Independence Royal Suite Spring Break Review

[Kcjarvis]

Last day blues exploring the ship

 

 

 

 

 

Long line for the Walk for Wishes T shirts

 

 

[TigerMom1987]

.used Captain Marvin for snorkeling, conch diving, sting ray city and lunch

 

Did you book this through RC?

 

https://www.captainmarvins.com

 

I booked through their website after searching reviews. Many on our tour were repeat guests.

 

If you are going to book the 'snorkel/sting ray city/lunch,' I would suggest booking the 8:30a.m. tour if there is one. The trip to Kaibo (which is lovely) takes awhile. We made it back to the tender in GC with only seconds to spare). If you cannot do the s/s/lunch at 8:30, choose another 8:30 tour..........that is what we will do next time. GC is just beautiful, and you will feel perfectly safe walking around. No one approaches you trying to get you to buy things or panhandling......it is beautiful.

 

Getting on the tender for the 8:30 tour is not difficult..........order breakfast the night before via room service. Be sure your steward knows you need to be served first as you must be on the first tender (which is actually a hoot). Our breakfast was at our door at 6:30, we were at deck 3 (I think) at 7:30 and in GC at 8:05. The 8:30 tour would have been perfect for us but we booked for 10am.

 

I would recommend The Pelican for lunch........walk out the dock area and go right....about a five minute stroll. It is on the water. Next time, I am sure we will have lunch there.

 

You will bring towels from the ship. Be sure to bring them back with you as your card will be scanned when you leave with towels and when you return them. This is the drill for Jamaica and labadee as well.

 

Water shoes are a MUST for labadee. Buy them now.........seriously. You can get great quality ones at Sierra Trading Post.

 

I realize I did not mention labadee in my original post but I will in a separate one. We loved labadee. My advice is to RENT A CABANA! Really! It is delightful!:)

Edited April 16, 2015 by TigerMom1987

[Kcjarvis]

Johnny Rockets for lunch

 

 

Sorry for the half eaten food porn

 

 

 

Then on to the Backstage Theater Tour

 

 

 

[Kcjarvis]

 

 

 

 

 

[Big_G]

We had over the water cabana #5

 

They have added stairs and a ladder to the water - very nice

 

 

Remember to bring your swim shoes.

 

Especially for the ladder. We've never done the cabana up until last cruise. Had cabana 6 and will never go without again. :D Great review.

[Kcjarvis]

The Quest

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Kcjarvis]

Sadly, back in FLL backing down the channel

 

 

 

 

Left the cabin at 6:25am for self departure. Short line getting off the ship, but a larger line for customs. Remember there are only 2 CBP agents until 7am (Thank you Congress)

 

 

Taxi to the airport, through TSA Pre and at the gate @ 7:26am. Please stop scaring people into taking 1pm flights!!!!!!!!

 

 

Good bye Indy (and Oasis)

Hello Liberty - See you in NYC in 90 days

 

[Dave85]

Ah, just found this review! My browser at work blocks all the photos unfortunately but I look forward to reading another outstanding Kcjarvis review when I get home later :D

[Kcjarvis]

Forgot to post the Chops pics. We went on the 2nd formal night after Falmouth

 

mustard butter is amazing (but not as good and the red butter)

 

 

 

 

[Kcjarvis]

Ah, just found this review! My browser at work blocks all the photos unfortunately but I look forward to reading another outstanding Kcjarvis review when I get home later :D

 

Thanks Dave. Can't wait to sail with you on Anthem. You are one of those friends in my head HAHAHA

[Kcjarvis]

You have reached the office of KC. We are currently cruising, you can leave a message, but if you want to talk to me you will have to book a cruise:D

 

Sharp as ever Ken, great pics and review. We booked Harmony for dec-2016

 

HAHAHAH Thanks Setsail. Harmony is going to be fantastic. We may do the Harmony Trans Atlantic, if not we may see you in Dec. All the best to Mrs Setsail.

[Kcjarvis]

Stand by for the summary and rating

[Kcjarvis]

Summary

 

Cabin – The Royal Suite was amazing especially the hot tub on the balcony. The player piano’s keys don't move while in player mode. They do need to put curtains up across the double doors to the balcony to block out the morning sun. #firstworldproblems.

