Independence of the Seas Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We like the Freedom class ships, so there is a certain comfort level there. We sailed on spring break with about 4300 passengers; many groups of college age kids travelling together. Never felt crowded except on sea days at the pool, but we had an area reserved for suite guests below the sky bar: great location for people watching. Never stopped at costa maya before, but it was safe and secure since it is a cruise line creation for cruise passengers only. Got off the ship and made 10 minute walk to the shopping area; walked around for 30 minutes then walked back to the ship. Of course there are beaches to visit and excursions to be taken, but been there done that. In cozumel i arranged for the girls to go to Nachi Cocom beach club for $55 per person, all inclusive. They said it was a decent place and good value, best to prebook online as they say they only take 120 guests a day. As for the food, dinners in the main dining room are pretty average. The service was very good but the quality of the meat and fish not great. Best meal of the day was always breakfast for suite guests in Chops. Lunch in windjammer not bad. Room service also pretty good for suite guests. Staff are all friendly and helpful, our cabin steward Sachin was top notch. The concierge Jennie was delightful and outgoing.
Cabin Review
Grand Suite
typical grand suite:432 sq ft + 89 sq ft balcony. we had two19 yr old girls who shared the sofa bed. we would have preferred an owner's suite (622 sq ft + 160 sq ft balcony) but there are only 10 and they were unavailable. the tv is small and is positioned between the bedroom and the living room which isn't great for either viewer. Great closet space and drawers. nice island bar area, but no table and chairs for in suite dining. Bathroom is nice but shower/tub combo not my preference and tub has no whirpool. (Hint: use the showers by the sauna and steam room in the gym area on deck 11 one deck up from the suites--it's spacious and you can get the floor as wet as you like and use as many towels as you like). the best thing about the suite are the amenities: Chop's Grille breakfast every day-best meal of the day; Reserved chaise lounge chairs at the pool; Concierge lounge with cocktail hour each day; Complimentary luggage valet service at disembarkation; free in suite movies on demand. Others not as important to me. Obviously you pay more to be in a suite but there is value if you like the perks.