Review - Independence - 6 days - Belize, Costa Maya, Cozumel

[Route66]

Great review so far - many thanks for posting.

 

Could you tell us something about the departure procedure, e.g. when do you have to leave the ship - was it a smooth process or more a kind of hassle?

[cruiselife4me]

Michelle, thanks for posting this. I have to tell you when I was single my girlfriend and I were the Cruisin' Mama's...too funny! Appreciate all the info as I'm taking Liberty in Aug. for my 16 year olds surprise cruise (late bday present)

Mary

[cappy09]

I thought that I read somewhere that there were kettles in the staterooms for heating water. Can anyone confirm this.. I would love to be able to use Folgers singles to make a cup of coffee in the room and not have to call room service for my morning caffine jolt out on the balcony. And also do they have hot cups or do I bring myown ????? Thanks for any information that you can give me. Sailing on 3/1/09

[Windjammer13]

Michelle

 

As others have said, thanks for posting! Absolutely outstanding photos and quite a review on the ship and activities. Your little ones are cute as can be and look like they are definitely happy in those pictures (who wouldn't be?:)).

 

Nicely done and thanks for taking the time to share your experience with everyone. Bravo!

 

David

[crusinmama06]

Mark - It was GREAT to meet you and Julia. So when are we leaving again? :D You name the ship, I'll be there. Make sure you pick a warmer month though. :p

 

Tony - YES I could feel more movement in the Aft cabins than mid ship. It kind of felt like a small shaking motion. It wasn't enough to make us sick or bother us. But one morning I asked my husband if he felt it or if I was just losing my mind (wouldn't be a surprise...lol). So yes, we both felt it. It wasn't like a rocking, it was more of a vibration. And of course, only when we were moving at night. So I literally slept through most of it.

 

SpeedyMcD - Sorry but I didn't take pictures of the menus. Before I left, a poster here - Alan Freed (I think is his screen name) posted pictures from the 6 day Indy menus. They were generally the same, except for the Christmas menu he posted...of course. If you have a hard time finding that post let me know and I will track it down for you.

 

NEW DEPARTURE PROCEEDURE

Route 66 - They started a new departure proceedure which eliminated the announcements for colored luggage tags. We received the luggage tags 2 days before departing. In the last compass we received the time/lounge that each luggage color was to be escorted by a crew member from the ship. Those that were suite guests could wait in the CL. You were able to wait in your own cabin until your "escorted time". But the Windjammer was only serving breakfast until 9am...and believe me, at 9am, all food was removed and the buffet was shut down.

 

My "lounge time" was 9:30am...based on the time of my flight out of FLL. Now here is the odd part. We wait in the Windjammer until 9am. I decide to go down early just to see what was going on. We get to the lounge (ours was the Theatre, Deck 3) and a woman at the door said "We already dismissed all colors" :eek: "Go up to Deck 5, across and then down to Deck 1 to depart the ship". There were suppose to be colors escorted off every 15 minutes until 10:30am. Ours was Orange at 9:30am. Yet, when we arrived at 9am, they had already dismissed that color. So much for being organized. :rolleyes: So alot of angry and confused people were arriving at the theatre, after waiting in the WJ for their time. So no announcements....lots of confusion.

 

Mary - Video tape that surprise cruise. I did for our Disney Cruise. Told them we were JUST going to Disney. Had the camera rolling for when we pulled into the port. The kids went nuts. I have a great piece of video from that.

 

Cappy - Yes, on Indy there are electric tea kettles and tea/cream in the cabin. I noticed that ours had some dust on it. Guess it isn't getting alot of use in the states.

[bajathree]

Our dining room team was wonderful. Leoncia and Kemar. After the second day they had the chocolate milk ready for the kids when we sat down.

 

No additional charge steak appeared on the menu. There was an alternative steak on the menu every night, but no additional charge for it.

 

The last night had a Seafood Platter that did include lobster and shrimp. I wasn't impressed.

