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

You may get a very good 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 just a few tables away from a big group of ladies toasting one another with drinks earlier than bursting out with “Ladies Simply Need to Have Enjoyable.” I misplaced rely 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 non-public location. (I discovered later three {couples} acquired married throughout my crusing.)

The gang was younger on my long-weekend Bahamas cruise. I noticed a number of people of their 20s and 30s, in addition to households with children on a final hurrah earlier than faculty began. However the reunion teams spanned at the very least three generations (probably 4?). The gang was culturally various, and I heard a number 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 probably the most enjoyable attainable on a fast three-day journey. The ship and its smiling crew members have been glad 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 great occasions 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 big Oasis Class. Once they debuted, Independence of the Seas and its Freedom Class sisters (Freedom and Liberty — sense a theme?) have 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 perimeters of the ship and a water park for teenagers.

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

Greater than a decade later, the ship is now not the most important or probably the most modern, 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 consuming venues, wow-factor leisure (together with a Broadway musical), loads of energetic enjoyable and room to sunbathe.

The ship nonetheless makes the highest 40 hit record of largest ships on the earth, beating out way more just lately constructed vessels reminiscent of Disney Want, Discovery Princess and Norwegian Prima. It may possibly accommodate all types of vacationers, from budget-conscious vacationers reserving inside cabins to well-off households staying within the largest suites, and presents actions for folk who like to remain energetic, those that wish to lounge within the solar and partiers in search of 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 is likely to be the right measurement for energetic family and friends trying to have outsize enjoyable on quite a lot of cruise itineraries.

What I cherished about Independence of the Seas

The ship’s power is excessive

Brief 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 1000’s of wasted weekend warriors on board. That is by no means 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 shall 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 while 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 realize you may have a very good time.

I am positive that individuals acquired drunk on my cruise (steer clear of the swim-up and floating bars on Royal Caribbean’s non-public island when you want to keep away from them). However I did not see any sloppy drunk company stumbling by the general public decks or getting sick in cabin hallways. Possibly that is as a result of I went to mattress at an affordable 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.

Be aware that the onboard vibe will possible be totally different on the ship’s upcoming longer cruises in Europe and in Canada and New England.

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

Royal Caribbean excels at passenger circulate 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 possibly can’t get there from right here” expertise I’ve had on different cruise traces.

The ship is split into three sections, prime 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) comprise solely cabins and suites, so you possibly can ignore all of those besides the deck the place your room is positioned. (You will discover a smattering of lodging on the highest and decrease decks.) The underside decks (3 to five) function the Promenade with its bars and retailers and the primary indoor points of interest — the eating room, on line casino, theater and ice rink.

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I rapidly realized the place every part was positioned, important on a brief cruise. Higher but, I did not encounter any bottlenecks the place too many individuals have been compelled into too small a hall or transit area. 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 have 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 nicely designed with nice decisions

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 reasonably 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. Typically I had to go searching for a desk for 2. However the measurement of the venue and the station format (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 a number of decisions at time for supper. 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 (principally Asian and Indian) stations, in addition to a well-stocked salad bar and always-available burgers and scorching canine. Day by day-rotating-themed stations provided attention-grabbing choices, reminiscent of Jamaican meals, on the night time I finished 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 timed trials, however the steam-tray scrambled eggs have been really 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 displaying its age

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

My balcony cabin was snug, with all of the area 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 have been chipped, the image frames have been scratched — and there was a spot between the underside of one of many nightstand drawers and the entrance edge the place small gadgets may fall by. Once I was placing my toiletries away within the toilet, one of many triangular cabinets fell down, though I had solely put just a few gadgets 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 when you’re hoping for a pristine, Insta-worthy room.

The drink menu is boring

I am not an enormous drinker, however I 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 desire 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 artistic 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 have 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 distinct cocktail record. For a ship that likes to occasion, I used to be upset that Royal Caribbean hasn’t hopped on the artistic cocktail pattern like a few of its competitor cruise traces. I’ve since realized 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 printed, 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 presents 4 principal kinds of cabins: windowless inside cabins, ocean-view rooms with image home windows that do not open, balcony cabins with non-public verandas and greater suites. The latter vary from 364-square-foot junior suites to the humongous 1,649-square-foot Royal Suite (sizes embrace balcony area).

