Independence of the Seas cruise ship evaluation: What to anticipate on board a Freedom Class megaship

You may get a superb preview of the cruise forward of you by lingering on the pool deck buffet on embarkation day. At lunch on Royal Caribbean‘s Independence of the Seas, I sat a couple of tables away from a big group of girls toasting one another with drinks earlier than bursting out with “Ladies Simply Wish to Have Enjoyable.” I misplaced depend of the variety of teams I noticed sporting matching T-shirts, most proclaiming household reunions, milestone birthdays and bachelorette events.

I did not see the precise bride, who’d boarded earlier. Presumably, she was nonetheless at her wedding ceremony reception in a personal location. (I discovered later three {couples} obtained married throughout my crusing.)

The gang was younger on my long-weekend Bahamas cruise. I noticed plenty of people of their 20s and 30s, in addition to households with youngsters on a final hurrah earlier than college began. However the reunion teams spanned no less than three generations (presumably 4?). The gang was culturally various, and I heard plenty of Spanish on this crusing, however the overwhelming majority of cruisers hailed from Florida.

All of them had one factor in frequent — a want to have essentially the most enjoyable potential on a fast three-day journey. The ship and its smiling crew members had been pleased to accommodate, serving up drinks, main wild competitions and doling out cone after cone of soft-serve ice cream on scorching Bahamian afternoons.

Some journeys are for seeing the sights or experiencing a brand new tradition. A fast cruise on Independence of the Seas is all about letting the nice instances roll with some enjoyable within the solar. On that promise, the ship completely delivers.

Overview of Independence of the Seas

The 154,407-ton Independence of the Seas is 15 decks excessive and carries 3,864 passengers at double occupancy (or 4,627 at most occupancy) in 1,932 cabins. It was in-built 2008, and its final main refurbishment was in 2018.

The ship is a part of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class, the precursor to the road’s beloved but notoriously large Oasis Class. Once they debuted, Independence of the Seas and its Freedom Class sisters (Freedom and Liberty — sense a theme?) had been the world’s largest ships. They launched new ideas to the cruise line, together with the FlowRider surf simulator, outsized scorching tubs cantilevered off the edges of the ship and a water park for teenagers.

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Enjoyable reality: The ship’s health heart initially had a big boxing ring within the heart and boxing exercises, however the ring has since been eliminated.

Greater than a decade later, the ship is now not the largest or essentially the most revolutionary, the Wipeout Bar is gone and the water park has been revamped. But it nonetheless has all of the hallmarks of a contemporary megaship with a number of eating and ingesting venues, wow-factor leisure (together with a Broadway musical), loads of lively enjoyable and room to sunbathe.

The ship nonetheless makes the highest 40 hit checklist of greatest ships on the planet, beating out far more lately constructed vessels similar to Disney Want, Discovery Princess and Norwegian Prima. It might probably accommodate every kind of vacationers, from budget-conscious vacationers reserving inside cabins to well-off households staying within the largest suites, and affords actions for people who like to remain lively, those that wish to lounge within the solar and partiers on the lookout for a good time.

With a lot to do on board, you will not really feel such as you’re on an previous ship. You will really feel such as you’re on an action-packed ship — one which could be the right dimension for lively family and friends trying to have outsize enjoyable on quite a lot of cruise itineraries.

What I liked about Independence of the Seas

The ship’s power is excessive

Quick cruises do not at all times have one of the best status. “They’re occasion cruises,” individuals sneer, as if the megaship is one humongous den of debauchery with hundreds of wasted weekend warriors on board. That is in no way what a brief crusing on Independence of the Seas is like.

What a brief cruise actually interprets into is a high-energy crusing as a result of your shipmates know they’ve solely a restricted time to benefit from the ship’s facilities and time in port. Onboard occasions will likely be filled with company all in on the enjoyable, whether or not that is cheering on contestants in a sport present or singing together with a musician in a bar. Individuals screamed for his or her favorites on the “End the Lyric” sport prefer it was a university soccer sport, and I watched three, if not 4, generations of households dancing the merengue collectively on the Latin bar Boleros.

You will additionally encounter a ton of teams — birthday celebrations, bachelor and bachelorette events, household reunions, anniversaries and even onboard weddings. The upshot is that the entire crusing takes on a celebratory vibe, even whenever you’re not a part of a gaggle. The sense of enjoyable is contagious, and you end up wanting to hitch in wherever the persons are as a result of you already know you may have a superb time.

I am positive that individuals obtained drunk on my cruise (avoid the swim-up and floating bars on Royal Caribbean’s personal island should you want to keep away from them). However I did not see any sloppy drunk company stumbling by way of the general public decks or getting sick in cabin hallways. Perhaps that is as a result of I went to mattress at an inexpensive hour. Largely, I encountered teams of individuals able to have one of the best time at each occasion across the ship, whose power was infectious and made all of the actions a bit extra high-octane and enjoyable.

