Photo Review:Carnival Cruiser Sails Independence of the Seas:Southampton, Le Havre

[Ocean Boy]

Yes, us DOM think that Mom is just as cute as son. :D

 

.

 

I take at least two showers a day and I'm not that old but I agree with the rest of what you wrote.:)

[SteveH2508]

I take at least two showers a day and I'm not that old but I agree with the rest of what you wrote.:)

 

Probably ought to be cold showers then!:rolleyes:

[Ocean Boy]

I sailed on the 11/15 Caribbean itinerary. The first sailing since leaving Europe. Same issues with service in bars , casino and dining room.It is definitely a management issue. Also, I never once saw the captain on this 8 day cruise.

 

Indy definitely has a bit of a different feel than the rest if the RCI fleet since it started spending half of the year in the UK. It does not seem to transition well back to Ft. Lauderdale and the Caribbean.

[gnocchi_mommy]

Carnival Cruiser Sails the Independence of the Seas from Southampton to Le Havre (Honfleur) and Brugge.

 

Review coming now!

 

LOVE this review!! We are also Carnival cruisers, who first ventured to RCCL on the Indy out of Southampton. We loved it so much, I am waiting with bated breath to see if they offer 2015 sailings out of Southampton. I'd love a 14 night, like they are offering next summer to Italy and back.... and we have decided summer 2015 is our next Euro-cruise.

[mjldvlks]

Thanks for the review -- great pitctures.

[Ocean Boy]

Probably ought to be cold showers then!:rolleyes:

 

The only thing that I like cold is beer.

[SteveH2508]

The only thing that I like cold is beer.

 

Kind of depends on the beer - but that is a whole different thread!

 

Proper beer (cask conditioned) is served at about 55 degrees Fahrenheit (but then you cannot get proper beer on a cruise ship anyway so it is somewhat academic) (unashamed beer snob here :rolleyes:)

[JustCruiseMe]

Love the review and the boy is soooo cute! I try escargots almost every time but I gag also. I wonder how many he ate out in the yard before you caught him. Funny he actually liked them raw...lol

[VillaHappy]

Ah, love so much about this thread:D The wonderful pictures, the adorable little boy, etc.

 

One worrisome thing is the Indy and not getting good bar service. Nervous about our cruise next month...

 

I did tell my kids that they WILL be trying escargot on this cruise. Both are now terrified to go! :eek: LOL

[sailawaybellaluna]

Okay, just finishing up Honfleur...Sorry about so many photos, but if you have the opportunity to visit this beautiful little town, I would definitely suggest it!

 

The only thing my son loves almost as much as escargot is...crepes! Especially crepes with nutella! So, our first stop in Honfleur was to La Maison Bleue.

 

It overlooks the harbor, has several outdoor tables, and wonderful service. We had a "pichet" of French muscadet wine + savory and nutella crepes. It was lovely!

 

 

 

Thanks for sticking with me and reading along...

 

Getting to formal night next!

[riclop]

Thanks for sharing, you have a beautiful family.

[maureencruiser]

Kind of depends on the beer - but that is a whole different thread!

 

Proper beer (cask conditioned) is served at about 55 degrees Fahrenheit (but then you cannot get proper beer on a cruise ship anyway so it is somewhat academic) (unashamed beer snob here :rolleyes:)

 

I know absolutely nothing about beer, can't stand the taste, but, did you know Celebrity offers Craft Beer cruises? You already missed one.

 

 

 

Celebrity Cruises Launches Craft Beer Cruises!

 

 

• Posted by Lauren on August 14, 2013 at 6:00pm
  
• View Blog
  

 

Celebrity Cruises, recognizing the demand in craft brews, has relaunched several of its shipboard Michael’s Clubs to a Craft Beer venue serving more than 60 international Craft Beer selections and offering onboard beer seminars and tasting events.

An 11-night Karl Strauss Brewing Company cruise from Ensenada to Hawaii starts September 23, 2013 and includes craft beer tasting seminars, four-course craft beer pairing luncheons and optional brewery visits in Hawaii, including an evening sailing past Kilauea Volcano. Prices start at $1,699 per person.

The seven-night California Beer Festival at Sea departs on April 12, 2014 from the Port of Los Angeles and will travel up the California coast with stops in Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Monterey, Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. Included are specially planned beer and lunch pairings, craft beer round table, and CBF Craft Beer Heaven with Ninkasi Brewing Company and Lagunitas Brewing Company participating. Prices start at $639 per person for an inside stateroom to $1.089 per person for Concierge Class.

And just like the supplies of craft beer makers' are limited, these Celebrity Cruises festival's are limited to 120 passengers who will join other like-minded beer enthusiasts who are passionate about the craft beer movement. We hope you will share this offering and twist on a hot trend with your audiences.

[sailawaybellaluna]

I thought it was interesting that they chose to have the formal night while we were docked in Le Havre. It seemed a shame for all of the people that had trekked out to Paris and had a very long day, to return at 7pm or whatever, and then have to rush and get ready for the formal evening. I'm not sure why they didn't choose to do this on the sea day?

