Royal Caribbean, Independence of the Seas

I spent a week on the Independence of the Seas cruising around the Western Caribbean. The ship as a whole is huge! We were never bored. The staff were so friendly and couldn't do enough for you, despite working long hours. We dined most nights in the main dining area on Level 4, our waiters were friendly and always up for a laugh every night, our Head Waiter who was Romanian, was lovely too and always asked us if we needed anything, they really do go above and beyond for you. The Windjammer was often busy but we never failed to find a large table (we are a big family) the swimming pool deck (11) was always clean, along with the entire ship. I never once spotted any dust or a piece of litter!! The islands were beautiful, and very vey hot. The days which we were at sea were filled with trips to the Flowrider, the ice rink or just laying around on the top decks. We didn't travel with small children so I cant comment on the activates available for them. The casino was packed most nights, and we often stayed for the music quiz's at the bar located at the end of the casino at the front of the ship. The quality of show's in the Alhambra theatre were brilliant- don't expect west end or Broadway as it still is only a cruise ship! But the standards weren't far behind. Overall was 100% the best week and holiday of my life. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Bought the drinks package for my wife and I which costs $1,000. Over 11 nights that is expensive as we are not big drinkers but seemed like a good idea at the time. Even though all drinks were free it didn't include bottles of wine with meals.

We were on the cruise with my 85 year old parents.

What really upset me was I used my card to get 2 brandies after our evening meal on one and one only occasion and I gave one to my father. The wine waiter who served me was lurking in the background and as soon as he saw this he came over. In front of everyone - we were on a table of 10, he told me that what I had done was against the rules and that if it happened again I would be reported to the restaurant manager. I was mortified and he ruined my cruise.

The next night our head waitress, who was lovely, spoke to me privately and said he was completely out of order and she was very sorry. She knew I was upset but the damage had been done.

In April we are booked on the QM2 to sail from Singapore to Southampton on which we will be treated with more respect.

Last time I travel with royal Caribbean. The wine waiter is an IDIOT. He has cost royal Caribbean alot of money.

He should become a traffic warden. So unnecessary. .

Very clean ship. Not a spec of garbage anywhere. Food was plentiful. All ship workers were very friendly.

Very smooth sailing, even with a little bit of rough sea. Beautiful boat. On and off the boat was slick.

Our inside cabin was always very clean. Very quiet at night. Lots to do on the boat for the whole family (We had teen girls, and 11yo boy. Boat felt like home whenever we returned from offshore. Kids pop Card was a bit pricey.

Daycare was 1'st rate. Shows were lots of fun. I didn't like the smoking in the casino area....could have been better ventilated. I would take that boat again, anytime.

Royal Carribean, Independence of the Seas.

Great ship, great value. Excellent shows. Endless food and all fresh!

Cabin stewards are second to none