Observe that the onboard vibe will seemingly be completely different on the ship’s upcoming longer cruises in Europe and in Canada and New England.

Independence of the Seas would not really feel enormous or overly crowded

Royal Caribbean excels at passenger move on its ships, which makes its megaships really feel manageable. Independence of the Seas is simple to navigate, and I hardly ever had the “you may’t get there from right here” expertise I’ve had on different cruise traces.

The ship is split into three sections, high to backside. The higher decks (11 to fifteen) are the place you may discover all of the outside enjoyable and actions, in addition to the buffet and spa. The center decks (6 to 10) include completely cabins and suites, so you may ignore all of those besides the deck the place your room is situated. (You will discover a smattering of lodging on the highest and decrease decks.) The underside decks (3 to five) characteristic the Promenade with its bars and outlets and the primary indoor sights — the eating room, on line casino, theater and ice rink.

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I rapidly discovered the place every part was situated, important on a brief cruise. Higher but, I did not encounter any bottlenecks the place too many individuals had been compelled into too small a hall or transit house. The Promenade was at all times bustling however by no means shoulder to shoulder. I at all times discovered a seat within the efficiency areas, even once they had been packed.

Briefly, I by no means felt like I used to be trapped in a mass of humanity in the midst of the ocean with no escape.

The buffet is properly designed with nice selections

As I’ve written about earlier than, I am not an enormous fan of the cruise ship buffet. However for a mass-market cruise ship, Independence of the Seas has a fairly nice buffet.

Associated to my level above, I by no means felt that “trapped in a crowd” feeling on the buffet. Positive, it was bustling and busy. Generally I had to go searching for a desk for 2. However the dimension of the venue and the station structure (versus one lengthy buffet line) meant that individuals may transfer freely and choose their dishes with out ready in slow-moving queues.

I additionally appreciated that the buffet had plenty of selections at meal time. I have been on Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises ships the place I discovered the choices restricted at dinner. Independence had as a lot selection within the night as at lunchtime, with gluten-free and attention-grabbing worldwide (largely Asian and Indian) stations, in addition to a well-stocked salad bar and always-available burgers and scorching canine. Every day-rotating-themed stations provided attention-grabbing choices, similar to Jamaican meals, on the evening I ended by.

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The breakfast choices included every part you’d look forward to finding, in addition to an surprising worldwide station with Indian breakfast dishes. I admit I did not put the made-to-order omelet counter by way of timed trials, however the steam-tray scrambled eggs had been truly fairly moist for bulk-made eggs.

I used to be unhappy that I did not have time to eat on the buffet for dinner, and that is a thought I hardly ever have when cruising!

What I did not love about Independence of the Seas

The ship is exhibiting its age

Independence of the Seas had a serious refurbishment in 2018, however within the years since then, its cabins have seen plenty of put on and tear.

My balcony cabin was comfy, with all of the house I wanted, however I did not want a magnifying glass to inform it had been well-used. The sofa was stained, the mirrored toilet cupboards had been chipped, the image frames had been scratched — and there was a spot between the underside of one of many nightstand drawers and the entrance edge the place small objects may fall by way of. Once I was placing my toiletries away within the toilet, one of many triangular cabinets fell down, despite the fact that I had solely put a couple of objects on it.

The cabin decor, with a inexperienced leaf-patterned carpet, blonde wooden furnishings and striped curtains, additionally would not really feel trendy.

None of those quibbles affected my enjoyment of the cruise, however set your expectations should you’re hoping for a pristine, Insta-worthy room.

The drink menu is boring

I am not an enormous drinker, however I really like a craft cocktail — partly as a result of they’re attention-grabbing and partly as a result of I can by no means consider what drink to order and I favor to pick from a preset menu. I have been loving going to bars on ships like Carnival Celebration and Oceania’s Vista and trying out all of the inventive drink choices.

So think about my disappointment after I requested for the cocktail menu at Independence of the Seas’ two specialty eating places, Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Desk, and was handed the identical cocktail menu discovered at each generic bar on board. No, I do not need a pina colada with my fancy steak, thanks very a lot. The place had been the enjoyable cocktails themed to every restaurant like I discovered on the Mason Jar restaurant on sister ship Marvel of the Seas?

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I did discover a extra attention-grabbing drink menu on the Schooner Bar (desert pear margarita, anybody?), however that was the one time I noticed a special cocktail checklist. For a ship that likes to occasion, I used to be upset that Royal Caribbean hasn’t hopped on the inventive cocktail pattern like a few of its competitor cruise traces. I’ve since discovered the Schooner Bar menu is new, so if it is profitable, maybe Royal Caribbean will add new cocktail menus to different bars on board.