A number of the extra uncommon lodging on this ship embrace 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 preferred 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 centered studying lights and one-drawer, one-shelf nightstands flank the beds. The dwelling space encompasses 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 slim aspect mirrors, with one other glass shelf above the flat-screen TV.

The TV is just not interactive. It has roughly 30 channels of sports activities, information, films and youngsters programming, plus a bunch of cruise ship-sponsored channels.

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

The lavatory is small however serviceable. The spherical bathe has two sliding doorways, and I did not harm 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 beneath the sink.

Loos are stocked with bathtub 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 stage of recline) and a spherical desk that might simply accommodate a room service breakfast order.

The decor, as talked about earlier, is relatively dated and displaying 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 trouble me, however when you’re anticipating new and trendy, please readjust your expectations.

What did trouble 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 and not using a connecting door.

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When you want to improve and ebook a collection on Independence of the Seas, you’ve gotten a alternative of Royal, Proprietor’s, Grand, Panoramic and Junior Suite choices. Totally different suite sorts include totally different Royal Suite Class perks, which could embrace 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 presents loads of restaurant and bar decisions. It has a very good 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 could possibly discover your favourite and return night time after night time or strive someplace new with each drink.

Eating places

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

When you select early or late eating (the place you may have the identical desk location, tablemates and waiters every night time), 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 possibility, 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 occasions). Breakfast right here presents the same choice to the buffet, however dishes are made to order and waiter-served. Extra out-of-the-ordinary choices embrace 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 is likely to be a lamb pita, a barbecue pulled pork sandwich, butternut squash risotto or roasted Atlantic cod.

Dinner is likely to be themed (reminiscent of Style of the Caribbean) with an on-theme chef’s advisable three-course meal. Entrees will embrace seafood, rooster, beef, pasta and a vegetarian possibility. One Indian dish is obtainable nightly, normally meat-based with a vegetarian model accessible upon request. You possibly can order premium alternatives, reminiscent of 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 night time and loved a jerk rooster dish that had extra spice and taste than your common cruise ship entree. The waiters have been pleasant and prepared with options of one of the best decisions that night. After two lengthy dinners the earlier nights, I did not really feel a have to linger over my meal, and the eating room employees 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 nicely 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, due to a number of meals stations scattered all through the area. There is no outside seating, however there are many home windows. The aft stations are totally different from the aspect stations, so do a loop earlier than selecting.

Breakfast has all the apparent 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 decisions (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 infrequently 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 among the dishes.

A gluten-free counter at lunch and dinner is accessible for folk 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 usually emptiest on the primary night time, however I did not see any low cost presents for reserving on night time one.

The last word date night time restaurant is the ship’s American steakhouse, Chops Grille. You possibly can select from 4 steak choices, 4 seafood dishes (together with Maine lobster), roast rooster or rack of lamb (our alternative — it was very flavorful). Vegetarians should request a particular order as a result of the menu doesn’t record any meat-free choices.

Your protein comes bare on the plate, so gown 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 gratifying 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 a substitute. It is a tad cheaper at $48 per individual for dinner ($15 for teenagers) or $23 for lunch, and I believed my meal there was nicer than the one at Chops.

The whole lot I ordered was scrumptious, from the intense inexperienced arugula salad starter to the gnocchi gorgonzola pasta (save your abdomen and order a half portion!) and completely cooked branzino fish. You could possibly 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 positioned throughout from one another by the doorway to the Windjammer Cafe buffet. Lunch is just not at all times provided on each cruise in these venues, so test the cruise app for eating occasions in your crusing.

The third specialty restaurant, Izumi, is tucked away in an simply missed spot on Deck 4 by the Schooner Bar. It is acquired 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. Don’t love consuming seafood uncooked? You possibly can order different Japanese favorites, reminiscent of beef or rooster teriyaki, ramen, miso soup and gyoza dumplings.

Hibachi reservations must be made as far upfront as attainable, however you possibly can 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 price further.

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The Promenade options various 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 possibly can 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 Seashore Ice Cream for a further payment per cup or cone. Without spending a dime soft-serve ice cream, head as much as Sprinkles on the pool deck.