 

Anyhow, this was the evening that I noticed a serious difference between RCCL and Carnival. EVERYONE was dressed up, and I mean, it was difficult for me to spot a gentleman in a tie, as most were wearing tuxedos.

 

 

 

 

My family always dresses up for formal night (much LESS formal on Carnival cruises), and my husband always wears a dark suit and tie, and my son wears a tie too. But we're usually the more dressed up ones. Not this time around. Everyone looked so elegant, women and kids also wearing beautiful gowns!

 

Everything went very smoothly. I've found on prior Carnival ships (especially if you have "my time dining"), that formal night can be a little chaotic - both in terms of getting a table, and the service. Mainly because everyone chooses to do a proper dinner that evening.

 

That wasn't the case on the Independence. We had prior reservations, and were seated in our favorite spot and served just as usual!

 

 

It was my mom's 60th birthday we were celebrating on this cruise, and I had arranged in advance for a special dessert/song to be done during dinner. I had arranged this for the 1st night, but it happened on the 2nd. They came and sang and made her a special dairy free dessert (because she has a dairy allergy). I thought that was very nice!

 

 

 

My son ate away another plate of escargot, and overall, it was a great experience!

[sailawaybellaluna]

Thanks for sharing, you have a beautiful family.

 

Thank you riclop! And thanks for reading along!!

 

Ah, love so much about this thread The wonderful pictures, the adorable little boy, etc.

 

One worrisome thing is the Indy and not getting good bar service. Nervous about our cruise next month...

 

I did tell my kids that they WILL be trying escargot on this cruise. Both are now terrified to go! LOL

 

Thanks VillaHappy! I hope you guys will have a great time!!! I always thing a cruise is a good place to try escargot - you don't feel the pressure to finish the plate if you've forked out $20 for it at a restaurant! :)

 

Love the review and the boy is soooo cute! I try escargots almost every time but I gag also. I wonder how many he ate out in the yard before you caught him. Funny he actually liked them raw...lol

__________________

 

JustCruiseMe, I know! I actually found the shell on his lips! It was so gross! Hopefully, it was just the one..!

 

LOVE this review!! We are also Carnival cruisers, who first ventured to RCCL on the Indy out of Southampton. We loved it so much, I am waiting with bated breath to see if they offer 2015 sailings out of Southampton. I'd love a 14 night, like they are offering next summer to Italy and back.... and we have decided summer 2015 is our next Euro-cruise.

 

That would be amazing! I was bummed Carnival pulled out of Europe...The 12 night we did on the Breeze was AMAZING! My review is below on that too if you're interested!

 

And for the beer comments...I'm sorry, but I don't know anything about beer!!! :D

[west2000]

sailawaybellaluna

 

Thank you for your gracious reply. I think your comment re 'luck of the draw' has some validity and I can confirm that the staff did what they could to make it right.

 

Nevertheless, my main beef is that the staff seemed to be working under poor, almost oppressive conditions and, consequently, the atmosphere was not as good as we would have liked. I place the blame at management level or probably corporate level. One cut too far was the impression we got.

 

There were some very good things - the Ice Show was excellent (and how the one waiter coped with the number of drinks orders he did was awesome:eek:). The Welsh comedian was very good. The Hallowe'en parade was great to watch. The cabin was good (the balcony was superb and spacious).

 

A couple of food glitches, but overall they were not deal-breakers.

 

RCCL has one big plus over NCL at the the moment - they sail from UK.

 

I try to be balanced, but NCL can teach RCCL a few things about general ambience and some service elements in our experience. (Before anyone jumps in, I do not have a problem with formal nights - I was suited and booted and DW was poshed up quite happily):D.

 

Hi SteveH2508

Would be glad to hear your thoughts on NCL Spirit after your return as we are doing this at Easter 2014 and after your comments on RCCI My time dining which we have not had issues with so far would be interested to know how wait times compare on Spirit as I understand you cannot make reservations as you can on RCCI. Any information advice gratefully recieved.:)

[SteveH2508]

Hi SteveH2508

Would be glad to hear your thoughts on NCL Spirit after your return as we are doing this at Easter 2014 and after your comments on RCCI My time dining which we have not had issues with so far would be interested to know how wait times compare on Spirit as I understand you cannot make reservations as you can on RCCI. Any information advice gratefully recieved.:)

 

I shall do some sort of review when we return from the Spirit - but bear in mind we are off on the Getaway 10 days later!:D (Me 1 day - DW 10 days TA as well <no jealous smiley found>:mad:)

[kccrzr]

Your photographs and comments regarding Honfleur brought back such good memories for me. The time we spent there one morning poking around the shops, visiting the centuries-old wooden church, snacking on decadent chocolate and eating at a sidewalk café overlooking the little port was pure heaven. Thank you!

Edited December 5, 2013 by kccrzr

[LisaAtlCruiser]

I will be on Indy for a TA in May 2014, so am enjoying the pictures. Your son is adorable. And you are beautiful - as much in your easy going attitude and gentle way of communicating as in actual physical beauty. Kudus to you!

[mskaufman]

Okay, just finishing up Honfleur...Sorry about so many photos, but if you have the opportunity to visit this beautiful little town, I would definitely suggest it!