Since this evaluation was initially revealed, Royal Caribbean has revamped the menus in each Boleros and the Ale & Anchor pub.

Independence of the Seas cabins and suites

Independence of the Seas affords 4 foremost kinds of cabins: windowless inside cabins, ocean-view rooms with image home windows that do not open, balcony cabins with personal verandas and greater suites. The latter vary from 364-square-foot junior suites to the humongous 1,649-square-foot Royal Suite (sizes embody balcony house).

A few of the extra uncommon lodging on this ship embody inside-facing cabins with home windows overlooking the Royal Promenade indoor mall and Panoramic Ocean-view cabins and suites on decks 11 and 12, which have wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling home windows.

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My room on Independence of the Seas was an everyday balcony cabin, going through the ocean — the most well-liked room sort on most ships. It provided loads of room for 2 individuals, and I do not suppose it will be an issue with an additional individual sleeping on the pullout couch.

The room has two twin beds that may be pushed collectively right into a queen-size mattress. Bedside lamps with targeted studying lights and one-drawer, one-shelf nightstands flank the beds. The dwelling space includes a lengthy couch that might seat three or 4 (and rework right into a mattress) and a glass espresso desk.

Reverse is a big desk/self-importance with a lighted mirror, six medium and three shallow drawers (one for the hair dryer) and an empty minifridge. Small cabinets are hidden behind the 2 slender aspect mirrors, with one other glass shelf above the flat-screen TV.

The TV just isn’t interactive. It has roughly 30 channels of sports activities, information, films and children programming, plus a bunch of cruise ship-sponsored channels.

A two-door closet regarded small however had ample hanging house for 2 individuals on a three-night cruise, plus 5 cabinets and a protected tucked into the nook. I appreciated the full-length mirror and metallic hooks by the door for hanging jackets or hats.

The toilet is small however serviceable. The spherical bathe has two sliding doorways, and I did not damage myself after I dropped my conditioner bottle and needed to retrieve it off the ground mid-shower. The bathe has two metallic cabinets and a movable wand showerhead.

Storage contains three towel racks and 4 hooks on the again of the door. The nook mirror hides a three-shelf self-importance, and there is a lengthy shelf under the sink.

Bogs are stocked with tub and hand towels, washcloths, one bar of cleaning soap, a pump dispenser of a shampoo-body wash combo within the bathe and tiny bottles of shampoo, conditioner, physique wash and lotion.

On such a brief cruise, I didn’t spend a lot time on my balcony, utilizing it primarily to dry moist bathing fits. It had two upright chairs (with one degree of recline) and a spherical desk that might simply accommodate a room service breakfast order.

The decor, as talked about earlier, is slightly dated and exhibiting some put on. The room is clearly prepared for a refresh, as stains, chips and dings within the furnishings are seen. These minor particulars did not hassle me, however should you’re anticipating new and trendy, please readjust your expectations.

What did hassle me was the connecting door to the cabin subsequent door. It was not open, however the sound carried — and this included my neighbor hacking and coughing loudly at any time when I used to be making an attempt to fall asleep. To check, I could not hear something from the cabin on the opposite aspect with out a connecting door.

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For those who want to improve and e book a set on Independence of the Seas, you’ve got a selection of Royal, Proprietor’s, Grand, Panoramic and Junior Suite choices. Completely different suite varieties include completely different Royal Suite Class perks, which could embody entry to the Suite Lounge on Deck 14 (simply off the Viking Crown Lounge).

Independence of the Seas eating places and bars

Independence of the Seas affords loads of restaurant and bar selections. It has a superb mixture of free and extra-fee, informal and fancy eating choices. I loved all my meals on board, however most of them did not blow me away. I appreciated the numerous character of the various bars. You possibly can discover your favourite and return evening after evening or strive someplace new with each drink.

Eating places

The guts of Independence of the Seas’ eating lineup is its three-deck-high foremost eating room, with a Shakespearean decor theme. You will be assigned a desk location primarily based in your group dimension and eating time choice.

For those who select early or late eating (the place you may have the identical desk location, tablemates and waiters every evening), you may be assigned to a desk on deck 3, 4 or 5 for a 5:30 p.m. dinner or on deck 4 or 5 at 8 p.m. Select My Time Eating, the road’s versatile eating choice, and you may ask for a desk on Deck 3 anytime between 6:45 and 9 p.m. and alter up your eating time nightly. (If you wish to eat at 6 p.m., you are out of luck, apparently.)

Deck 3 can also be the place breakfast and lunch are served (not provided on daily basis, so test the Royal Caribbean app for instances). Breakfast right here affords an identical choice to the buffet, however dishes are made to order and waiter-served. Extra out-of-the-ordinary choices embody a breakfast energy wrap, a breakfast burrito and a market vegetable breakfast bowl. Lunch is a three-course affair with appetizers, entrees and dessert. Entrees could be a lamb pita, a barbecue pulled pork sandwich, butternut squash risotto or roasted Atlantic cod.

