Just back from 5nt Independence

[watertraveler]

We just finished our first trip on the Independence of the Seas and thought I would pass along a few things that I enjoyed. We have sailed on the Adventure several times and the Independence is very similar. It was easy to maneuver around and you areable to avoid traffic jams simply by walking outside on deck 5 and walking to the other end of the ship.

 

My biggest complaint is the Windjammer. Unlike the Radiance class of ships, it has no outside seating and it is strictly 'buffet' style. I much prefer the 'stations' set up of some of the other ships. Food was just 'ok' and I had an issue with the temperature of the food both in the Windjammer and the main dining room.

 

Having said that, there were so many other things that I enjoyed. The staff, from our cabin steward to the dining staff, were terrific. Our cabin steward was efficient and followed through with our requests for extra towels and ice. If you are entitled to one, make sure you ask for the bathrobe. Unlike previous cruises, they are no longer waiting for you upon arrival. If it is important to you, ask.

 

We had 'My Time Dining' and had made reservations for the 5 nights at 6:30. However when we checked with the desk the first night, we were told that, if we wanted a table by the window, it would be better to come at 5:45. We changed our reservations for the first night and were glad that we did. We had a great table for 4 by the window and our wait staff couldn't have been better. So much so that we changed our reservations to 5:45 for the rest of the cruise and had the same table and waiter for the whole time.

 

Traditionally, we like to be among the first to get on the ship but didn't get to the terminal until almost noon. Check-in was a breeze and we were onboard in less than 1/2 hour. It must all be in the timing though. We were told that just a short time before, the terminal was jammed with people waiting to get onboard and I read another post where lines were long at 1:00PM. Rooms were ready by 1:00. I am amazed at how short the turn-around time is.

 

I know my thoughts are very random and following any pattern but I have some thoughts on RCCL's luggage valet service, water in the cabin, disembarkation and ports of call and will try to post toomorrow.

 

5 nights was just not long enough. Time to plan another!

[easyboy]

Thank your for your feedback.

[mcchane1]

I will be curious to hear about the luggage valet service because I have been told it is not available on the Independence.

[watertraveler]

The luggage valet service was wonderful and worth every penny! It seemed just after we had boarded, we were presented with a new option of paying a$25.00 fee per person to get your luggage off the ship! It was hard to think about because we had to have the paperwork in by Tuesday but here's how it worked -

 

Each person is charged a $25.00 service fee by the cruise line plus the fee that the airline charges for checked baggage. Jet Blue did not charge anything extra. Our friends were on Delta and I think they had to pay an additional $25.00/bag.

 

Our accounts were charged and once our bags were out in the hall that final night, we didn't see them again until we arrived at our home destination. We also got our boarding passes on the ship and were able to proceed right to the gate, saving us extra minutes in line at the airport. Since we didn't have to look for our luggage in the cruise terminal, we were able to go directly to the line (which was horrible) to wait for customs.

 

For me, it was worth it and, given the opportunity, would do it again.

[mcchane1]

I am so glad to hear it is offered. I was told it was no longer being offered on the Indy. And being we are in a suite I believe it is complimentary.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[watertraveler]

I'd definitely give it a try.

[dimiegirl]

Hello,

Thanks for all of the information you posted. We will be on the independence at the end of februrary and wanted to know if grease is still playing? I know they change their shows every 6 months or so.... I am really looking forward to it.. also I was wondering if you could tell me what other main shows they offer on the independence... My husband and I have been to these ports several times and most likely won't be getting off the boat so the entertainment is going to be a highlight for us. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!:)

[watertraveler]

Some more random thoughts:

 

Our captain was Iv (pronounced Eve) Vidos. I found him to be very personable.

 

Our Cruise Director was John Blair. I wasn't wowed by him but that's just my personal take.

 

Entertainment onboard had some real high points but there were also some lows. The welcome aboard show highlighted the Orchestra (terrific), Steve Caouette (a comedian that did the late night adult show) - we couldn't wait to see his full routine and he didn't disappoint! The Ice Show Strings and Grease were unbelievably terrific. It's hard to understand how they are able to produce such intricate numbers on a ship. The illusionist, Jason Bishop, and Carl Banks, another comedian, were just okay. We passed on an Invitation to Dance.

