Premium trip on Independence!

[Peardrop]

We got off the Independence this morning following a 4 night break and whilst I'm not planning on doing a review as such, I thought I would share some info and observations in case they are useful to anyone else.

 

We have sailed RCI before, but this was our first experience of the drinks package, and I have to say, we loved it and would do it again in a heartbeat!

 

We were a group of 12, 6 of whom were adults and we all bought the package. We tried every variety of beer, house wine and between us, I truly believe we tried every cocktail on the menu! Every single drink was available to us on the package without hesitation. We were not asked to sing a single slip, and the service we received from bar staff was as outstanding as it has been on any previous trip. As gratuities are included on the package, we didnt tip each time we got a drink, but rather we tipped the waiter when we sat down and they looked after us beautifully (I know they would have looked after us just as well if we didnt tip, but we wanted to show our appreciation, and we are a group who orders a lot of drinks!).

 

In terms of value, we thought the package was a no brainer. We did most of our activities (spa, swim, flowrider etc) in the morning, then met up with the rest of our party at midday. Most days our first drink would be wine with lunch, followed by an afternoon in the Dog and Badger or perhaps joining in the quizzes in the Pyramid lounge, and we would easily consume 5 or 6 drinks throughout the afternoon. Before dinner we would usually have 3 or 4 cocktails in the champagne bar/Olive or Twist, followed by wine at dinner then cocktails or nightcaps in the casino. I realise it sounds a lot but I was never drunk (I have a high threshold! :D ) We believe we would have spent approx double the cost of the package per person, so for us it was great value.

 

Another thing which was new for us is that the C&A vouchers were loaded on to our seapass. We only used the Johnny Rockets milkshake one, but it was taken off automatically (lucky as we had forgotten to mention it!) so we were impressed with that.

 

Our group inlcuded 6 teenagers, one of whom is 14.5 yrs, the rest are between 15-17 yrs. Therefore, in theory our youngest teen should have been in a separate kids club, however he spoke to the staff in The Living Room/Fuel and they said that if a parent came up and signed a waiver, he could join the rest of our teens in the 15-17 club. We did this straight away, and he was then fully included in all their activities. I dont know if they do this often, or whether they made an exception because the kids areas were not too busy, but they were very happy to do it on this occasion.

 

Our wait staff (Allan and Vincente) were outstanding, and often brought us extra starters or desserts when we couldnt choose between two dishes! They were great at adapting meals for some of fussier teens, and although we were on MTD, we had a lovely table for 12 set aside and we were so impressed with our wait staff, we asked if we could have them every night which we did. We had pre paid our gratuities anyway, but they were so wonderful that it was really was our pleasure to give them some extra in the wow envelope on the last night.

 

We enjoyed the food in all the venues. I found the MDR menus to be very fish/seafood orientated, which my husband loved but Im less keen on. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the food very much and always found something I wanted to try. We enjoy the MDR for breakfast too, and the french toast was as amazing as always! Im guessing the speciality restaurants were not that busy, as they were offering incentives to tempt people in. Half way through the trip, they also reduced the price of the Chops filet mignon on the MDR menu, from $17 to $10 and included a glass of house wine in the price.

 

We noticed some of the recent enhancements, and whilst some were excellent (the touch screen information boards outside the lift are so useful!) others did not seem to attract much attention, for example the Cupcake Cupboard never seemed to have anyone in it. The big screen on deck was constantly playing movies to itself, but in fairness the lack of audience was more to do with the weather, and I imagine its quite popular when the weather is warm and fine.

 

All in all we had a wonderful break, and cannot wait to book the next one!

 

:D

[StampedersFans]

Thank you very much for posting! We are going on the Indy in 2 months and appreciate all the info.

[pasodancer]

Wow - what a fabulous time everyone had - you sound like a fun group! Thank you so much for taking the time to post!//Maria

[phabric]

Did they give you a paper with a list of what was on the C&A vouchers? It used to be a paper booklet and half the time, we forgot the booklet.

 

Last time since we do not drink, I gave my sister the 2 for 1 printed drink coupons to use plus her own. Since it is now on your sea card, I won't be able to that, now.

[LS1030]

Thanks for the update! I'd be interested in trying the drink package one day (just not while I have a 1 year old to entertain - although I'm sure I'd be plenty entertaining ;P )

[Peardrop]

Did they give you a paper with a list of what was on the C&A vouchers?

 

Hi,

 

Yes there was a welcome letter which detailed what all the offers were, but the deduction was made automatically which was really handy.

 

:)

[Babs from Bston]

Thanks for the info! We will be traveling on the IOS in February. I am debating about the drinks package as I am not a heavy drinker and my husband is moderate (on vacation!!)....still debating.

 

We are in MTD as the early seating is booked with no wait list and was told if you go to the late seating, you miss the shows.

 

I am getting a little excited (first time cruiser) but also anxious (first time cruiser)!!!!

[Peardrop]

Hi Babs,

 

Regarding the shows, there were 2 performances of the headline show, one at 7pm for the late diners, and one at 9pm for the early diners, so on either traditional dining time you would be fine for the shows. The Quest show was at 10.45 so everyone was able to get to it, and it was well worth seeing!!

 

:)

[Merion_Mom]

We got off the Independence this morning following a 4 night break and whilst I'm not planning on doing a review as such, I thought I would share some info and observations in case they are useful to anyone else.

 

We have sailed RCI before, but this was our first experience of the drinks package, and I have to say, we loved it and would do it again in a heartbeat!