Dinner could be themed (similar to Style of the Caribbean) with an on-theme chef’s advisable three-course meal. Entrees will embody seafood, rooster, beef, pasta and a vegetarian choice. One Indian dish is obtainable nightly, often meat-based with a vegetarian model accessible upon request. You may order premium alternatives, similar to Maine lobster tail, surf and turf or a filet mignon from the ship’s Chops Grille steakhouse for an additional payment (starting from $16.99 to $34.99, plus an 18% gratuity).

Wine, soda and cocktails can be found for an additional payment.

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I dined right here on Jamaican evening and loved a jerk rooster dish that had extra spice and taste than your common cruise ship entree. The waiters had been pleasant and prepared with ideas of one of the best selections that night. After two lengthy dinners the earlier nights, I did not really feel a must linger over my meal, and the eating room workers was accommodating of my request to be out in time for a 7:30 p.m. present.

Cruise ship buffets do not at all times have one of the best status, however I used to be impressed with Independence of the Seas’ Windjammer Cafe. Discovered on Deck 11 aft, the expansive eating space is properly set as much as accommodate the crowds. I simply discovered tables on all visits (together with embarkation day) and by no means waited in line, because of a number of meals stations scattered all through the house. There is not any outside seating, however there are many home windows. The aft stations are completely different from the aspect stations, so do a loop earlier than selecting.

Breakfast has all the plain choices: cold and hot cereal, breakfast breads and pastries, waffles and pancakes, eggs and omelets, breakfast meat, yogurt and fruit. A small Asian part has less-typical selections (not simply at breakfast however in any respect three meals). Lunch options American and continental scorching dishes, a salad bar, a burger and scorching canine bar, an Asian station and dessert.

Dinner has simply as in depth a menu as lunch and sometimes has a theme. Along with the usual scorching entrees, burger bar, meat carving station, salad bar and dessert, I noticed counters serving Jamaican specialties, some made recent on the buffet. I used to be tempted to skip the primary eating room to pattern a few of the dishes.

A gluten-free counter at lunch and dinner is accessible for people with dietary restrictions.

Independence of the Seas has three marquee, extra-fee specialty eating places and a bunch of fee-free and a la carte informal choices. They’re typically emptiest on the primary evening, however I did not see any low cost affords for reserving on evening one.

The final word date evening restaurant is the ship’s American steakhouse, Chops Grille. You may select from 4 steak choices, 4 seafood dishes (together with Maine lobster), roast rooster or rack of lamb (our selection — it was very flavorful). Vegetarians must request a particular order as a result of the menu doesn’t checklist any meat-free choices.

Your protein comes bare on the plate, so costume it up with sauces and sides. The menu additionally options appetizers, soups, salads and desserts. The pretzel mini-baguettes and mushroom soup are to not be missed. Dessert was satisfying however didn’t have an enormous wow issue. A meal prices $63 for dinner ($15 for teenagers ages 6-12) and $27 for lunch.

If you are going to splurge on dinner, I might advocate the ship’s Italian eatery Giovanni’s Desk as an alternative. It is a tad cheaper at $48 per individual for dinner ($15 for teenagers) or $23 for lunch, and I assumed my meal there was nicer than the one at Chops.

Every thing I ordered was scrumptious, from the brilliant inexperienced arugula salad starter to the gnocchi gorgonzola pasta (save your abdomen and order a half portion!) and completely cooked branzino fish. You possibly can most likely skip dessert right here, however a companion and I loved the chocolate-hazelnut cake and panna cotta with strawberry and basil flavors.

Chops and Giovanni’s are situated throughout from one another by the doorway to the Windjammer Cafe buffet. Lunch just isn’t at all times provided on each cruise in these venues, so test the cruise app for eating instances to your crusing.

The third specialty restaurant, Izumi, is tucked away in an simply missed spot on Deck 4 by the Schooner Bar. It is obtained 5 hibachi tables that may seat as much as 10 individuals every. Select your protein and be prepared for a dinner efficiency that may have meals flying, individuals singing and also you in stitches.

Alternatively, come for sushi on the bar or scattered two-tops. Do not like consuming seafood uncooked? You may order different Japanese favorites, similar to beef or rooster teriyaki, ramen, miso soup and gyoza dumplings.

Hibachi reservations must be made as far prematurely as potential, however you may solely reserve a seat on the sushi bar on board in individual on the restaurant. Sushi pricing is a la carte. Hibachi pricing ranges from $60 to $65 per individual ($15 for teenagers) relying in your protein choice. Sushi add-ons to your hibachi meal value further.

