What's The Biggest Cruise Ship Like?
Posted by: CruiseGuy on Friday, May 02, 2008 - 07:10 PM
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By Katy Hastings On the Independence Of The Seas
Cruises are for the newly wed and the nearly dead, right? Wrong. With an ice rink, surf simulator, rock climbing wall, numerous swimming pools, nightclubs, bars and restaurants the Independence of the Seas really dispels any preconceived ideas of your typical cruise.
Having never stepped foot on a cruise liner - and to be honest, never having wanted to - my fears were simple.
One, I would spend most of the time in a stuffy shoe box-sized room feeling rather sea sick.
Two, I would feel trapped in a floating version of Butlins, selling dodgy food and cheesy music.
Three, I would not be able to wait to get on dry land.
Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.
Never one to like to admit I may be far off the mark, but designers at the Royal Caribbean have indeed excelled themselves.
From the moment you get near the port of Southampton you are speechless at the enormity of the ship. It is ENORMOUS. It dwarfs the QE2 and, given the chance, the Titanic.
And once inside the wow factor continues. Photographs really do not do the boat justice.
It is like walking into a floating town, it even has a wedding chapel.
Toddlers through to teenagers are cared for while those who like to get away from youngsters also have an adult haven in which to retreat.
There are so many memories including sitting down to dinner in a chandelier encrusted dining room similar to the one in the Titanic film.
But what really sticks in my mind is working out on a treadmill in the huge fitness centre, positioned on one of the top decks (there are 15) at the front.
In front of you is the most amazing panoramic view of the ocean. It was not until then that the awe of where I was really hit me. It really felt like you were running on air.
One of the company's catchphrases is to "exceed expectations".
And I'm sure, every one of the 4,300 paying passengers who will set sail on its maiden voyage today, will agree they certainly do that and more.
The downfall? Once you have been on this cruise liner - any other just wouldn't be good enough.
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