 

The only thing my son loves almost as much as escargot is...crepes! Especially crepes with nutella! So, our first stop in Honfleur was to La Maison Bleue.

 

It overlooks the harbor, has several outdoor tables, and wonderful service. We had a "pichet" of French muscadet wine + savory and nutella crepes. It was lovely!

 

 

 

 

Thanks for sticking with me and reading along...

 

Getting to formal night next!

 

 

Don't be sorry about posting pictures of where you went. I am thinking of this cruise for next summer and your pics will help me make the decision.

[Tyler80]

sailawaybellaluna: I know it has been said before but your son is cuter than sliced bread! Those eyes! And you are beautiful as well. Thank you for posting your review and wonderful photos. You should submit your son eating snails to Royal Caribbean.

 

SteveH2508: Are you calling the Royal Promenade the boardwalk? I'm sorry you did not like this space but the Royal Promenade is a signature feature on many of Royal Caribbean's ships.

[SteveH2508]

sailawaybellaluna: I know it has been said before but your son is cuter than sliced bread! Those eyes! And you are beautiful as well. Thank you for posting your review and wonderful photos. You should submit your son eating snails to Royal Caribbean.

 

SteveH2508: Are you calling the Royal Promenade the boardwalk? I'm sorry you did not like this space but the Royal Promenade is a signature feature on many of Royal Caribbean's ships.

 

It will be a signature feature which I can live without then, thanks. Give me a decent, outside, wrap-around, promenade deck anytime.

 

horses for courses...

[sailawaybellaluna]

Your photographs and comments regarding Honfleur brought back such good memories for me. The time we spent there one morning poking around the shops, visiting the centuries-old wooden church, snacking on decadent chocolate and eating at a sidewalk café overlooking the little port was pure heaven. Thank you!

 

It was magical, wasn't it? I realized I didn't get any photos of the old wooden church, but it was very interesting to see and walk through!

 

I will be on Indy for a TA in May 2014, so am enjoying the pictures. Your son is adorable. And you are beautiful - as much in your easy going attitude and gentle way of communicating as in actual physical beauty. Kudus to you!

__________________

 

Thank you for the very kind words, and for reading along!

 

Don't be sorry about posting pictures of where you went. I am thinking of this cruise for next summer and your pics will help me make the decision.

 

Okay, lots more to come! :-)

 

sailawaybellaluna: I know it has been said before but your son is cuter than sliced bread! Those eyes! And you are beautiful as well. Thank you for posting your review and wonderful photos. You should submit your son eating snails to Royal Caribbean.

 

SteveH2508: Are you calling the Royal Promenade the boardwalk? I'm sorry you did not like this space but the Royal Promenade is a signature feature on many of Royal Caribbean's ships.

__________________

 

Thank you! And, regarding the Royal Promenade (as SteveH2508 originally mentioned), I too am torn about it. I was in awe initially - it is pretty magnificent. It really makes the ship feel like a floating city, and I like the idea of sitting at the wine bar or pub and watching people meander by. But I do love the water as well. For me, I thought the Carnival Breeze combined this beautifully because not only did they have all the public decks on the top of the ship, deck 5 was (interally) where all the action was happening (casino/bars/sushi/pub, etc), but outside there were also restaurants and a deck that you could walk around the entire length of the ship. I enjoyed this without having to go up to the Lido deck! They both have their merits I guess...

[Yurita]

I just have 1 thing to say:

 

YOUR SON IS GORGEOUS!!!!!!!

[emeraldcity]

Honfleur looks like a place that time forgot ... or perhaps Disney created to entertain tourists with Old World Charm. It has officially made my list of places I will have to visit some day. Your son is destined to be a real heart-breaker when he grows up ... people, guard your daughters.

 

I'm enjoying your review, and your obvious zest for life. We did the RCL cruise last year out of Panama and had a fantastic time. Neither of speak Spanish, but it was never an issue. The review is below if you want to get an idea of what to expect.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1621018

 

Note to self: do not put cookies in the oven and go read an intriguing cruise review. I didn't burn them, but they are decidedly overdone.

Edited December 6, 2013 by emeraldcity

[sailawaybellaluna]

I just have 1 thing to say:

 

YOUR SON IS GORGEOUS!!!!!!!

__________________

 

Thank you!

 

Honfleur looks like a place that time forgot ... or perhaps Disney created to entertain tourists with Old World Charm. It has officially made my list of places I will have to visit some day. Your son is destined to be a real heart-breaker when he grows up ... people, guard your daughters.

 

I'm enjoying your review, and your obvious zest for life. We did the RCL cruise last year out of Panama and had a fantastic time. Neither of speak Spanish, but it was never an issue. The review is below if you want to get an idea of what to expect.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1621018

 

Note to self: do not put cookies in the oven and go read an intriguing cruise review. I didn't burn them, but they are decidedly overdone.

 

THANK YOU EmeraldCity! I've been looking for a review on that cruise! I just booked it a few days ago, so I'm really excited! My husband is fluent (He is Guatemalan originally), and I can *get by*. :) I'm pulling your review up now...

 

And then I guess I need to finish mine! Up next...Brugge!