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The Promenade options a variety of informal eating venues. Sorrento’s is the late-night pizza parlor, open till 2 or 3 a.m. nightly. Eat all of the pizza you need; it is included in your cruise fare. Cheese and pepperoni are at all times accessible, with a 3rd taste that modifications every day. You may at all times request vegetarian, gluten-free or dairy-free pizzas to be made particular for you.

Observe up your pie with a candy deal with at Sugar Seaside Ice Cream for a further payment per cup or cone. Totally free soft-serve ice cream, head as much as Sprinkles on the pool deck.

One of the widespread venues on the Promenade is the Cafe Promenade. It does double obligation as your morning Starbucks outlet (it opens at 6 a.m.) and late-night snack venue (mini sandwiches and pastries are served till 5 a.m.). For those who’re cool with the free stuff, skip the road and head to the self-service espresso and tea station on the far wall.

Put blinders in your youngsters whenever you stroll by Sugar Seaside, the ship’s rainbow-colored bulk sweet retailer. Between the free Froot Loops and cookies elsewhere on the ship, I would not suppose you want to spend cash on extra sweets, however should you want a jelly bean repair, you already know the place to go.

Playmakers Sports activities Bar affords a restricted a la carte menu of bar favorites — nachos, rooster tenders and wings, sliders, plus meal-sized burgers and worth-the-money desserts (the Campfire Cookie is my fave, however a gaggle may go to city on the Landing Sundae with 5 scoops of ice cream). You may carry your youngsters to this bar.

Up by Splashaway Bay, Fish & Ships serves a restricted menu of fried fish, shrimp and rooster and fries free of charge, in addition to a fried lobster tail basket for $12. One deck up by the youngsters golf equipment, Johnny Rockets will gas your play with burgers, scorching canine, sandwiches and the venue’s signature milkshakes (a la carte pricing). Time your go to proper, and you will catch the waiters singing and dancing.

Lastly, room service prices $7.95 per order, sometimes with an 18% gratuity added. Continental breakfast (juice, espresso, tea, pastries and bread, cereal, fruit and yogurt) is complimentary from 6 to 11 a.m. Scorching American breakfast (pancakes, eggs, potatoes and bacon/sausage) incurs the payment.

The common room service menu is accessible from 11 a.m. during till 6 a.m. and contains soup, salad, sandwiches, favorites (quesadillas, grilled salmon, pasta, pizza, rooster wings and tenders), dessert and a youngsters menu.

Bars

Your night bar crawl will not earn you a lot steps because the ship’s foremost watering holes are discovered on decks 4 and 5.

Beginning on the decrease deck, Boleros is the road’s signature Latin bar, the place there’s typically an all-ages crowd dancing merengue, salsa and extra and singing alongside to widespread tunes. Subsequent door is Playmakers Sports activities Bar and Arcade, the place you may watch all of the video games or play pool, foosball, skeeball or Tremendous Shot basketball whereas downing beers. (Warn your youngsters — there are not any video video games at this arcade.)

The on line casino has its personal bar within the heart of the motion. Turn out to be an everyday and also you may begin getting drinks free of charge. On the opposite aspect of the on line casino, the nautical-themed Schooner’s is the place to go for piano singalongs and trivia (often catering to an older crowd). The desert pear margarita is widespread, although I most popular the lavender martini.

One deck up on the Promenade, Ale & Anchor is the ship’s British-style pub. Come for a beer and the sport, keep for energetic singalongs with the resident guitarist. (The Ellie Finnerty’s Taylor Swift singalong was standing room solely, with the indoor and out-on-the-Promenade seating full up.) Throughout the road, so to talk, is Vintages, your go-to for a complicated glass of wine. The venue additionally hosts wine tastings.

Essentially the most understated bar on the ship is the Champagne Bar, simply throughout from the shore excursions desk. For those who like bubbly, you may chill out on the comfortable couches right here and toast your trip success.

However don’t be concerned — should you’re sunning or sweating on the higher decks, you may discover loads of watering holes to moist your whistle. The ship has three pool deck bars: the pool bar by the primary swimming pools, the Sky Lounge serving company lounging simply above on Deck 12 and the solarium bar within the grownup part.

The Plaza Bar within the Windjammer Cafe retains you hydrated throughout meals with morning espresso drinks and mimosas and beer, wine and cocktails together with your buffet lunches and dinners.

For a complicated drink with a view, head to the Olive or Twist Bar in Royal Caribbean’s signature Viking Crown Lounge on Deck 14 midship. Ground-to-ceiling home windows in a 180-degree semicircle overlook the ship’s Splashaway Bay kiddie zone and the ocean. It is a great spot to observe sailaway should you do not wish to be out within the solar. Higher-tier loyalty members and suite company can get their drink on free of charge at their respective lounges adjoining to Olive or Twist.

