Poor Reviews

[travelnteach64]

We were considering a trip on the Independence this coming spring. We had so much fun on Enchantment in March that we want to cruise again prior to our honeymoon. We are planning on just a cheap inside cabin since we didn't use ours that much anyways.

 

But the reviews lately haven't been good. It has me considering a different company for our trips. Please someone tell me that Independence is worth our time. I really would like to go.

[cruisingsince94]

Indy is a great ship! If I relied on reviews placed on here to decide whether to cruise or not, we would never cruise! We have done 20 RCI cruises. And as you will see from my signature we have several more booked. I am not going to say that every cruise has gone perfectly. However, I will indeed say any issues we have had were minor and in no way kept us from enjoying our cruise.

[Cruisingthesuitelife]

You need to form your own opinion of a cruise - don't rely on anyone else. Everyone has such varying expectations from a cruise that will be totally different to you. I value the opinions others have based on their experiences but I don't determine what I do based on them. I can guarantee you that any company, any ship that you look at there will be positive and negative reviews.

 

I go into every cruise with an open mind. Have I had disappointments? Yes. Would that stop me cruising? Absolutely not.

 

I have cruised Independence numerous times (and yes, I have had disappointing experiences) but I have future cruises booked on her too. She is a lovely ship.

 

I'm sure no matter which ship, company or itinerary you choose you will make the most of it and have a great time overall.

Edited June 23, 2015 by Cruisingthesuitelife

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

Indy is a great ship! If I relied on reviews placed on here to decide whether to cruise or not, we would never cruise! We have done 20 RCI cruises. And as you will see from my signature we have several more booked. I am not going to say that every cruise has gone perfectly. However, I will indeed say any issues we have had were minor and in no way kept us from enjoying our cruise.

 

Very well said, and I agree.

 

Prior to my Oasis cruise in May, some reviews were horrible, but the cruise ended up being awesome and one of our best yet. Do not, I repeat, do not base your choice on the reviews on this site. Sure, some of them have good points, but really, IMO, everything is so subjective that your can't make a decision whether something is good or bad without trying it!

[GTMoose]

I agree. I've never been on a bad cruise. Even the one Carnival trip I took, I managed to have a great time and enjoy myself. Most of the people who leave bad reviews are members of a group known as "The Society of the Miserable", and they are generally not happy unless they are miserable. There are some of these on every ship, you just simply need to avoid them. Some others have unrealistic expectations; they still think it's 1960 and that every cruise ship is a luxury liner. The people who truly have bad experiences on a trip will take it though the proper channels with the company, and not put anonymous posts on a message board.

 

Go book that trip, and have a great time! You won't regret it! It'll be a while until our next cruise, and I miss it already.

[Mjoellnir]

if you see here, 75% have posted positive reviews, and the ship got a 4 out of 5 rating.

 

I am working in public transportation here in Norway, and while those few who are dissatisfied shout loudest, I know that most of our customers are satisfied.. I think it is the same with those who cruise with Royal Carribean :)

[reallyitsmema]

We were considering a trip on the Independence this coming spring. We had so much fun on Enchantment in March that we want to cruise again prior to our honeymoon. We are planning on just a cheap inside cabin since we didn't use ours that much anyways.

 

But the reviews lately haven't been good. It has me considering a different company for our trips. Please someone tell me that Independence is worth our time. I really would like to go.

 

Do not give complete strangers that much control over your decision. What are the complaints that have you thinking about jumping ship? If it is food, that is subjective. If it is consistent comments about the condition of a ship, then I would have to do further investigation.

 

There is nothing wrong with trying a different cruise line but don't jump ship just because someone likes to complain.

[Grandma Dazzles]

Just off the Independence two weeks ago. Had a good cruise. No major complaints. Ship was in great shape. Staff were excellent - steward, dining room, bar staff, etc.

 

Last several cruises have been on Allure and Oasis. Last time on the Independence was November 2012.

 

Compared to Oasis and Allure didn't enjoy the entertainment as much - but subjective. Example one night there were two comedians who I thought were "okay" however surrounded by people really laughing! Ice show, as always, was wonderful. No parade in the promenade, which had seen previously on Freedom and Liberty. Still found plenty to do each evening.