Some of the well-liked venues on the Promenade is the Cafe Promenade. It does double responsibility 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.). When you’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 children while you stroll by Sugar Seashore, the ship’s rainbow-colored bulk sweet retailer. Between the free Froot Loops and cookies elsewhere on the ship, I would not suppose you have to spend cash on extra sweets, however when you want a jelly bean repair, you realize the place to go.

Playmakers Sports activities Bar presents 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 possibly can carry your children to this bar.

Up by Splashaway Bay, Fish & Ships serves a restricted menu of fried fish, shrimp and rooster and fries without cost, 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 may 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. throughout till 6 a.m. and contains soup, salad, sandwiches, favorites (quesadillas, grilled salmon, pasta, pizza, rooster wings and tenders), dessert and a children menu.

Bars

Your night bar crawl will not earn you a lot steps because the ship’s principal 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 usually an all-ages crowd dancing merengue, salsa and extra and singing alongside to well-liked tunes. Subsequent door is Playmakers Sports activities Bar and Arcade, the place you possibly can watch all of the video games or play pool, foosball, skeeball or Tremendous Shot basketball whereas downing beers. (Warn your children — there are not any video video games at this arcade.)

The on line casino has its personal bar within the middle of the motion. Develop into an everyday and also you would possibly begin getting drinks without cost. On the opposite aspect of the on line casino, the nautical-themed Schooner’s is the place to go for piano singalongs and trivia (normally catering to an older crowd). The desert pear margarita is well-liked, although I most well-liked 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 classy 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. When you like bubbly, you possibly can chill out on the cozy couches right here and toast your trip success.

However don’t fret — when 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 classy 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 place to observe sailaway when you do not wish to be out within the solar. Higher-tier loyalty members and suite company can get their drink on without cost at their respective lounges adjoining to Olive or Twist.

In case your thought of a bar is a soda machine, you could 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 possibly can 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 middle is the primary pool space.

The primary pool space options two swimming pools, three scorching tubs, a bar, a bandstand and dance area 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 have to signal towels out and in together with your keycard; fail to return one and you will be charged $25, so maintain monitor 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 is likely to be on deck 13 ahead.

Ahead of the primary swimming pools, the solarium options two minipools, a bar, shaded lounge area and two outsized scorching tubs cantilevered over the perimeters 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 excellent 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’re going to discover a multipurpose sports activities courtroom (basketball, pickleball, flooring hockey), the FlowRider surf simulator, a rock-climbing wall and the doorway to the 2 Good Storm waterslides. You have to be at the very least 4 ft tall and not more than 250 kilos to journey the Cyclone (220 kilos for the Storm); kids 12 and beneath have to be supervised by an grownup. Each are three-deck-high tube tornado slides.

When you dare to boogie board or stand-up surf know that your successes and failures shall 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 gymnasium 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 working monitor weaves across the deck chairs above the primary swimming pools on Deck 12. Six laps equal a mile. The one life like occasions 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 skool with a sport of shuffleboard on the Deck 4 outside decks.

If serenity is what you search, the spa is positioned on Deck 12 ahead, immediately above the health middle. Get your hair and nails achieved within the salon or soften away your work-life stress with a therapeutic massage or facial. Acupuncture, medispa remedies (reminiscent of Restylane fillers), males’s shaves, waxing and enamel whitening are additionally on supply. Without spending a dime stress reduction, you may discover saunas and steam rooms within the males’s and ladies’s locker rooms.

The expansive gymnasium has rows of cardio machines, Life Health resistance stations and free weights. One aspect of the gymnasium is reserved for spin class, whereas a exercise studio is dwelling to each group lessons (yoga, boot camp and extra, for a payment) and spa seminars. (Guess what? Primarily based in your footprint evaluation, you’ll need 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 lessons, wine or alcohol tasting seminars, silent dance events and behind-the-scenes ship excursions. When you’re over 18, do not miss the late-night Quest sport present, which is decidedly not PG and is completely hilarious.