 

Cruise Director – Ricky Matthews was fantastic, although I didn't like the way he ran the Love and Marriage show

 

Concierge – Raj was outstanding, I have put our problems from 2012 behind us. He is definitely in the Top 7 RCCL Concierges (Mario, Reyno, Diego, Willie, Rami, Israel and Raj) I am OK with kids being allowed in the CL after 5pm. All of them were well behaved. I only wish we went back to the no shorts rule for their parents.

 

Diamond lounge – I loved the way Mel checked cards the 1st day weeding out all of the non Diamond and above. There were only 50 Diamond and above on this sailing, so the lounge was very calm. Lounge bar service was outstanding. Diamond and above kids are not allowed in the lounge after 5pm and do not receive the 3 drink coupons on their sea pass cards. This does not seem fair. They should at least get the coupons on their cards.

 

Our suite attendant – Oddie was very good. He always addressed us by name and kept the place spotless

 

Bar service – Very Good – I was surprised by the $14.16 guava daiquiri drink price. RCCL is definitely pushing people to the premium drink package – Welcome to NY drink prices at sea.

 

Internet Service – Awful I took the $120 2 device package. Raj was able to get me a refund, since it was so bad. Liberty and Freedom’s internet is far superior. When we arrived back at FLL, there was a new satcom dish on the pier. Hopefully, Indy is getting an upgrade.

 

Entertainment – Very good – RCCL singers and dancers were excellent; they still sang “Come Sail Away” which should be mandatory on all ships. haha

 

Food – (Subjective) – Excellent – Windjammer food was hot and seasoned appropriately. The variety was outstanding from bangers and mash, to jerk chicken to corn beef and cabbage. Bring back the vidalia onion tart and the old mud pie!!!!!!

 

Spring Break – This was a spring break cruise and there were a lot of kids on board. I found them to be very respectful and well behaved. It definitely wasn't a “Kids Gone Wild” cruise. There was a great family spirit on this cruise. RCCL is building the next generation of cruisers.

 

Shout outs - cdscooby1 and the guys, Wendell, mac4td & "The Blondetourage", Roberto – King of Labadee and the Adventure Ocean Team

 

Rating

Since 2012, Indy has significantly raised its service levels, Indy and is now on par with its Freedom class sisters. Indy is ready to fill the Allure spot, as she leaves for Barcelona. I was very impressed with the Capt, Hotel Director and the crew. I would have rated this sailing a 99% but will deduct 4 points for its unusable Internet. Total score 95%

 

Another great vacation, we remain loyal to Royal.

 

This is Ken Jarvis and I approve this review - Thank you for reading.

[Peeker28]

Thanks for the review and pictures. Going on Indy March 2016

[Dan-P]

Good Morning Port Everglades

 

 

Webcam view

 

 

 

 

 

We then took a $7 shuttle to Terminal 29, and this time, there was no 3 hour line. Actually there was No line!!!!!!!!

 

 

5 mins from door to ding including the welcome aboard picture.

 

Did you happen to be in Tower Junior Suite 919 at the Hyatt Pier 66? We had that room (919) last year and absolutely loved the view. From your pics, it appears to be an almost identical view.

 

Nice review and great pics. Brought back good memories of our time on Indy.

 

Dan.

[gallantconcord]

Would love to enjoy a Royal suite one of these cruises. Looks fantastic and a wonderful review. I was just on the Indy in March 2015 and really enjoyed her. The only thing i found lacking was the less of a selection in the Windjammer. Other than that I really enjoyed the ship. Entertainment was very good, service was very good and my casino host Shirley was the best. Returning to Indy on September 6th. Can't wait. I hope to see Super Mario again. He basically lives on cruise ships most of the year. Very nice man. Count down to september 6th, 142 days. Will be making a 60th brithday stop in Las Vegas in June before my cruise.

[cdscooby1]

Thanks for the shout out Ken. The guys and I had a great time with you and your lovely kids. I agree with everything you said but need to add a few things. Pedro who was our cabinet attendant in the Grand Suite 1568 and was amazing. We had a fabulous balcony only missing the hot tub. I think the staff in Adventure Ocean is great but Royal fails miserably in the teen club. I have noticed on the smaller ships like Brilliance they are small enough to spend time with the kids and make sure everyone is included. On the larger ships like the Independence the staff is barely seen by the teens and there seems to be no organization of things to do. Most people complain about the teens running wild on the ships (especially elevators) and I think its do to lack of planned activities. There is always going to be kids who are not going to participate but plan something rather than meet at the sports court at 8PM and then nothing planned until 11PM. As a Mom of 2 14 year old boys who loved Adventure Ocean they love the freedom but miss the planned events. Time for Royal to step it up with the teens.

