Any changes in past 2 years...

[LUV THE SEA]

We will be sailing next month on the Independence...the last time we sailed on RCCL was on the Mariner in Feb. 2007...have there been any major changes...embarkaton,disembarkation, policies on dining, any amenities added, can you go straight to your room, are there still the coupon books for crown and anchor members... etc? Thanks for te info-

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

We will be sailing next month on the Independence...the last time we sailed on RCCL was on the Mariner in Feb. 2007...have there been any major changes...embarkaton,disembarkation, policies on dining, any amenities added, can you go straight to your room, are there still the coupon books for crown and anchor members... etc? Thanks for te info-

 

The Independence is HUGE, and a different class of RCCL ship, so it will have differences from the Mariner. The RCCL website has good deck plans and information about the ship is easily accessible. From what we have read it is absolutley amazing!

There has been a lot of discussion about embarkation/debarkation. In a nutshell, getting on is relatively smooth, but getting off was not great at first (but it seems to be improving as time goes by).

Which dining policies are you interested in?

You can usually get in your room after 1:00.

There are still coupon books for C&A members.

When are you sailing?

[LUV THE SEA]

We are sailing 2/21/09 so right after you for the 8 day cruis...getting excited and wanted to get out of the cold:D

[yogimax]

Staterooms usually open up after 1PM

[S&C2]

You will notice some changes since 2007. The Freedom class ships are, of course, much larger than the Voayager class (but we love them!!!). They have express departure now...if you can carry your luggage off.

 

Other than that, we feel Royal has been consistent with their product.

 

Coupon books are still provided for Gold/Platinum/Diamond members (spa discounts, Johnny Rockets, Wine/Beer, etc).

[LUV THE SEA]

Do they have the free coffee bar, tea and dessert on the promenade? That was fun on the Mariner after the shows...Also, can you disembark from your cabin, I read that somewhere but not sure if was accurate...