In case your thought of a bar is a soda machine, you’ll find Coke machines by Sorrento’s on the Promenade and on both aspect of the buffet. They solely work together with your drinks package-affiliated reusable cup. Along with soda, you may pour out juice, seltzer water, sports activities drinks and sensible water.

Independence of the Seas actions

A brief cruise is all about enjoyable within the solar, making the Deck 11 pool deck a well-liked spot on Independence of the Seas. The deck is split into three sections. Ahead is the adults-only solarium, aft is the kid-centric Splashaway Bay water play space and heart is the primary pool space.

The principle pool space options two swimming pools, three scorching tubs, a bar, a bandstand and dance house and a film display. Starting swimmers can borrow life jackets from the close by racks. Seize your blue pool towels from the towel station between the primary pool and the solarium. You will must signal towels out and in together with your keycard; fail to return one and you will be charged $25, so maintain observe of your used towels!

Lounge chairs cowl almost each accessible floor on decks 11, 12 and 13, and plenty of of them are in direct daylight. The quietest spots could be on deck 13 ahead.

Ahead of the primary swimming pools, the solarium options two minipools, a bar, shaded lounge house and two outsized scorching tubs cantilevered over the edges of the ship — all reserved for adults ages 18-plus. It doesn’t have a retractable roof.

Aft of the primary swimming pools is Splashaway Bay. It is a kiddie water play space full with junior slides, water sprayers and a dump bucket that soaks everybody close by, a shallow swimming pool and a separate play space for tots in swim diapers. Two scorching tubs listed below are good vantage factors for fogeys — if the youngsters have not taken them over. Not surprisingly, the soft-serve ice cream station and a counter serving fried fish and rooster flank this deck space.

Adrenaline junkies can arrange camp on Deck 13 aft, the place they will discover a multipurpose sports activities courtroom (basketball, pickleball, ground hockey), the FlowRider surf simulator, a rock-climbing wall and the doorway to the 2 Good Storm waterslides. You should be no less than 4 ft tall and not more than 250 kilos to trip the Cyclone (220 kilos for the Storm); kids 12 and beneath should be supervised by an grownup. Each are three-deck-high tube tornado slides.

For those who dare to boogie board or stand-up surf know that your successes and failures will likely be cheered by onlookers hanging out within the stadium seating surrounding the FlowRider. Tucker out little cruisers within the Sky Climber, a cat-tree-esque jungle health club for teenagers, encased in netting.

That bizarre round object by the waterslides is the Sky Pad, which was a bungee trampoline however now not. It wasn’t clear what it is used for now, although I noticed open-play archery scheduled there.

A operating observe weaves across the deck chairs above the primary swimming pools on Deck 12. Six laps equal a mile. The one real looking instances to run are early morning or within the night; be careful for moist decking within the morning.

Independence Dunes, the minigolf course on Deck 13 ahead, has a enjoyable seaside theme with a lighthouse, whale’s tail and VW bus selfie spot. Cool off with arched misters close by.

Kick it old style with a sport of shuffleboard on the Deck 4 outside decks.

If serenity is what you search, the spa is situated on Deck 12 ahead, instantly above the health heart. Get your hair and nails performed within the salon or soften away your work-life stress with a therapeutic massage or facial. Acupuncture, medispa remedies (similar to Restylane fillers), males’s shaves, waxing and enamel whitening are additionally on provide. Totally free stress aid, you may discover saunas and steam rooms within the males’s and ladies’s locker rooms.

The expansive health club has rows of cardio machines, Life Health resistance stations and free weights. One aspect of the health club is reserved for spin class, whereas a exercise studio is house to each group courses (yoga, boot camp and extra, for a payment) and spa seminars. (Guess what? Based mostly in your footprint evaluation, you will want insoles!)

The every day schedule is filled with actions, together with trivia, audience-participation video games and competitions, artwork auctions and seminars within the Deck 3 artwork gallery, sushi or cupcake-making courses, wine or alcohol tasting seminars, silent dance events and behind-the-scenes ship excursions. For those who’re over 18, do not miss the late-night Quest sport present, which is decidedly not PG and is totally hilarious.

For some retail remedy, browse the outlets on the Promenade for souvenirs similar to logowear, liquor, magnificence merchandise, purses, tremendous watches and jewellery. The photograph gallery and portrait studio are on Deck 3; search for pictures on contact screens utilizing your cabin quantity (we have moved on from looking by way of a whole bunch of printouts).

The Deck 4 On line casino Royale has a particular subway-style entrance from the Promenade. Strive your luck on the slots and gaming tables. The on line casino is a well-liked night spot, so you may have loads of firm to cheer your wins and console your losses.

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All of the enjoyable is not only for adults. The youngsters rule the college on Deck 12 aft, with all the youngsters hangout areas conveniently grouped round Johnny Rockets and the arcade. You will discover quite a few desk tennis set-ups within the deck areas across the child areas.