 

They DID NOT HEAT the pools on Indy. The pools were ice cold the whole week. The kids didn't seem to mind. I guess the concierge was telling people that in the Caribbean, they do not use the heating system in the pools but will turn them back on when they return to the Med. So many people were complaining about the cold pools. The temps were only 72 degrees on some days. The wind was cold. So the hot tubs were filled every day. So I guess some of us couldn't understand that if they have the ability to heat the pools, then why not heat them?????

 

Chairhogs - on our last Sea Day, I was surrounded by pool towels and some reading material....lol. I saw the Solarium Deck Patrol and I commented to them that it was nice that the library could get a nice tan. I never saw them remove the items. And I did sit for 2 hours next to a book by Anita Shreve. You were suppose to pay $20 per towel if they weren't returned. They did scan the sea passes when we got towels and returned them. But I didn't see the deck patrol removing any towels.

 

Kids in Diapers in the pools - The H20 zone had a member of the deck patrol watching for diapers and redirecting the parents back over to the Baby Zone (the water play area for infants in diapers). I saw one mom get pretty ticked. Guess she couldn't read the sign that specifically said no kids in diapers in the pools.

 

Suite Guest Perks - There was NO reserved pool seating for Suite guests. We made friends with a few suite guests and I specifically asked them what extra perks they were receiving. They got the fruit basket in the cabin. They didn't need to wait in line for ice skating tickets, just needed to show their concierge card which had their names on it. But no special pool chairs roped off for suite guests on Indy.

 

 

 

It was just reported here on CC last week by a GS guest who just returned from IOS, that they were told by the concierge that new suite perks would be rolling out soon. Didn't go into any detail what they were and when but that they were on the way.

[cruiselife4me]

Michelle, You bet I will!!!!

[glrydays]

Hey there - FANTASTIC review - we are going March 15 and cannot wait. We have cabin 1402 booked.

 

We had booked the Westin Diplomat for post cruise and the Sheratin Yankee Clipper for pre-cruise. But looking at the pictures I may book the Westin pre as well. I have enough points to make it free. It is double the points - but looks worth it. My only question - we are with our 9 and 7 year old - are there any family restaurants nearby. While I do not mind a nice family dinner - I do not want to be limited to the hotel for (expensive) breakfast and dinner.

 

How far was it from the port? How much do you figure a taxi would be?

Thanks!

[crusinmama06]

Hey there - FANTASTIC review - we are going March 15 and cannot wait. We have cabin 1402 booked.

 

We had booked the Westin Diplomat for post cruise and the Sheratin Yankee Clipper for pre-cruise. But looking at the pictures I may book the Westin pre as well. I have enough points to make it free. It is double the points - but looks worth it. My only question - we are with our 9 and 7 year old - are there any family restaurants nearby. While I do not mind a nice family dinner - I do not want to be limited to the hotel for (expensive) breakfast and dinner.

 

How far was it from the port? How much do you figure a taxi would be?

Thanks!

 

That was the ONE downside to the Westin, the distance from port. It was a 15 minute drive. But from what I was told, taxis would charge as much as $65 from airport to hotel. :eek: So I rented the car so we could go where ever we wanted.

 

The restaurants at the hotel are pricey. Even the sandwich shop is pricey. So we hopped on the $1 trolley and took it to the boardwalk where we ate lunch/dinnner. Lots of places to choose from there.

 

We passed an IHOP on the way from the port to the hotel.

 

Passion Island - Cozumel review to come. I am working on another reservation for me and the kids. I think we may hop on Majesty in a few months. Shhhhhhh ;) I may make another surprise out of it.

[glrydays]

Based on the +/- you mentioned about the Westin Diplomat - would you stay there again??

 

Have you ever stayed at the Yankee Clipper?

[crusinmama06]

Based on the +/- you mentioned about the Westin Diplomat - would you stay there again??

 

Have you ever stayed at the Yankee Clipper?

 

No doubt I would stay there again. :D

 

I haven't stayed at the clipper...I was given the option by starwood instead of the Westin but when I looked at the reviews, the Westin had better reviews. Not that the clipper was horrible by any means. It's just that the Westin had more for us than the clipper. Read the reviews on Trip Advisor.