 

I have read that, to save money on drinks, always go for the 'drink of the day'. I have to say that, for me, this didn't hold true. On our first day, I ordered a mixed drink and was charged $7.00 while my friend ordered the drink of the day(no fancy glass) and was charged $10.95. I'd check pricing before ordering.

 

In the past, we have purchased a water package when we boarded the ship. We did so again this time and were charged $39.00 for 6 bottles. Once inside our cabin, we discovered that part of our amenity package included small bottles of water and we had the option of purchasing more through room service. My husband likes seltzer water and he was able to get 4 small bottles for $10.00 for the convenience of having some in the room. Something to consider maybe.

 

I haven't downloaded any pictures yet and may try to do some later. Also, I'll include some thoughts about our choices for Costa Maya and Cozumel.

[dcgrumpy]

Some more random thoughts:

 

Our captain was Iv (pronounced Eve) Vidos. I found him to be very personable.

 

Our Cruise Director was John Blair. I wasn't wowed by him but that's just my personal take.

 

Entertainment onboard had some real high points but there were also some lows. The welcome aboard show highlighted the Orchestra (terrific), Steve Caouette (a comedian that did the late night adult show) - we couldn't wait to see his full routine and he didn't disappoint! The Ice Show Strings and Grease were unbelievably terrific. It's hard to understand how they are able to produce such intricate numbers on a ship. The illusionist, Jason Bishop, and Carl Banks, another comedian, were just okay. We passed on an Invitation to Dance.

 

I have read that, to save money on drinks, always go for the 'drink of the day'. I have to say that, for me, this didn't hold true. On our first day, I ordered a mixed drink and was charged $7.00 while my friend ordered the drink of the day(no fancy glass) and was charged $10.95. I'd check pricing before ordering.

In the past, we have purchased a water package when we boarded the ship. We did so again this time and were charged $39.00 for 6 bottles. Once inside our cabin, we discovered that part of our amenity package included small bottles of water and we had the option of purchasing more through room service. My husband likes seltzer water and he was able to get 4 small bottles for $10.00 for the convenience of having some in the room. Something to consider maybe.

 

I haven't downloaded any pictures yet and may try to do some later. Also, I'll include some thoughts about our choices for Costa Maya and Cozumel.

 

 

Thanks for mentioning that. I just noticed on a recent Compass that it no longer says "and the glass is yours to keep" under the Drink of the Day.

[watertraveler]

The entertainment for the 5nt cruise was as follows:

 

nt1 - the welcome aboard show and 'Strings', the ice show

 

nt2 - (day at sea) "Strings" had 2 performances in the afternoon

Production show, Invitation to Dand

 

nt3 - Headliner, Jason Bishop, illusionist

Love and Marriage Game

Late night adult comedy with Steve Couette (don't miss it!)

 

nt4 - Comedy with Steve Banks and the Quest Show

 

nt5 - Grease and the '70's street party

[dimiegirl]

The entertainment for the 5nt cruise was as follows:

 

nt1 - the welcome aboard show and 'Strings', the ice show

 

nt2 - (day at sea) "Strings" had 2 performances in the afternoon

Production show, Invitation to Dand

 

nt3 - Headliner, Jason Bishop, illusionist

Love and Marriage Game

Late night adult comedy with Steve Couette (don't miss it!)

 

nt4 - Comedy with Steve Banks and the Quest Show

 

nt5 - Grease and the '70's street party

 

Thank you so much for letting me know what the entertainment will be. I am really looking forward to grease, the ice show, the comedian and the illusionist!! Thanks so much!!

[watertraveler]

Costa Maya - A word of advice. The new terminal that has been built for the cruise ships is beautiful with shops, a pool, restaurants, etc. - Everything to keep you from leaving the area and exploring. It is like a maze trying to find your way out to the taxis and shuttles!

 

We chose to do our own thing and, after reading some posts on Cruise Critic, decided we would try Tropicante.

 

The shuttle is $3.00pp one way with the return by taxi. It is the 2nd stop on the shuttle and as soon as it stops, there are the hawkers trying to get you to go to their spot. As soon as we said Tropicante, there was a gentleman ready to walk us down to the beach. I had forgotten that we could have made reservations so we really didn't have the best location on the beach, but no matter. It was a beautiful day and for the price of a drink and some munchies we had loungers for as long as we wanted to stay.