The Royal Infants & Tots Nursery entertains the youngest cruisers for a payment, however youngsters ages 3 and up can take pleasure in supervised enjoyable free of charge at Journey Ocean. The completely different teams of children — Aquanauts (ages 3-5), Explorers (6-8) and Voyagers (Sep 11) — have their very own play house, however relying on the variety of kids on board, they could get playtime in one other age group’s house. Tweens and youths ages 12 to 17 can play video video games and hand around in The Dwelling Room and showcase their dance strikes within the Gas teen nightclub.

Observe: Children ages 17 and beneath should be of their cabins by 1 a.m.

By day, Studio B affords each open ice skating periods and glow-in-the-dark laser tag (each are free, however require advance signups).

Feeling cerebral? Join the Escape Room, which has a scientific observatory theme. It is pricy at $44 per individual (minimal age 12), and there aren’t as many puzzles to resolve as in industrial escape rooms on land. It’s a enjoyable method to meet and work together with different company, however I would not prioritize it.

Visitor companies, the shore excursions desk and future cruise gross sales are all situated on the aft finish of the Promenade, close to the eating room. For those who’re on the lookout for a quiet house away from all of the hubbub, sneak away to the library on Deck 5 aft. It is hidden inside the Star Lounge foyer, however as soon as inside, you may borrow a e book, test e mail on the pc stations or conceal out from the crowds (or your youngsters, you by no means know).

Independence of the Seas exhibits

The resident Broadway musical on the Royal Theater on decks 3 and 4 is a 90-minute model of “Grease.” If that is not the present you need for some summer season lovin’, you may take pleasure in visitor acts, similar to comedians and ventriloquists, on the opposite nights.

Do not confuse the primary theater with the Deck 5 Star Lounge, which is a secondary efficiency house. Right here, you may discover karaoke and audience-participation video games similar to “End That Lyric.”

Royal Caribbean’s ice exhibits are at all times a superb time, and Independence of the Seas’ journey by way of the a long time, referred to as “Freeze Body,” is not any exception. You will be impressed as a lot by the quite a few costume modifications as what the skaters handle to perform on a tiny ice rink. Deliver a sweater.

I didn’t must make reservations for both “Grease” or “Freeze Body” prematurely on this cruise, as I’ve performed for exhibits on different Royal Caribbean ships. Examine the cruise app whenever you’re on board, however except this modifications from cruise to cruise, you may solely want to point out up 15 to twenty minutes prematurely to get one of the best seats.

For those who’ve been on different ships within the fleet, please word that the Promenade on Independence of the Seas doesn’t stage parades or live shows. Just a few themed events had been listed on the every day schedule, however often, it meant {that a} DJ was enjoying louder-than-normal music with nothing else particular happening.

Independence of the Seas itineraries and pricing

Independence of the Seas has lengthy sailed brief cruises from Florida ports, however in April 2025 the ship will cross the Atlantic to a brand new spring and summer season house port in Southampton, England. From there the ship will sail two- by way of nine-night cruises to western Europe; seven-night Norwegian fjords cruises; eight-night northern Europe cruises; and a 12-night Canary Islands cruise earlier than crusing again to Florida in October.

The ship will make its fall and winter house in Miami and sail a sequence of seven-night Japanese and Western Caribbean itineraries, most of which embody a cease within the line’s widespread personal island, Good Day at CocoCay.

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In April 2026, Independence of the Seas will transfer to yet one more new house port, Cape Liberty cruise port in Bayonne, New Jersey. From there, the ship will provide four- and nine-night Canada and New England cruises, five- and seven-night Bermuda cruises and nine- and 10-night Caribbean cruises.

Charges begin on the following costs:

• $462 per individual for an inside cabin or $697 for a balcony cabin on a three-night Bahamas cruise
• $808 per individual for an inside cabin or $1,408 for a balcony cabin on a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise
• $991 per individual for an inside cabin or $2,036 for a balcony cabin on a nine-night Canada and New England cruise
• $1,114 per individual for an inside cabin or $1,745 for a balcony cabin on a seven-night Spain cruise

What to know earlier than you go

Required paperwork

When Independence of the Seas sails round-trip from Florida and New Jersey, U.S. residents can sail with both a present passport or an official copy of their delivery certificates and a driver’s license or different government-issued photograph I.D.

Company crusing on transatlantic cruises, sailings from Southampton or one-way itineraries will want a passport. Passports for any cruises should be legitimate for no less than six months.

The identify in your reservation should be the identical as what’s printed in your passport or different official proof of nationality. Double-check should you’ve lately gotten married or go by a special model of your identify.

