result!!! Seemed to not be as smoky as what I observed on Allure. Instead of smoking / non-smoking sections being separated side to side, the front section was non-smoking, and the rear section smoking. .

--The smoking section on Deck 4 is washed and hosed down each morning. If you plan on getting there early, bring some paper towels to dry off a chair. I found it much more peaceful than the pool deck, but it could use a few small tables. No smokers in the casino this morning as I passed through—maybe it’s not allowed if they aren’t open. There is very little info in the compass on the smoking policy.

--Do not attempt to visit the Windjammer on boarding day at 2 p.m. I could not describe the experience without using an expletive or two. Just take my word for it and grab a sandwich at Café Promenade or Sorrentos. One bit of info on Sorrentos—on Allure they had made to order pizza. The only made to order you can get on Indy is gluten free pizza.

--The MDR has a buffet as well as cooked to order breakfast—however the “buffet” is only fruit and cereal. This has not been my experience on a few other ships where they also served eggs, bacon, sausages, etc. as well.

--There are only 4 ice shows this week. Tickets were passed out today in front of Sorrentos. Very efficient, no lines. Although the first two showtime’s are today at 3:15 and 5:15, and then Day 4 at 6:30 or 8:30 p.m.

--No Elvis sightings since boarding day. Maybe they have him holed up in a conference room somewhere signing autographs….

--We had an informal M & M at the Sky Bar at 3:00 p.m. It was great to see all the folks I’ve been talking to online.

--Muster was a bit longer than usual and on Deck 4 outside. A lot of people showing up late, and they had to check sea pass cards and mark off a checklist manually. Wish Indy followed suit with some of the other ships and held the safety briefings in the indoor venues. I can’t remember the last time I stood on one the outer decks for muster drill.

--The Indy gift shop seems to have stocked up on some t-shirts and logo gear. Mostly t-shirts, but I was expecting much worse. I’ll post more photos later, and try to respond to any questions. Time to head out for my afternoon beverage and kindle time.....

[niksmom630]

Thanks to those who have posted and are following along!

 

As far as the Olympics, I have not seen any yet, but we will be exploring the lounges the evening, so I'll report later.

 

The sail away party sounds very similar to what you experienced on Liberty--a bit of dancing, and a DJ. No band--not sure how long it lasted--we had early seating so we left early.

[FTLcruisers]

We will be on the Indy this Saturday. I was wondering if they are showing the Olympics on board? Thanks

 

We'll be joining you on Saturday.

 

It would be cool if they showed the Olympics on the movie screen out by the pool! Someone on board now should suggest that so it'll be all set up for us! LOL

 

Marianne