 

Food was pretty good - not great - but no major complaints. Had second seating in MDR. Waiter was above average - very personable and top of the tables in his area. Also ate breakfast there each day and he told us to ask for his section - did a great job of bringing fruit "to keep us busy " as he knew from the evening that my friend always requested fruit. Ate at Giovanni's once which definitely was excellent.

 

Spent afternoons in the solarium. Not over crowded. Did not have a beverage package and had no problems getting drinks - waiters were always roaming.

 

Would cruise Independence again.

[deliver42]

People with complaints, not matter how minor always shout the loudest. Go on the Indy, and form your own opinion. Enjoy your cruise.

[Desert Cruizers]

We look for the new ports we will visit and new friends we will meet. Each ship within a cruise line is an individual and one sailing which may not have been perfect, the good outweighs the bad. We haven't cruised as many as some but our experiences with glitches have been minor compared to everything else we enjoyed. Walk on board with an open mind and no expectations except to have a wonderful cruise.

[racerxspeedy]

Sailed Indy Twice - Great trip both times. If you find the cruise you want at the right price go for it. The Freedom class ships are all very similar (menus, layout, entertainment...) so it really doesn't matter .

 

Compare the ratings for Quantum=48% and Anthem=62%

[Mnamom1105]

My opinion is that a cruise is what you make of it. Do you like to lay by the pool and drink? then go do that. Like to gamble? go for that. Are you like me and can't stay out of the art auctions? go to them!

Do what you want, when you want, and take all other reviews with a grain of salt. Make it fun your own way.

 

That's just my 2 cents....

[travelnteach64]

Thanks for all the great replies! I guess there are lots of people out there to complain. We had an amazing cruise before and I know we can have another great one. Now to wait for flight schedules to get released so I can start hounding them.

 

My first experience with Royal was so fantastic, I shouldn't have let some reviews change my opinion. I never even got around to reviewing our vacation and we had some great highlights.

[made in canada]

when you read review read between the lines. Most of the ones that have negative remarks if written by someone who is being honest usually indicate that its just there personal choice. Food, activities etc.... Go expecting to have a great time and you will. A vacation is all about what you choose to make of it. How could you possible have a bad time when you have sun, sea and sand.:)

[kruzerci]

I would preface what I am about to say with this: Royal Caribbean is not a luxury cruise line, it is extremely mass market now, just like Carnival and NCL. The food is not great, but it is ok, and the drinks are expensive.

 

Having said that, we have been cruising regularly for 15 years and I will say that you would be crazy to overlook the Independence. Yes, Royal Caribbean is a mass market line, but the Independence is one of the best ships we have sailed on.

[MichaelCMTX]

We were considering a trip on the Independence this coming spring. We had so much fun on Enchantment in March that we want to cruise again prior to our honeymoon. We are planning on just a cheap inside cabin since we didn't use ours that much anyways.

 

But the reviews lately haven't been good. It has me considering a different company for our trips. Please someone tell me that Independence is worth our time. I really would like to go.

 

The worst aspects of our January trip on Indy were a MDR Waiter with a bit of an attitude who only warmed up on the last days expecting extra tip, and a little water leakage issue in our cabin that was dealt with swiftly, completely and in a manner helpful toward the cruise booked in November. Fact is, either of those could have been an issue on ANY ship in the fleet. I'm not all starry-eyed because something just failed to "wow me on Indy, I think I'm just more a fan of the smaller ships, but as for the stereotypical complaints about awful food, rude bartenders, outdated slot machines, penny pinching, threadbare couches... we saw nothing to make us say "Avoid this ship at all costs."