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Gratuities

The room stewards and eating workers on Independence of the Seas are pleasant and useful and deserve an additional thank-you. Royal Caribbean makes that straightforward by charging you an automated gratuity of $18.50 to $21 per individual, per day, relying in your cabin class, added to your onboard account and closing invoice. You might be allowed to regulate this quantity on the Visitor Companies desk earlier than disembarking, however please do not — even in case you are upset by the service. Gratuities are an vital a part of crewmembers’ paychecks.

An 18% gratuity is added to bar and specialty eating purchases and a 20% gratuity is added to spa/salon payments. You shouldn’t really feel pressured so as to add a further tip.

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Wi-Fi

Royal Caribbean has one of many quickest Wi-Fi techniques at sea, referred to as Voom, and you may benefit from this on Independence of the Seas. Presently, Wi-Fi packages with streaming bandwidth begin at $27.99 per day for one system (or $20.99 per day per system for packages accommodating two, three or 4 gadgets), although costs do change over time. You too can buy 24-hour entry for a flat charge of $29.99.

Typically you may get one of the best reductions on onboard Wi-Fi by buying your plans on-line prematurely of your cruise. Members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society cruise loyalty program may be eligible for reductions on Wi-Fi packages.

Sure suite company and upper-tier loyalty program members obtain complimentary Wi-Fi, so know your included perks earlier than you join a bundle.

Having hassle logging in? A Voom assist desk on the Promenade (outdoors The Assortment retailer) is staffed every day.

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Carry-on drinks coverage

Royal Caribbean company of authorized ingesting age can carry one bottle of wine or Champagne onto Independence of the Seas at boarding, plus as much as a dozen commonplace cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks similar to sodas.

If you wish to toast your luck in your cabin, you are good, however if you wish to carry your most popular classic to a restaurant or lounge, you may must pay a $15 corkage payment.

Smoking coverage

Smoking (together with e-cigarette smoking) is forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those that violate this rule will face a $250 cleansing payment.

Passengers can smoke in Independence of the Seas’ on line casino (cigarettes solely) and designated outside lounges on decks 4 and 11 portside. The Deck 11 smoking space is adjoining to the seating for Fish & Ships. The on line casino does provide nonsmoking tables, however the cigarette smoke from the smoking part tends to waft all through the complete house, and even into the Playmakers Sports activities Bar subsequent door.

Laundry

Independence of the Seas doesn’t provide self-service launderettes. Passengers will pay further for laundry, urgent and dry cleansing companies.

Electrical shops

You will discover two North American-style 110-volt shops and one European-style 220-volt outlet by the desk/self-importance in your cabin. You’ll not discover shops by the mattress or within the toilet (apart from a shavers-only outlet — search for by the mirror as it isn’t straightforward to identify).

Foreign money

The onboard forex is the U.S. greenback, however you will not want money on the ship. You will obtain a SeaPass card that capabilities as your shipboard ID, room key and bank card. You will cost shipboard purchases (drinks, souvenirs, extra-fee meals, shore excursions and so forth) to your onboard account, and Royal Caribbean will cost your bank card on file as soon as the cruise ends. You may test your onboard invoice within the cruise line’s app or at Visitor Companies.

The outlets on CocoCay additionally take your SeaPass card.

Consuming age

You should be 21 to eat alcohol on Independence of the Seas.

Gown code

Through the day, individuals costume casually. T-shirts, shorts, athletic put on, informal sundresses and bathing fits are generally worn on board and ashore. Deliver a cover-up to go from the pool again indoors.

Within the night, the ship does have a instructed costume code. On my cruise, the themes had been resort informal, dress-to-impress and tropical. Specialty eating places state their costume codes are sensible informal (Giovanni’s and Izumi) or formal (Chops), however on a three-night cruise, the one costume code is sort of something goes.

I ate at Chops Grille on dress-to-impress evening, and I can say that Royal Caribbean cruisers have different notions of how one can impress with their style. In Chops, I noticed males sporting each shorts and denims although most had been sporting collared polo or button-down tropical-style shirts.

Across the ship on dress-to-impress evening, I noticed a pair in full-on pirate apparel, a gaggle in an across-the-decades theme (one girl wore go-go boots and a mini costume, one other wore an ’80s Jazzercise outfit, and a person had a ’70s-style shirt and vest with a peace-sign necklace) and a number of other guys in loud tropical-style outfits with matching shirts, shorts and hats. I additionally noticed loads of company in floor-length robes, sparkly attire and fits.

Determine that the one issues that may get you side-eye from the crew in the primary eating room and specialty eating places will likely be swimwear, naked ft, pajamas and athletic-style tank tops.

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Backside line

Independence of the Seas helps vacationers pack plenty of exercise into a fast getaway. The vibe is upbeat and enjoyable, and the ship is massive sufficient to accommodate all kinds of vacationers however not so massive as to really feel overwhelming on a brief cruise. Whether or not you are a household with youngsters, a pair or a gaggle of household and mates, you may discover your pleased place on this ship.

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