[lb0103]

This is the BEST review EVER!

 

Questions were asked but I did not see the answer, the dining times 8:30-9PM what does that mean, can you go at anytime in there and if so doesn't that slow down the table if some show up at 8:30 and some at 9?

 

Any know how much a taxi from the airport to the port?

 

 

when/where do you get the tickets for the ice show?

 

WOW, it doesn't look like 6 days is enough to do HALF the stuff on this ship.

 

We are going on 3/29 and we were concerned that the ship is to large for us, we like the radiance class or less. But after seeing the Compass and your comments we are SO ready!

 

We are only Platiunm but with that much to do I don't think we will have a problem.

 

Thanks again and you have a beautiful family.

[glrydays]

No doubt I would stay there again. :D

 

I haven't stayed at the clipper...I was given the option by starwood instead of the Westin but when I looked at the reviews, the Westin had better reviews. Not that the clipper was horrible by any means. It's just that the Westin had more for us than the clipper. Read the reviews on Trip Advisor.

 

Thanks for the advice - I checked out tripadvisor and the Clipper gets HORRIBLE reviews. We are now booked at the Diplomat Pre and Post cruise...for Free!!! Ahhhh cannot wait!!!!!

[cot427]

Thats again for the review, can't wait for more.

 

Question tho, did the captain switch to central standard time or keep it eastern standard time? I heard that some do and some don't altho I think when I sail on Sunday we are getting a new captain so who knows.

[Lew's cruise]

Michelle, Great review! We will be on the Independence this weekend and your review certainly gets me in the mood. Your pictures and words are extremely enjoyable and the girls are beautiful. Thanks so much for taking the time to write.

Lew

[digital_curator]

Hi Michelle,

 

I am LOVING your review- great pics!

 

I saw Alan's menus; I know that you didn't photograph them but I was wondering if you knew which was the menu on your sailing that replaced Alan's Christmas dinner?

 

Cheers,

[ssl1]

Michelle, wonderful review!! thanks so much. We're also booked on the ATV excursion but are also doing the cave-tubing. Hope there is really enough time in the day for so much besides the bus ride. I've cave-tubed before (I think maybe even in the same location if it is at Caves' Branch) and we wanted to share it with our boys. I liked their idea that you get muddy in the am & then "wash off" in the pm. How many people do they take ATVing in a group?

 

Hey fellow cruisers leaving on Sunday....it'll be our turn soon! yahoo!

[SpeedyMcD]

I saw the 6-day menus for the Christmas cruise. Just wanted to double check for any changes. Thanks for your fantastic reviews and pix. My friends and I are so excited! :)

[renamoe]

Michelle

Thank you, We are going on Sunday the 2/15. Cant' wait. thanks again can't wait to see all of you on sunday.

 

Maureen

[lsmommy]

. I am working on another reservation for me and the kids. I think we may hop on Majesty in a few months. Shhhhhhh ;) I may make another surprise out of it.

 

 

Do it, it is so much fun going on a cruise with your daughters alone, it is such a different experience just having 1 adult, and the kids treasure it. One month till I head out on the DCL Magic with my 2 girls 6 and 8 for our second girls only trip, and we are also doing the Majesty in November.

 

Thank you for taking the time to share your cruise with us. I will have to show my dd's all your pictures as the plan is to do the Freedom for springbreak 2010.

[djmutters]

Michelle,

 

Thank you for taking the time and effort to share your lovely holiday with us.:):):)

[crusinmama06]

I was wondering if you knew which was the menu on your sailing that replaced Alan's Christmas dinner?

 

I saw the 6-day menus for the Christmas cruise. Just wanted to double check for any changes. Thanks for your fantastic reviews and pix. My friends and I are so excited! :)

 

I wish I could remember. It seemed like I had some kind of beef every night...lol. So it all kind of runs together in my mind now.

 

Michelle, wonderful review!! thanks so much. We're also booked on the ATV excursion but are also doing the cave-tubing. Hope there is really enough time in the day for so much besides the bus ride. I've cave-tubed before (I think maybe even in the same location if it is at Caves' Branch) and we wanted to share it with our boys. I liked their idea that you get muddy in the am & then "wash off" in the pm. How many people do they take ATVing in a group?

