Live from Independence of the Seas - bit of a blog

[Pemcorgimum]

I can answer that Judi- US and European sockets. I think there were two US and one European.

[taysidetwo]

I can answer that Judi- US and European sockets. I think there were two US and one European.

 

 

Thanks Lauraam, was just thinking about which adapters to take!!!

[moogiechompy]

Thanks Lauraam, was just thinking about which adapters to take!!!

 

definitely take a european adapter with a plug strip - its a higher voltage closer to UK and chargers faster than the US plugs :)

[Skovgaard]

Hi Laura, I am loving reading Norbetsniece, what does SO stand for

Loved your pictures, give my best wishes to Amy and her Mom also your niece

My Amy is of to Twickenham October for the Rugby

 

Norbertsniece you make everything come alive with your daily update.

 

Suzanne

[NorbertsNiece]

Day 11 Malaga

Wii is free however it is not freely available, times of tournaments are posted in the daily Compass and are supervised by RCI staff.

SO usually stands for Significant Other however in my case it’s Snores Obsessively hence my poor nights..... BUT..... Uncle has given me earplugs and I can sleep now despite the racket!!!

Another bad night. Think I have developed sciatica.... am ok standing but lying down or sitting... oh my goodness....

Had had high hopes of being steeped in Spanish history today.... unfortunately let down. Mijas had been, once upon a time, a pretty, mountain village. 21st Century commercialism and tourism have taken over and whilst the old town does retain some of the features I had been looking for I was immensely saddened at the amount of souvenir shops and other such enterprises. The guide spoke excellent English however her accent made it extremely difficult to understand what she was saying. It’s so difficult to judge how best to spend money on an escorted tour when the description of what is being offered differs from the reality.

This is meant to be a Treasures of the Med cruise. DD says Cagliari was no treasure. We’d have liked more on board cultural input with a trip so described.... eg.... talks that don’t involve shopping and instead more local educational inspiration. We’d have been far more likely to have booked more tours that way. Not seen any flamenco dancing for example. On Cagliari they had had a trip into the mountains with loads of local input however it was priced at well over $100 per person; even including lunch that is way too steep for a family of 4. There is a TV channel devoted to excursions but they are delivered by sales girls; it would be useful to have had for example : tonight on channel X Lisbon..... where to go and what to see and in greater depth than the little bites currently provided; instead the talks are repeated ad infinitum and are totally non-inspiring. Even better.... have an on board speaker the day before each port of call.

That’s my gripe for tonight.

Just got back from Portofino’s.

Heaven. Absolute heaven. I have eaten at Michelin * restaurants and this meal tonight actually stood heads above most. The service was exemplary, the presentation flawless. I need the recipe for the risotto. I have to have it. It’s not in the cookbook they’re currently selling which is volume 2. Anyone out there with volume 1????

The view from the restaurant as we sailed past Gibraltar at sunset was just ..... fabulous!

[Pemcorgimum]

That's a shame about your Mijas tour- we did the same tour this Summer and we had an excellent guide who spoke with a Northen English accent as her husband was from Stockport

 

We have learnt never to go to the port talks- it's better to do some research here or elsewhere on the internet before the cruise for better information- for flamenco you must go to Sevilla- the home of flamenco.

[NorbertsNiece]

Day 12 Lisbon

Rapidly running out of credit.

Beautiful sunny day. The approach to Lisbon was just so inspiring. The bridge spanning the river, the statue of Jesus on the hilltop.... how lucky were we to be on the starboard side to see that from the balcony! We had disembarked by 11am. Long queue for the shuttle into town but it moved quickly. I have never been to Portugal before and I know I want to return. We were dropped off at this beautiful square with an incredible statue dominating.... my apologies for not going into detail here..... SO is asleep and the paperwork is elsewhere.

We could have hired a little buggy for 4 featuring a guided tour by GPS for €30 for the hour or a segway..... yeah right..... me on a segway!!! Rofl. There were also ample tourist buses. SIL was approached twice by drug dealers..... I kid you not..... Broad daylight.

