Grand Bahama Island for 2022 (and Independence of the Seas)

[mevelandry]

Hi guys,

I have just booked a port intensive 4 nights cruise for Fall 2022. It’s a cruise with three stops (we are not « sea day » people so we are quite excited about this one): Nassau, CocoCay (which we love) and Grand Bahama Island.

If anyone has reviews/advices about the Independence of the Seas, I’d be interested.

Also, the main reason we picked this one is because we are intrigued with the upcoming « Grand Bahama Island« resort that Royal Carribean is going to refurbish/built. Haven’t seen much about it but the description and maquettes were really appealing. If you see any information regarding the project, I’d be interested as well.

Thanks in advance!

 

[hdrolfe]

I've been on Freedom twice, which is sister to Indy. We really enjoyed the ship, it was a good size, not super large but enjoyable. We ended up on the same cruise as a friend, by chance, so didn't make plans to see one another, and only ran into each other on the very last night in an elevator. So that's how big the ship is We went before the refurb that added waterslides and such. I would have liked to try one of the interior promenade rooms. I travel with my son so we spent a lot of time in the aft near the kids pool, rock wall and food We did eat at the Mexican place one night for dinner and I really enjoyed it. We also got milkshakes at Johnny Rockets a couple times. I enjoy the breakfast, they had one area with premade omelets that was really nice and a bit quieter than the other side. No idea what they will do when things start up though.

I haven't heard of the new Grand Bahamas, currently I believe most shops going there would dock in Freeport which I haven't heard the best things about, but then I don't hear much good about the Bahamas in general except the private islands so I'm not sure what to think.

 

[mevelandry]

I've been on Freedom twice, which is sister to Indy. We really enjoyed the ship, it was a good size, not super large but enjoyable. We ended up on the same cruise as a friend, by chance, so didn't make plans to see one another, and only ran into each other on the very last night in an elevator. So that's how big the ship is We went before the refurb that added waterslides and such. I would have liked to try one of the interior promenade rooms. I travel with my son so we spent a lot of time in the aft near the kids pool, rock wall and food We did eat at the Mexican place one night for dinner and I really enjoyed it. We also got milkshakes at Johnny Rockets a couple times. I enjoy the breakfast, they had one area with premade omelets that was really nice and a bit quieter than the other side. No idea what they will do when things start up though.

I haven't heard of the new Grand Bahamas, currently I believe most shops going there would dock in Freeport which I haven't heard the best things about, but then I don't hear much good about the Bahamas in general except the private islands so I'm not sure what to think.

They have a mexican place? :O

Royal has bought the Grand Lucayan Resort in Freeport and plans to refurbish it on top of creating a whole « harbour » to welcome cruisers starting next year.

 

[hdrolfe]

Sabor I think it's called? I'm not sure if it's on Indy as well. If it is, or whenever you are on a ship next that does have it, you should try it

I didn't know that about Freeport. That would make it more enticing for sure.

 

[mevelandry]

Sabor I think it's called? I'm not sure if it's on Indy as well. If it is, or whenever you are on a ship next that does have it, you should try it

I didn't know that about Freeport. That would make it more enticing for sure.

I don’t know if I am allowed to post but here is some info about the project:

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/...lose-purchasing-grand-lucayan-resort-freeport

 

[starvenger]

Indy is pretty nice. They have Playmakers which is nice but it connects to the casino and so smoke does waft in there.

No Sabor. They have Izumi, Chefs Table, Giovanni's and Chops for sit down premium restaurants. Also Fish and Ships ($) along with the Windjammer on the pool deck.

Adult area was a bit small I thought.

The musical is Grease, if that matters to you.

 

[mevelandry]

Indy is pretty nice. They have Playmakers which is nice but it connects to the casino and so smoke does waft in there.

No Sabor. They have Izumi, Chefs Table, Giovanni's and Chops for sit down premium restaurants. Also Fish and Ships ($) along with the Windjammer on the pool deck.

Adult area was a bit small I thought.

The musical is Grease, if that matters to you.

Regarding the smell of the casino... I can't help but wondering how that will be when sailings resume. The cruise lines have all been required to upgrade their ventilation systems after all.

Musicals do matter to me and I love Grease!

Thank you very much!