LUVMY5

I am on independence now. Both my son and I ended up with noro virus. We did get off the boat in Labadee but did not eat anything. We did go to medical. There were a lot of people there, most of them had not eaten in Labadee.

I noticed when we got on the boat they were not pushing the use of hand sanitizes like I have seen on other cruises. I was concerned about that as it is the cold, flu, and norovirus season. I brought sanitizing wipes for my room and the room my daughters were in. I wiped down everything possible before we left port. My girls never got sick.

I was impressed with how well the medical facility treated us. They gave a shot to both my son and I that worked quickly. As well as Tylenol, Imodium, and stomach cramp medicine. We stayed in our cabin as instructed for 24 hours and additional 12 after that.

They sanitized the boat between 5:00am this morning and 7:00 this morning. They are announcing every half hour or so to wash your hands. They have people at the restaurants requiring the use of hand sanitizer. They have the entire crew out serving the food. No one can touch the serving spoons but them. Not even to get butter or crackers. Tables and chairs in the dining area are being wiped down REALLY well. Like wet when you sit down. They have also put several letter about it with the cruise compasses at night.

I think they RC and the independence of the seas crew has done a great job post norovirus outbreak. They offered us free room service and in room movies. (Normal room service has a $7.95 service fee).

I hate that it happened to us and others. It does take away from the enjoyment. But I am pleased with how RC handled it and thankful my daughters didn't get it.

My recommendation, if you do get sick, go to medical. Shot works great and they took good care of us.

For those with the upcoming cruise. I would go. They are extra sanitizing now. Just make sure to wash your hands and use the hand sanitizer they offer. I have seen a few people today with gloves. I would bring a small pack of sanitizing wipes to wipe out your room well.

Enjoy your cruise and the warm weather.

I would suggest bring one. Two of the four RC cabins I have been in the dryer only lasted for 30 seconds before it cut off.

Just updating from my previous post. While we were on our cruise this past week, 5 day (Mon-Sat) Grease was on Thursday 6:00 and 9:15 and again on Friday at 8:00.

We did not go to the Thursday at 6:00 so I cannot tell you how the crowds were. But the 9:15 was packed. If you wanted to sit on the lower level, you needed to be there at least 15 min before the show. The balcony was almost full at showtime, maybe a few seats on the far sides.

We went back at 8:00 on Friday and there were PLENTY of seats. It seemed very empty. I assume that it was so empty because it is right in between the two dinner seatings. Or it could have been a lighter crowd because it was the last night of the cruise and people decided to do other things or just pack.

We really enjoyed Grease. Some language and subject matter might not be ok for certain ages.

Jr suites do have a coffee pot.

We really loved Grease. Planning to go back tonight. No reservations needed. If you want to sit in the lower section, I would recommend getting there at least 15 min before the show starts. The entertainment starts about 10 min before the show starts.

Ice show STRINGS was also amazing!!

I can't get the pictures from my iPad. I will try again when I get home.

We are on Independence now. On our way back to Ft. Lauderdale. There is an obstruction and I was also worried about it. But this has been the best cabin/balcony I have ever had. The views are AMAZING. We have had the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. The water below is beautiful. We can sit and watch the beautiful blue water. A regular balcony you have to get up and look down to see the beautiful blue water. I love the light blue color that comes from the side of the boat and the back. From the churning of the water.

The balcony is larger than I have ever had. Two chairs" two loungers, and a table and extra room.

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I have been on both Reflection and Oasis (sister ship to Allure). Both of them are beautiful boats. But different... Reflection is stunningly beautiful!! But really mostly an older crowd there. 30+. It seems like we didn't even see any other children on the boat until about the 3rd day. I was with my two teenage daughters for spring break and we only saw a few other teenagers. Allure/Oasis is great for children and teenagers. There is so much to do for everyone. For me.... If I am going on a trip with just my husband and myself, reflection would be great. But always, if the children are around (mine are ages 15-21), I would always choose Allure or Oasis.

We just got of IOS yesterday. It was a fabulous trip. Beautiful ship. Beautiful clean cabins. Fabulous friendly staff. Great food. I would not have changed anything to make it better!

I am sure if you go in looking for things that could be wrong, you may be able to find something. But I could not tell you what it would be.

I, like you read the reviews before I left and I was a little concerned. Maybe that is one reason that I found it so fantastic. I did not experience anything negative.

The cruise and IOS exceeded my expectations.

If I was planning on another cruise (which I am sure I will eventually), I would definitely not hesitate to go on IOS again. It was wonderful!

Enjoy your trip.

We just got off IOS yesterday. We chose the walk off with your luggage as early as possible. We had a very early flight and I was a little concerned about catching the flight. Originally I thought I had seen we were supposed to be in Ft. Lauderdale at 7:00. Then when we were on the ship, I had read 8:00 several places. But Friday afternoon when they left paperwork in our cabin it said 7:30. We were in Ft. Lauderdale at 7:00 and Disembarkation began at 7:30. We were downstairs at Studio B at 6:55 and were about 20-30 in line. The line started moving right about 7:30. Getting off the boat was EASY.... customs was fast and easy. Ended up on a shuttle van with several other passengers. I think we were at the airport at 8:00, maybe a few minutes after. No real lines at the airport either.

I think the lines get much longer the longer you wait.