 

Hey fellow cruisers leaving on Sunday....it'll be our turn soon! yahoo!

 

It may be cold in those caves, so just be prepared. ;)

[crusinmama06]

This is the BEST review EVER!

 

Questions were asked but I did not see the answer, the dining times 8:30-9PM what does that mean, can you go at anytime in there and if so doesn't that slow down the table if some show up at 8:30 and some at 9?

 

Any know how much a taxi from the airport to the port?

 

 

when/where do you get the tickets for the ice show?

 

WOW, it doesn't look like 6 days is enough to do HALF the stuff on this ship.

 

Yes, you can show up anytime in that 30 minute period. Our table was just my family and another couple, so yes, if we were closer to 6:30, then it did slow them down. So we tried to arrive at 6pm every night.

 

Taxi - airport to port is suppose to be around $10. Our tab was $11.50 not including tip on the way back to the aiport from port.

 

Ice show Tickets - Day 2 - One person can pick up a ticket for every person in their party from 9am-10am in front of Sorrento's. Showtimes - Mon at 2pm and 4pm, Wed at 7pm and 9pm.

 

Thanks for the advice - I checked out tripadvisor and the Clipper gets HORRIBLE reviews. We are now booked at the Diplomat Pre and Post cruise...for Free!!! Ahhhh cannot wait!!!!!

 

Yeah that's how I was reading it too. :( I hope you get the same upgrade we did. I expected a small room overlooking the parking lot because the "points rooms" are suppose to be "standard resort view". I got a lucky break with that upgrade. I hope the same for you.

 

Thats again for the review, can't wait for more.

 

Question tho, did the captain switch to central standard time or keep it eastern standard time? I heard that some do and some don't altho I think when I sail on Sunday we are getting a new captain so who knows.

 

Ship time - the ship time stayed EST. They kept reiterating to stay on SHIP time. And the ship time never strayed from EST.

 

Cruise Director - Allan Brooks - this was his last sailing as CD on Indy. He stopped to talk to someone who I was sitting with, he said that he was going on vacation. Then would report back to the office and be reassigned to another ship...he thought it would be another Freedom class.

[crusinmama06]

Day 5 - Cozumel, Mexico

 

We awake to the sight of RCCL Grandeur being parked into our backyard

: - )

 

 

 

We grabbed a quick bite to eat in the WJ on Thursday morning. Grabbed our towels (yes, got them at the H20 zone again, bring a sea pass card).

 

We were set to meet the "Passion Island" guide at 9:15 on the pier. So we make our way off of the ship....5 cruise ships are in port that day. Two Carnivals, 2 Royal Caribbean, 1 NCL.

 

 

 

We meet up with our guide "Mr. Leo" who informs us that the seas are too choppy to take the Catamaran to Passion Island (as originally planned) - we would take a bus, then a short small boat ride over to the island.

 

Passion Island is PURE paradise. It is deserted. It is for cruise ship guests only. It is OPEN DOMESTIC BAR and buffet included.

 

For the kids, I couldn't have picked a better place. They had a water trampoline, but since the water was too rough, they brought out a couple of men to install a regular trampoline on the sand (no charge). They had mini ATVs for the kids - FREE. The operator just "works for tips". They had a playground and mini maze for the kids.

 

For the adults - they had some shopping there. Full bar. Covered restaurant. Hammocks everywhere. They had tables under the palm trees so you could have eaten on the beach. They had chairs in full sun. Chairs in shade. The merchants stayed in the shopping area so no one was walking around selling anything (except one guy with a box of cuban cigars)

 

The restrooms and changing facilities were very clean.

 

And the best part, everyone was so nice.

 

I have all of my Passion Island pics on another computer...so I will just post this one for now. Be back later with the rest of the pictures.

 

[MomtoCCC]

Did you book Passion Island on your own or through the ship? It sounds great! Can't wait to see more pictures.

 

Thanks for the review - I'm considering this cruise for next Spring.