For some retail remedy, browse the retailers on the Promenade for souvenirs reminiscent of logowear, liquor, magnificence merchandise, purses, fantastic watches and jewellery. The picture gallery and portrait studio are on Deck 3; search for photographs on contact screens utilizing your cabin quantity (we have moved on from looking out by a whole lot 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 children 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 children ages 3 and up can take pleasure in supervised enjoyable without cost at Journey Ocean. The totally different teams of children — Aquanauts (ages 3-5), Explorers (6-8) and Voyagers (9/11) — have their very own play area, however relying on the variety of kids on board, they may get playtime in one other age group’s area. Tweens and youths ages 12 to 17 can play video video games and hand around in The Residing Room and exhibit their dance strikes within the Gasoline teen nightclub.

Be aware: Children ages 17 and beneath have to be of their cabins by 1 a.m.

By day, Studio B presents each open ice skating classes 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 unravel as in industrial escape rooms on land. It’s a enjoyable technique 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 positioned on the aft finish of the Promenade, close to the eating room. When you’re in search of a quiet area 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 possibly can borrow a ebook, test e-mail on the pc stations or conceal out from the crowds (or your children, 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 possibly can take pleasure in visitor acts, reminiscent of comedians and ventriloquists, on the opposite nights.

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

Royal Caribbean’s ice exhibits are at all times a very good time, and Independence of the Seas’ journey by the many years, referred to as “Freeze Body,” isn’t 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. Convey a sweater.

I didn’t must make reservations for both “Grease” or “Freeze Body” upfront on this cruise, as I’ve achieved for exhibits on different Royal Caribbean ships. Test the cruise app while you’re on board, however until this modifications from cruise to cruise, you may solely want to indicate up 15 to twenty minutes upfront to get one of the best seats.

When you’ve been on different ships within the fleet, please notice that the Promenade on Independence of the Seas doesn’t stage parades or concert events. Just a few themed events have been listed on the every day schedule, however normally, it meant {that a} DJ was taking part in 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 dwelling port in Southampton, England. From there the ship will sail two- by 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 dwelling in Miami and sail a sequence of seven-night Jap and Western Caribbean itineraries, most of which embrace a cease within the line’s well-liked non-public island, Good Day at CocoCay.

Associated: Jap Caribbean vs. Western Caribbean cruises: Which itinerary will I like extra?

In April 2026, Independence of the Seas will transfer to one more new dwelling port, Cape Liberty cruise port in Bayonne, New Jersey. From there, the ship will supply 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 start certificates and a driver’s license or different government-issued picture I.D.

Company crusing on transatlantic cruises, sailings from Southampton or one-way itineraries will want a passport. Passports for any cruises have to be legitimate for at the very least six months.

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

Associated: What paperwork do you want for a cruise? From passports to printouts, here is what to take

Gratuities

The room stewards and eating employees on Independence of the Seas are pleasant and useful and deserve an additional thank-you. Royal Caribbean makes that straightforward by charging you an computerized gratuity of $18.50 to $21 per individual, per day, relying in your cabin class, added to your onboard account and last invoice. You’re 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.

Associated: The whole lot you have to learn about tipping on cruise ships

Wi-Fi

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

Typically you will get one of the best reductions on onboard Wi-Fi by buying your plans on-line upfront of your cruise. Members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society cruise loyalty program can also 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 package deal.

Having bother 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 consuming 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 reminiscent of sodas.

If you wish to toast your success in your cabin, you are good, however if you wish to carry your most well-liked classic to a restaurant or lounge, you may have to pay a $15 corkage payment.

Smoking coverage

Smoking (together with e-cigarette smoking) is forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and people who 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 supply nonsmoking tables, however the cigarette smoke from the smoking part tends to waft all through your complete area, and even into the Playmakers Sports activities Bar subsequent door.

Laundry

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

Electrical retailers

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

Forex

The onboard foreign money is the U.S. greenback, however you will not want money on the ship. You will obtain a SeaPass card that features 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 possibly can test your onboard invoice within the cruise line’s app or at Visitor Companies.

The retailers on CocoCay additionally take your SeaPass card.

Ingesting age

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

Costume code

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

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

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

Across the ship on dress-to-impress night time, 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 gown, 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 shall be swimwear, naked ft, pajamas and athletic-style tank tops.

Associated: Final cruise packing record

Backside line

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

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