Hi Everyone, Has anyone travelled on Independence of the Seas yet? Just wondering. We sailed on Liberty last October and that was amazing. Just wondered how the first few sailings were going, and if there were any teething problems. We are travelling on August 27th for a 10 night cruise visiting Gibraltar,Barcelona, Lisbon and Vigo- Spain. We are docking overnight in Barcelona on one evening does anyone know please if the casino and shops will be closed on this evening? Will it be worth ventuing out in Barcelona in the evening? If so is there a curfew on/off the ship?
I have booked us on the murder mystery dinner which we are really looking forward to, just need to figure out shore excursions now. Any advice? Does anyone know if the dolphin watching trip in Gibraltar is any good? Should we go it alone in Barcelona and Lisbon? Vigo- thinking of white water rafting- any thoughts? Sorry for so many questions. maybe I should have split this up into several posts!
we have also been on the liberty, we checked the pics out on webshots and everything on board is exactly the same,so i asume there shouldnt be any teething problems as this is the 3rd ship of its class. were also going on the independence in april 09 carnt wait
Just returned fron 2 week cruise on Independence of the Seas and went rafting in Vigo.
We (2 adults + 12 year old) throughly enjoyed the experience.
The journey to the river took approx 1 1/2 each way and we had 2 hours on the river.
There are several rapids but other areas of calmer water for water fights!
The rapids are level 1 and 2 and were covered by our general travel insurance policy.
Lunch was provided (eaten in hand at river side) - huge chorizo rolls and bottled water.
It was one of the few 'adventure' excursions on the trip. As a fellow rafter said there was only so many cathedrals you want look at on a trip.
Although trying to book this excursion on board at 2pm on the first day it had already sold out and we had to go on a wait list until additional spaces were provided. It was heavily oversubscribed so book as soon as you go onboard if you wish to go.
Your clothes will get soaked so wear swimming clothes underneath and take a change and a towel (items can be safely left on the bus - nothing can be taken onto the rafts).
The only draw back was lack of toilet/changing facilities at site.
It was one of the highlights of the trip (as it was different) together with climbing the leaning tower of pisa and visiting Rome.
Hi there, have just returned from the Independence, had mixed feelings on the ship but it was my first cruise. The murder mystery is a must, what a brilliant time we had and Portifinos is a wonderful dining area. The dolphin safari trip is again a must, we had approx 20 dolphins, maybe more, swimming along with the boat, with leaping and spinning antics, amazing. If you don't like gangs of teenagers be warned, they seem to be everywhere and at times they take over the ship, and yes I do have children of my own.