[wenny101]

I can tell you my Husband and I cruised on the Independence of the Sea's in March. We had a fabulous time! It was such a good time I booked another cruise to take our kids on this time. I read ton's of negative reviews and was worried I made a huge mistake.I learned to honesty take what other people say with a grain of salt! Sure we had a few things that wernt perfect ,but it never ruined our vacation...enjoy the Indy she's a great ship with a amazing crew!:D

[Arnie65]

I know what you mean by being swayed by bad reviews. We are booked on our first family cruise on Legend of the Seas in January out of Brisbane. I booked it because the time of year and the itinerary suited us - also the price! I have been dismayed at the number of bad reviews of Legend but take heart in some of the good reviews and reason that only a small percentage of cruisers post reviews on Cruise Critic. We have decided to give it our best shot, if there is any activity we don't like we will move onto something else. Worst case scenario if we find cruising isn't us, we will only have had to do it for 7 days. Not too long. I am really hoping though it will be the first of many. We also know that if the ship isn't the right fit for us this time then there are plenty others to choose from! Same with trip advisor, every time I book a hotel and then read the reviews on Trip Advisor I always get confused between the totally conflicting opinions of different posters! Like the saying goes any day cruising is better than a day in the office or doing housework!

[Mjoellnir]

I find the negative reviews more entertaining than useful to read, but I always keep the total score in mind when i book events such like hotels and cruises.

 

When I write reviews (I have 124 reviews on TripAdvisor) I give 3 stars if my expectations are met. More if they exceed my expectations and less if I am disappointed.

 

I have yet to have any experience with RCL, but I have been on many ships in Europe. It is not really worse than if you have a bad experience with something, move on and do something else that you like. Bad food? don't order the same thing next time. Bad service? don't tip, and use someone else the next time.

[knittinggirl]

Check the number of reviews the member has made. A lot of the negative reviews have only posted the one negative review.

 

We cruised Independence a few years ago, and enjoyed it.

 

Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk HD

[Newby58]

Thanks for all the great replies! I guess there are lots of people out there to complain. We had an amazing cruise before and I know we can have another great one. Now to wait for flight schedules to get released so I can start hounding them.

 

My first experience with Royal was so fantastic, I shouldn't have let some reviews change my opinion. I never even got around to reviewing our vacation and we had some great highlights.

 

 

Did you post a review of your first wonderful cruise? I didn't and now wish I had.

[Thoie]

if you see here, 75% have posted positive reviews, and the ship got a 4 out of 5 rating.

 

I am working in public transportation here in Norway, and while those few who are dissatisfied shout loudest, I know that most of our customers are satisfied.. I think it is the same with those who cruise with Royal Carribean :)

 

People with complaints, not matter how minor always shout the loudest. Go on the Indy, and form your own opinion. Enjoy your cruise.

 

The people who write travel reviews on places like TripAdvisor are generally the ones who weren't happy. Most people who have had a perfectly satisfactory experience (if not an absolutely fabulous time) come home and regale their friends with all their stories of what a great time they had, but don't dash off to write internet reviews.

 

You'll often find they weren't happy with how a complaint was dealt with on board (or they never complained, and expected things to magically fix themselves), and have a lingering malcontentment which they take out in a review.

 

My trip on the Allure earlier this year was great. There was a problem with my cabin (due to the subsequent dry dock) which I was quite unhappy about, but that got dealt with in a conversation with customer support later. Everything else was great - I met fabulous people, had a lovely cruise, got to swim, drink frozen mojitos, lose money in the casino, read my books and generally faff about in an entirely pleasant way for 2 weeks. I didn't feel the need to write a review when I got back, but I'm not sure what I've have said if I had.

 

I fell asleep during Chicago, which most people seemed to love. That doesn't say anything about Chicago or the performance, only that I was tired and not 100% interested. I could turn that into an "OMG, entertainment was awful and boring."

[travelnteach64]

Did you post a review of your first wonderful cruise? I didn't and now wish I had.

 

No, I never got around to it. We got engaged on night one, hit disney on the way home, got delayed flying back and went straight back to work. I should work on that this summer. We dove head first into wedding plans after our cruise.

[Ocean Boy]

We have been on Indy several times. I really like the ship. My issues with Indy have been that I think the production shows on the ship are BAD and I wish they would put the original Logo shop back on the Promenade. Other than that I think the ship is great. We simply skip the production shows which gives us more family time out on deck in the evening. It works for us.

[Ocean Boy]

 

 

I fell asleep during Chicago, which most people seemed to love. That doesn't say anything about Chicago or the performance, only that I was tired and not 100% interested. I could turn that into an "OMG, entertainment was awful and boring."

 

I did think Chicago was awful and boring. I didn't like the story line or the music.:rolleyes: But, OMG, the rest of the entertainment was great!:)