 

Each restaurant along the Malecon has a section of beach to call their own and it works the same way no matter where you go. Free beach chairs and umbrellas in exchange for purchasing food and drink.

 

It was a great day. No let me see if I can upload some pictures.

 

https://im1.shutterfly.com/procsimple?imageID=04wq1xPzaIBdCMNWd5bv1-DoC2Kr-PUjhx.YiaqT-xVgqc2pCr2aDde2FlA.FlrL04R9SYWnfC21KIkkeMqkzcA&rotation=0&rendersize=fit96x96&DATA=v4HXJSQPvEP0EA7WF4Nf2S4XMGpj86eVlgl1dzuFU7CkRLHcQ9-Mu-fjFwKnF-ack6fK7tYvQUfqxLI5NuIxHRgms-JoNxGlXm&effect=Auto

 

A section of the beach on Costa Maya.

 

https://im1.shutterfly.com/procsimple?imageID=04wq1xPzaIBdCMNWd5bv1-DoC2Kr-PUjhx.YiaqT-xVgqc2pCr2aDde2FlA.FlrL04R9SYWnfC21Y5ZnZ2UyB2B&rotation=90&rendersize=fit96x96&DATA=v4HXJSQPvEP0kegdjEWBxleXCO556tIqXy.ha3okmGNXbNvmHTlIOyps-qRK2zBRW6S5QbEHXZ5EA9Y6y3rFtrHrLLD7wxRh6M&effect=Auto

 

The Independence in the distance seems to float on top of the waves.

[watertraveler]

https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a7dc25b3127cceee1d86e7e62700000030O00Aat2Ths5bs3IPbz4K/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00903796827520170204201015458.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

 

 

https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a7dc25b3127cceee1d2e1467b000000030O10Aat2Ths5bs3IPbz4K/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00903796827520170204195113430.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[CruisinCrow]

Thank you for the review! We'll be on Indy in a week and half.

 

I thought you might want to know that you can embed your picture by clicking on the Mountain-looking icon and then pasting in the link to your picture. Easier for readers than having to click on the links. :)

 

[watertraveler]

Thanks for the tip about pictures!

 

Just to finish - We spent the day at Nachi Cocum in Cozumel. I had read about Playa Mia and Mr. Sanchos but liked the idea that Nachi limited the amount of people and it seemed like a more quiet atmosphere. So, we made our reservations before leaving and just had to pay a deposit.

 

On the way out to the beach, we passed both Playa Mia and Mr. Sanchos. I was beginning to get a little worried because we were going to Nachi on my recommendation. We were not disappointed. The pool area was built up away from the beach and had a large whirlpool. There was a tiny gift shop, a massage tent, bathrooms and loungers with palapa umbrellas along the beach. The beach itself was clean and pretty clear although it dropped off pretty quickly which made getting out a little tricky. The people there were very friendly and had been there on previous visits. The biggest selling point was the waitstaff and the food. For $55.00, you received all of the above plus unlimited drinks and food. Manuel, who was our waiter, hussled all day long to bring us anything we wanted from mixed drinks or water to shrimp or chicken sandwiches. It was a truly relaxing day and I would recommend it.

 

Now, where to go next?

[sbfanatic]

The entertainment for the 5nt cruise was as follows:

 

nt1 - the welcome aboard show and 'Strings', the ice show

 

nt2 - (day at sea) "Strings" had 2 performances in the afternoon

Production show, Invitation to Dand

 

nt3 - Headliner, Jason Bishop, illusionist

Love and Marriage Game

Late night adult comedy with Steve Couette (don't miss it!)

 

nt4 - Comedy with Steve Banks and the Quest Show

 

nt5 - Grease and the '70's street party

 

Can you get reservations for Grease or is it first come?

[Clarea]

Can you get reservations for Grease or is it first come?

First come, first served.

[watertraveler]

I would get there about 20-30 minutes ahead of time. We got there about 1/2 hour ahead and we had plenty of choices for seats but once the theater started filling up, it filled up fast.