We decided to walk. First stop the Cathedral. There was a service in progress in a little alcove; sounds of chanting echoed through the building. The stained glass windows were illuminated by the sun. Very peaceful and serene.

We then made our way up the cobbled streets to St George’s Castle. Now I’ve not had the time yet to Google how come our St George has anything to do with Lisbon but I’m guessing the Crusades. Looking forward to returning home and broadband access!! This is definitely a must see in Lisbon. We didn’t have enough time to see it all. The ramparts and the view are just amazing. We could see the ship, the bridge, the statue and miles around. Lots of feral cats. Lunch in the cafeteria. There is a Camera Obscura with a guided talk; by the time we had located it the next talk was in Spanish and we wouldn’t have had the time to wait for the one in English.

One thing I’ve remembered that I’ve forgotten to mention earlier..... there is music everywhere. On board it’s mostly 60s / 70s. If I hear ‘Quanta ramera’ (??) one more time I’ll throw myself overboard (poolside band has limited repertoire). On shore though I’ve been quite moved by hearing guitar music played at Park Guell in Barcelona and today at the Castle. The sound of music really adds to the atmosphere at these places even if they are commercially motivated. At Park Guell there were some very unusual instruments being played at different locations..... if I recall correctly one was called a Hang and resembled a wok but sounded like one of those Caribbean kettle drums. Today there was a guitarist playing in a courtyard and no matter where you were you could hear him; I’ll admit that the playing of the theme from ‘The Deerhunter’ was perhaps not typical of the area but it still made for a pleasant background.

Thoughts on the room : Some of the TV channels on board tend to be repetitive and show the same thing ad infinitum (The Ricky Nelson story.... the same episodes of Only Fools and Horses.....Porridge). And it seems every time I flick through, the Animal Channel has meerkats. Love the RCI channel itself featuring the building of Voyager and the refit of.... can’t remember.... but fascinating. Good movies.

Shower is very small but very powerful. Graham Seymour (CD) did a fine impression of a couple in the shower at last night’s Mr & Mrs show. Bathroom is intended for solo use.

Fridge does definitely keep my water nice and cold. Clothes storage..... well.... let’s just say I don’t mind creases. Safe is very useful. Lots of little cupboards behind mirrors but to be honest the one in the bathroom is adequate for what we brought with.

Balcony is wonderful. Pity no lounger.

We are truly back in the Atlantic. Ship is rocking away heading north to Vigo, our last port of call. Lots of creaking.

[taysidetwo]

Linda,

 

You must be feeling sad your wonderful cruise is almost finished - I bet its passed very quickly!!! We are stopping in Madeira, Lisbon and Vigo also - but doing the Canaries too! 11 nights. Leave Saturday.

 

I am sat here on the end of my bed, with the suitcases open, packing up all I am taking with me on Saturday. I was checking packing lists that people have posted here! Sad, eh?! LOL!!!

 

I wont get the chance to speak again, as we leave from Scotland tomorrow (Friday) lunchtime, to drive south, so can I please thank you so much, for a fantastic, informative, fun, interesting, and truly wonderful blog of your time on Independence.

 

We are really looking forward to taking her on from where you leave her.

 

Many thanks for a great build up!!!

 

Judi xx

 

PS....... Who knows, perhaps one day, we will find ourselves on her again, at the same time?! LOL!!!!

[lizbug]

sorry Judi, I can't wait till YOU get off, as thats when we get on :)

 

Have a fantastic time x x

[NorbertsNiece]

Day 13 Vigo, Spain

Forgot to mention yesterday that when we ordered room service on our return from Lisbon the room steward brought us chocolate covered strawberries.... compliments of the chef!! Divine!

Missed the ice show last night as we were in Portofino’s. Uncle and Aunt went the night before to see the Grumbleweeds..... we passed on that.... Uncle and Aunt wish they had too. Tonight it’s the American Drifters.