 

We were a group of 12, 6 of whom were adults and we all bought the package. We tried every variety of beer, house wine and between us, I truly believe we tried every cocktail on the menu! Every single drink was available to us on the package without hesitation. We were not asked to sing a single slip, and the service we received from bar staff was as outstanding as it has been on any previous trip. As gratuities are included on the package, we didnt tip each time we got a drink, but rather we tipped the waiter when we sat down and they looked after us beautifully (I know they would have looked after us just as well if we didnt tip, but we wanted to show our appreciation, and we are a group who orders a lot of drinks!).

 

In terms of value, we thought the package was a no brainer. We did most of our activities (spa, swim, flowrider etc) in the morning, then met up with the rest of our party at midday. Most days our first drink would be wine with lunch, followed by an afternoon in the Dog and Badger or perhaps joining in the quizzes in the Pyramid lounge, and we would easily consume 5 or 6 drinks throughout the afternoon. Before dinner we would usually have 3 or 4 cocktails in the champagne bar/Olive or Twist, followed by wine at dinner then cocktails or nightcaps in the casino. I realise it sounds a lot but I was never drunk (I have a high threshold! :D ) We believe we would have spent approx double the cost of the package per person, so for us it was great value.

 

Another thing which was new for us is that the C&A vouchers were loaded on to our seapass. We only used the Johnny Rockets milkshake one, but it was taken off automatically (lucky as we had forgotten to mention it!) so we were impressed with that.

 

Our group inlcuded 6 teenagers, one of whom is 14.5 yrs, the rest are between 15-17 yrs. Therefore, in theory our youngest teen should have been in a separate kids club, however he spoke to the staff in The Living Room/Fuel and they said that if a parent came up and signed a waiver, he could join the rest of our teens in the 15-17 club. We did this straight away, and he was then fully included in all their activities. I dont know if they do this often, or whether they made an exception because the kids areas were not too busy, but they were very happy to do it on this occasion.

 

Our wait staff (Allan and Vincente) were outstanding, and often brought us extra starters or desserts when we couldnt choose between two dishes! They were great at adapting meals for some of fussier teens, and although we were on MTD, we had a lovely table for 12 set aside and we were so impressed with our wait staff, we asked if we could have them every night which we did. We had pre paid our gratuities anyway, but they were so wonderful that it was really was our pleasure to give them some extra in the wow envelope on the last night.

 

Quick question for you, Peardrop:

 

You said that this was a 4 night cruise. Do you think that you could have kept up that pace of drinking for a full week?

[CVU]

We got off the Independence this morning following a 4 night break and whilst I'm not planning on doing a review as such, I thought I would share some info and observations in case they are useful to anyone else.

 

We have sailed RCI before, but this was our first experience of the drinks package, and I have to say, we loved it and would do it again in a heartbeat!

 

We were a group of 12, 6 of whom were adults and we all bought the package. We tried every variety of beer, house wine and between us, I truly believe we tried every cocktail on the menu! Every single drink was available to us on the package without hesitation. We were not asked to sing a single slip, and the service we received from bar staff was as outstanding as it has been on any previous trip. As gratuities are included on the package, we didnt tip each time we got a drink, but rather we tipped the waiter when we sat down and they looked after us beautifully (I know they would have looked after us just as well if we didnt tip, but we wanted to show our appreciation, and we are a group who orders a lot of drinks!).

 

In terms of value, we thought the package was a no brainer. We did most of our activities (spa, swim, flowrider etc) in the morning, then met up with the rest of our party at midday. Most days our first drink would be wine with lunch, followed by an afternoon in the Dog and Badger or perhaps joining in the quizzes in the Pyramid lounge, and we would easily consume 5 or 6 drinks throughout the afternoon. Before dinner we would usually have 3 or 4 cocktails in the champagne bar/Olive or Twist, followed by wine at dinner then cocktails or nightcaps in the casino. I realise it sounds a lot but I was never drunk (I have a high threshold! :D ) We believe we would have spent approx double the cost of the package per person, so for us it was great value.

 

Another thing which was new for us is that the C&A vouchers were loaded on to our seapass. We only used the Johnny Rockets milkshake one, but it was taken off automatically (lucky as we had forgotten to mention it!) so we were impressed with that.

 

Our group inlcuded 6 teenagers, one of whom is 14.5 yrs, the rest are between 15-17 yrs. Therefore, in theory our youngest teen should have been in a separate kids club, however he spoke to the staff in The Living Room/Fuel and they said that if a parent came up and signed a waiver, he could join the rest of our teens in the 15-17 club. We did this straight away, and he was then fully included in all their activities. I dont know if they do this often, or whether they made an exception because the kids areas were not too busy, but they were very happy to do it on this occasion.

 

Our wait staff (Allan and Vincente) were outstanding, and often brought us extra starters or desserts when we couldnt choose between two dishes! They were great at adapting meals for some of fussier teens, and although we were on MTD, we had a lovely table for 12 set aside and we were so impressed with our wait staff, we asked if we could have them every night which we did. We had pre paid our gratuities anyway, but they were so wonderful that it was really was our pleasure to give them some extra in the wow envelope on the last night.

 

:D

 

Vincente is the BEST assit. waiter. We saw him again in Jan. to our surprise! with a big hug. We had not seen him since the Navigator TA, years ago. He was the Assit. waiter to the Captain, permanently. We had he and Marcelle the Waiter, on both TA that year!

[Peardrop]

Quick question for you, Peardrop:

 

You said that this was a 4 night cruise. Do you think that you could have kept up that pace of drinking for a full week?

 

Ha ha absolutely not Merion Mom!! We all agreed that for a short break it's wonderful, however none of us could sustain it for a 7 night cruise or longer. Personally I would pay as I go on a longer cruise, but as this break was a social get together with friends, it was an ideal opportunity to use the package

 

:)