We travelled on the ‘Indie’ as it is affectionately known by many in August 2013 on the Italian Mediterranean itinerary.
We had a great time overall and do plan to go again on either this ship or another similar.
Some of my highlights and lowlights are as follows: Cabins – Highlights – thought our balcony cabin (8230) was excellent – lovely large bed and ample wardrobe space, even for my ‘kitchen sink’ mentality packing! Cases fitted neatly under the bed for stowage – very clever! Bathroom was an amazing little capsule – small but perfectly formed you might say! Lowlights – None really – all good! Meals – Highlights – The quality of the food was excellent, from the snacks in the shopping mall area to the evening meals on formal nights.
Plenty of choice and amazing service by the waiting staff who went over and above to please – they often brought me 2 puds when I couldn’t choose – friends for life I’d say!!!!! Lowlights – Windjammer buffet restaurant was really busy and at peak lunch times we struggled to find seats but it was mid August and the ship was full to the brim so I guess it’s to be expected.
Entertainment onboard – Highlights – Joff Eaton!!! What an absolute legend of a man!! The funniest, most entertaining cruise director one could hope to meet – he kept young and old (aged 15 – 71 in our party) laughing throughout the cruise and beyond – his meerkat impression is priceless!!!! We loved his ‘progressive quiz’ on sea days in the Pyramid Lounge 🙂 Happy memories 🙂 We also loved some of the entertainment in the Alhambra Theatre – the hypnotist show was brill, as was the Queen Tribute act and Bobby Davro.
The show that was held at the end of the holiday in the ice rink was also amazing, however, for the life of me I can’t remember what it was called….
it was audience participation in teams and it was really fun…
answers on a postcard please….
😉 Lowlights – Unfortunately, due to how busy the ship was, we found we were rather rushing every evening to get into the Alhambra Theatre for the show, in order to get seats all together (there were 6 of us) and seats that had good views.
We quickly found that in order to get decent seats all together, we were having to be in our seats a good 45 minutes before the performance started…
it then seemed like a very long boring wait before the main event!! If you left your seat in this 45 minute period for the loo or a drink the rest of your party would have to fend off inquries from other guests looking for a seat !!! A bit annyoing after the 5th inquiry, I can tell you! Additionally, the waiting staff in the theatre were rather reluctant to come and take your order when they realised that you had a pre-paid soda package and only wanted a coke….
We had pre-paid our tips and also tipped our cabin staff and waiters handsomely at the end of the trip but could not afford to tip every time we ordered a drink.
That was a very disappointing aspect and I think did let Royal Caribbean down.
Happy memories overall nonetheless – looking forward to going again, perhaps not in school hols though 😉