I have failed miserably in researching the ports we were to visit. As with Lisbon yesterday I was surprised and delighted by our arrival at Vigo. Passing between islands and heading into port was wonderful , helped by the sun.... how lucky have we been with the weather. Disembarking began around 9am. We sauntered off around 10. Finally a 2nd port we can access without having to pay charges for the privilege. Another advantage is that should we want to we could have returned to the ship and gone ashore again. Perhaps RCI could consider, if they simply HAVE to charge for shuttle transfers to and from the ship to make the charge a day ticket. That way at least people could return to the ship for lunch.

We wander around a little aimlessly looking for the fish market which we stumble upon by accident. We then go to look for where they sell the oysters for which they are famous and find them too. All within 2 minutes of the ship. Unsure what to do and where to go locally we jump into a cab and head for Samil beach. It’s long, and white, and blue and lovely. There are sand sculptures. Few people. DD gets her fix of sand between her toes. Grab a coffee in a beach bar.

Find a taxi to bring us back. In my non existent Spanish I am able to request the driver to take us on a little tour of Vigo. He gets the gist. We drive by a beautiful horse sculpture (Spain Square?) and then up to Castro Park where he waits whilst the fellas do their ‘togging’ (that’s what serious photographers call themselves apparently unlike the rest of us who take ‘snaps’). The view is spectacular. He then drives us down to the port.

Now.... the two taxis cost a total of €25 including tips for the 4 of us. In fact the first one was only €10, the 2nd costing more because of the detour. Ship bought return bus tickets to Samil beach are $20 per person. Something not quite right there.

DD gets her fix of 7 huge oysters. We are charged for 6.

Wind is up. SO is asked to leave deck 5 by the Helipad following sailaway as it’s considered dangerous. 7 on the Beaufort. I’ve popped into the gym as it’s forward and has the best inside views of the way forward.

Day 14 At sea

Weather extremely bad. Ship rolling. I have a load of hip pain; manage to go down to breakfast for eggs Benedict and then back to bed. Sleep.

Feel more confident about walking about in the afternoon and head for the Alhambra theatre for the Bingo jackpot game..... had to be done. Didn’t win. Someone else won over $7,000.

Outdoor decks have been closed all day from what I can gather. We have a discussion about tipping as the envelopes have arrived along with luggage tags for disembarking tomorrow.

There are activities I wanted to do but never got around to in the 2 weeks. Sudoku challenge for one. Miniature golf. Table tennis. Some crayola activity sounded interesting bizarrely. Read one of the 4 books I brought along.

Haven’t decided whether or not I’ll book with RCI again. The Independence is a beautiful ship. Service exemplary. Food ranges from very good to excellent. The cost of various add ons however leaves a lot to be desired.

Thanks for reading along with us. I’ve been surprised at the number of hits this blog has had. It was just intended as an aide memoire as well as an opportunity for the folks back home to keep up! Whilst I’m signing out if you have any questions I can answer just pop them down here and I’ll do the best I can.

Signing out : Linda, Darran, Bella, David, Alice and of course Norbert.

[campbell51]

Linda I have greatly enjoyed reading your blog as I have an aunt and cousin on the Independence right now , like you they are also on deck 6 somewhere. It is interesting to hear how the cruise has been. My husband and I were on the Independence in June and we really loved it. Even in June we had a very rough trip from Lisbon to Vigo and again from Vigo back to Southampton.

[lizbug]

thanks so much for your very readable blog, we've almost cruised with you, its been fun.

[NorbertsNiece]

Thanks :D

Quick question...... SO is suffering some sort of post sea sickness thing..... he's wobbly.... feels he needs to sit down..... I've told him to close his eyes and it passes..... anyone else experienced this?

