Independence of the Seas Review
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We chose Independence of the Seas having been on the RCI previously and were really disappointed. We went on in June 2018 just after the re-fit. The re-fit was really just about putting more cabins into places which had previously been public places so we found that there were a lot more people than there were seats, sunbeds, lunch tables, etc. You had to arrive at the shows 20 minutes before the show to be sure to get a seat (not a good one - just a seat!!!) The quizzes ran out of question sheets, even if you arrived well before the quiz was due to start. The photo gallery was such a hard sell that even though I wanted to buy photos I didn't as every time I went to view them I was pounced on by staff trying to sell things to me so I couldn't look at my photos. No self laundry service either and I had to ask our stateroom attendant for everything which we had previously been given as part of the service. The food was only average too, such a shame as previously RCI had been head and shoulders above Princess, I have now booked with Princess for 2019 and really looking forward to it. :)
Cabin Review
Port Reviews
Gibraltar
We bought tickets for the cable car in the UK so didn't have to queue (the pay on the day queue was MASSIVE and people we made friends with on the Ship queued for over 3 hours for tickets and were only able to spend a short time actually on the rock.) We had a fabulous time exploring the caves and bunkers.
Marseille
We were one of the first off the ship, we got a taxi into Marseille, France were playing in the world cup that evening and our taxi driver said to make sure we got a taxi back before 3pm as the drivers would all be finishing at 4pm to watch the football. Taxis were just as cheap as the shuttle bus and the queue was much shorter as people were worried about the cost. We got on the hop on hop off bus which was really interesting and took on a really full tour of the area. They have segway in Marseille far cheaper than the ships tour.
Barcelona
We used the Hop on Hop off bus. Walk over the big bridge, turn right at the roundabout and follow the dock wall after a 5 minute walk from the roundabout you will see the buses.
Vigo
Do the segway! Vigo is tiny so to go Segway makes it a brilliant excursion. Full training with english speaking staff.