[tomko2]

Thanks for the review and pictures. Going on Indy March 2016

 

Really enjoyed your review. We are avid Liberty fans (12 cruises) but it is relocating to NY and Texas. Our only experience on the Indy was about 6 years ago and we didn't love it. The Indy is replacing the Liberty for short sailings from Port Everglades so your very positive review is timely for us.

Thanks and happy cruising.

Kathy:)

[janeyzee]

Another great vacation, we remain loyal to Royal.

 

This is Ken Jarvis and I approve this review - Thank you for reading.

 

Great review Ken, thanks. And yes, I do eat that broiled tomato if they serve it with my breakfast :p

[mo&fran]

Would love to enjoy a Royal suite one of these cruises. Looks fantastic and a wonderful review. I was just on the Indy in March 2015 and really enjoyed her. The only thing i found lacking was the less of a selection in the Windjammer. Other than that I really enjoyed the ship. Entertainment was very good, service was very good and my casino host Shirley was the best. Returning to Indy on September 6th. Can't wait. I hope to see Super Mario again. He basically lives on cruise ships most of the year. Very nice man. Count down to september 6th, 142 days. Will be making a 60th brithday stop in Las Vegas in June before my cruise.

 

I a glad someone else has the same opinion of the windjammer food selection as i do. i have cruised a lot on Explorer, and i thought that it was much better there.

we were on in mid February and again on the cruise prior to the OP. during the first cruise, a couple of officers stopped by while we were having a drink at the Pub in the late afternoon and asked what we thought of the ship, and i made that comment about the variety of food choices. i also lamented that it would be nice if they had chocolate chip cookies at the dessert station.

they did have the cookies once during each of the 8 day cruises, so i guess they would do that anyway.

 

As for OPs comments about the internet, i am guessing the issue is the unlimited packages have caused the wifi system to get jammed up. i did hear Raj comment to some people that there were certain areas of the ship where it was better than others.

 

Super Mario said he was using a Sprint Aircard in San Juan, and it worked really well. Before we came back for the second cruise, I got my own aircard and he was right, it works really well, both in San Juan and Ft Lauderdale. The one Mario uses plugs into the USB port, but mine is actually is a wifi hotspot, so my wife and i can both use it. She has an Ipad, which has no usb port.

[Kcjarvis]

Great review Ken, thanks. And yes, I do eat that broiled tomato if they serve it with my breakfast :p

 

HAHAHHA that's good to know

[Kcjarvis]

 

Super Mario said he was using a Sprint Aircard in San Juan, and it worked really well. Before we came back for the second cruise, I got my own aircard and he was right, it works really well, both in San Juan and Ft Lauderdale. The one Mario uses plugs into the USB port, but mine is actually is a wifi hotspot, so my wife and i can both use it. She has an Ipad, which has no usb port.

 

I never leave home without my Verizon MIFI, but those only work off of land based cellular towers

[maxs mom]

Hey Ken!! Nice to see you were back on the Indy and she did not disappoint!! Wish I had known you were going so you could have given Raj my love!! We are on her next in September and I am so afraid that he won't be there.

 

We are heading out next week for three weeks on the Jewel. Getting packed now!

 

Nice seeing your pictures and reading your report!

 

Oh.....and hell yeah......what I wouldn't give for a piece of the original Mud Pie!!!

Edited April 18, 2015 by max'smom

[Barnaby100]

We were on a 5 day in the RS on liberty last week. We didnt get a piano or pre dinner nibbles every night (unlike or previous gs and os trips).

 

1st night bottle of moet. no food

2nd night rank plate of cheese which was stinking and squishy in the heat by the time we opened it

3rd night nothing

4th night- 6 chocolates

5th night nothing.

 

I bottle of water for the entire cruise, which again was less than on any others we have been on.

 

You pay for the space- you don't get any luxuries or different consideration on board- which is fine but something people should be aware of. Our table for dining on the 3rd night was on a walkway (like a 3 table balcony at the side with 4 exits and entrances- the restaurant was more empty than full) overlooking the refuse table.

[Clarea]

I never leave home without my Verizon MIFI, but those only work off of land based cellular towers

Really, it won't work off the ship's cell tower?