[james_19742000]

Yes I have had that before, odd really as I dont suffer any type of travel or sea sickness, even in very rough seas it doesnt affect me, yet whenever I return from a cruises for anything from 1 to about 5 days I feel like I am still moving on teh ship, even in my own house, I suppose our brains become accustomed to the motion on the ship and compensates for it that when we are off the ship, it takes a little while for the brain to retrain itself.

 

But nothing to worry about, it will right itself very soon :-)

 

Regards James

 

BTW great thread this one and IOTS is a wnderful ship, have been on her twice this year just wish I was booked for next year!

[NorbertsNiece]

Thanks James, have started a new thread for this specifically as DD is suffering too. Perhaps we just need to get back on board ;)

[suvicki]

Thanks for the blog.

It has been great fun to read and very interesting.

[honeywell]

Thank you for taking time to share with us. I was amazed at your reports of the Independence itself since I am booked for April. You said you might not book RCCL in the future because of the cost of the various add ons. I'm just curious - what costs do you find on RCCL that you wouldn't find on other cruise lines? I don't book many excursions in the Caribbean but I am curious about other unanticipated expenditures.

[NorbertsNiece]

Thank you for taking time to share with us. I was amazed at your reports of the Independence itself since I am booked for April. You said you might not book RCCL in the future because of the cost of the various add ons. I'm just curious - what costs do you find on RCCL that you wouldn't find on other cruise lines? I don't book many excursions in the Caribbean but I am curious about other unanticipated expenditures.

 

Hi,

In chatting extensively with other guests I have heard of other lines where access to the local town is provided free of charge.... it may have been included in the overall cost of their ticket but certainly not an added expense required to access life on shore. Due to the size of the Independence it has to dock maybe further away than normal; the docks may not allow people to walk from the ship to the gates. Free shuttle only provided by the dock at one port of call in this Mediterranean cruise and only immediately accessible at one other port.

On other occasions the ship sold shuttle transfers when local transfers were easily available locally at a far cheaper rate. Of course you don't know that until you have already purchased the return tickets. I did speak to one gentleman who was so outraged when he discovered this that he got a refund on the unused tickets as he opted for the local service. I hadn't been aware that the shuttle tickets could have been refunded otherwise I would have done the same thing.

[suvicki]

Did you notice it the shuttles were accessible to someone in a wheelchair who cannot transfer out of it?

The shore trips are very expensive for us as we will need to use vehicles that can take wheelchair passengers. So at some of the port we will probably have to stick to the nearest town and explore by ourselves.

Did you dock at all ports or were some tendered?

[NorbertsNiece]

Hi,

We only tendered at Villefranche.

I have to apologise as I don't know what arrangements for wheelchairs are put in place generally. I do know in Lisbon that they had wheelchair accessible shuttles to the Main Square and certainly they required prepaid tickets. We used that particular shuttle as there was seating available on it for us.

I'm sure you can find out more by contacting them directly on : specialservices.uk@rccl.com or faxed to 01932 820603. It says in the documents we received prior to cruising that if you are bringing a motorised wheelchair or scooter on board you MUST contact them to arrange for access. You will need to provide the dimensions as size limitation may apply.

[Albert Ross]

Hi,

 

 

On other occasions the ship sold shuttle transfers when local transfers were easily available locally at a far cheaper rate. Of course you don't know that until you have already purchased the return tickets. I did speak to one gentleman who was so outraged when he discovered this that he got a refund on the unused tickets as he opted for the local service. I hadn't been aware that the shuttle tickets could have been refunded otherwise I would have done the same thing.

Great Blog! I wondered if you could let us know what ports had the local cheaper transfers - the only one I know of is Civitavecchia where it is laid on for free.

[NorbertsNiece]

Great Blog! I wondered if you could let us know what ports had the local cheaper transfers - the only one I know of is Civitavecchia where it is laid on for free.

 

Will do my best to remember, hopefully others will help.... certainly on Gibraltar we picked up a local tour bus for $** at the port to take us around.... they are locally certified.... 8 passsengers worked out way cheaper than the RCI one which is currently priced at $44 per head and covered the same ground. It is quite a walk into town and back so it could be done for free. Got dropped off back in town afterwards at our request. Shuttle was $5 a head and could be purchased on the pier. I need to consult the others on the cost of the local tour bus.... it may have been $20 per head.

Barcelona is one hell of a walk from the cruise terminal. We took the shuttle at $4.50 per head each way at night. There was definitely a local bus service there but we had already paid for the shuttle tickets. During the day we negotiated a taxi to the Cathedral and then a taxi on to Park Guell and then another back to the ship. They were speedy and very reasonable.

Villefranche is tendered. We bussed to Monaco and trained it back. Bus was €1 per head and the train not more than €3 if my memory serves me right. Can't do better than that. As a comparison Nice and Monaco on your own is currently priced at €57 per head. OK.... the bus was crowded and the train times not reliable but certainly doable.

Livorno..... we had booked a tour. The port is massive. No idea how much a taxi would cost to the town. Shuttle fare is curently $5.25 ech way.

Cagliari. Complimentary port shuttle bus. They won't have anyone walking on the dock. Local bus to the beach and back is very cheap... can't remember what we paid. It was Sunday. There were no taxis. The local open top tour bus had an impossibly long queue. Would recommend staying on board or taking an organised tour.

Malaga. We took a tour. The port authority provides a free shuttle bus to the terminal which is in town. Our tour bus dropped us off at the terminal on the return journey and we could either take the free shuttle back to the ship or walk.... 8 - 10 minutes.

Lisbon. We paid $5.50 each way per person for the shuttle. There will be buses and taxis.

Vigo. Taxis to the beach are way cheaper than the coach : €10 each way including tips as opposed to $10 per person for the coach. There is a bus but I don't know the details.

Writing it down like this.... I dread to think how much all the shuttle fares we paid added up..... I also need to apologise for misleading you all on the number of free access ports we visited... sitting down with all the Compasses now helped.

[cinnamon]

Thanks for a great blog. I have just read all 4 pages here in Surrey on a dull wet Sunday afternoon and it really brightened things up.

 

My only question, have you been on any/many other cruises?

We have just reached Diamond level on RCCL but have also been on other lines. I agree that the costs of shuttles is dreadful but have been forewarned about them on our last few cruises. I think most lines are doing this now. Also the basic price of cruising has come way down in real terms over the last few years and the opportunity to spend more has increased greatly.

 

I always think that those who buy photos, play bingo, visit the casino, drink heavily, take ship's excursions and visit the spa are subsidising my cruise. Thank you to all of you!

[NorbertsNiece]

Thanks for a great blog. I have just read all 4 pages here in Surrey on a dull wet Sunday afternoon and it really brightened things up.

 

My only question, have you been on any/many other cruises?

We have just reached Diamond level on RCCL but have also been on other lines. I agree that the costs of shuttles is dreadful but have been forewarned about them on our last few cruises. I think most lines are doing this now. Also the basic price of cruising has come way down in real terms over the last few years and the opportunity to spend more has increased greatly.

 

I always think that those who buy photos, play bingo, visit the casino, drink heavily, take ship's excursions and visit the spa are subsidising my cruise. Thank you to all of you!

 

Last cruised in 1970 so guess I'm a novice. Uncle and Aunt with me are very experienced...... they chose this cruise for us, flying in from San Francisco. They apologised loads, and whilst I would consider RCL or Carnival again they wouldn't which is sad.

Bought 3 photos, check, played bingo twice, check, visited the casino, check, drank sensibly, check, took 2 excursions, check, visited the spa, check.

You're welcome. :D

[Kakirie]

Hi Linda, Just wanted to say 'Thank you' for such a fantastic blog. I have waited impatiently for each update to come through. Me & my Dh are not on the Indy until June next year & cant wait!

Having 'Cruisers' coming back from the ship and giving us their reviews gives us all waiting to go a great incite to what is to come & what to expect. Thank You somuch.

 

Marie