Updated and refitted with a tonne of new features in 2018, Independence of the Seas remains one of the most popular Royal Caribbean ships. Independence comes complete with a state of the art Flowrider — a real wave surfing simulator — plus a rock climbing wall, the Royal Promenade, a sports court and an adult-only solarium. She also boasts extensive Wi-Fi capabilities and connectivity for mobile phones as well as flat-screen TVs in every stateroom.
As well as this, passengers will find an outdoor movie screen, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy movies under the stars with special seating and popcorn. Another feature is the popular Oasis-class Cupcake Cupboard, bringing all your favourite tasty treats to the Royal Promenade. The little ones can make the most of a modern nursery, perfect for parents to take some time out with the youngest members of the family. The Vintages bar and other public areas boast floor to ceiling windows allowing a bright, light environment and wonderful views. Staterooms are fresh and modern, and it's possible to stay in a Panoramic Stateroom, which enables guests to have a fantastic view of the surrounding seas in their own room.
Independence of the Seas offers an incredible range of dining options, with a choice of menus that will leave you speechless. From the 24-hour snack buffets to the sophisticated à la carte restaurants, every taste will be catered for, and then some.
Families will love Johnny Rockets, an American diner which plates up hamburgers and fries, accompanied with rockin' tunes from the tabletop jukebox. Other options include:
Plus don't forget to head to the Ben & Jerry's stand for a regular ice cream fix! Choose from a fantastic array of delicious flavours and toppings, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
From the majestic 1350 seat theatre to trivia at Schooner Bar, there's entertainment on every scale. Also worth checking out is the traditional pub, the Dog and Badger, and the funky karaoke bar 'On Air Club'. From cold beers, to elegant cocktails, there's a lounge aboard this ship to suit your taste.
The cinema screens some fantastic films - both old and new - and the theatre showcases a variety of Broadway-style productions, including hit music 'Grease'. As well as this you, can even find the occasional bit of cabaret onboard.
For an evening of sophistication, head for Champagne Bar for live music to accompany your nightcap, or why not take part in one of the fantastic wine tasting events that are hosted in Vintages Wine Bar? Before you retire to your cabin, and if you fancy a flutter, check out the ship's casino where you might hit the jackpot.
Children won't want to leave the Splash Away Bay water park, which boasts a range of slides, water cannons, a jungle-gym, and the well-loved drench bucket. For older guests, there is a dedicated sports pool, an enlarged outdoor rock climbing wall, full-sized basketball court, the FlowRider surfing simulator, and a sports court which can play host to many activities such as dodgeball and football. You'll also find a Trampoline Bungee Dome in which guests have the option to don a virtual-reality headset, and play in a virtual space world.
Being such an impressive vessel, the Independence of the Sea comes packed to the rafters with as many spa facilities as you could wish for. Treat yourself to some TLC and visit the Vitality Fitness Centre & Spa for a host of health and beauty services including revitalising body wraps and invigorating facials. The adult-only solarium is the perfect place for some tranquil peace and quiet. The only question is will you be able to fit all this rest and relaxation into your holiday?
However, if you're feeling guilty about your latest indulgent evening, or simply love to stay active, then head to the state-of-the-art gym, join in one of the many fitness classes on offer or take a jog on the running track.
Innovative, but at the same time filled with traditional cruise ship benefits, Independence of the Seas offers an incredible range of onboard activity options. Enjoy the boutique shopping in the Royal Promenade, with luxury brands including Michael Kors and Ray-Ban, escape to the piece a quiet of the library, or view stunning artworks in the Art Gallery, where regular auctions are held. There are also some brilliant, casual places to spend time - including Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, and Sugar Beach Candy & Ice Cream Store. Whatever your mood, you can rest assured there is always something to do onboard Independence of the Seas, although of course, you can also sit back and do sweet nothing at all.
06 Oct 2019
Just did a 12 night cruise and absolutely loved everything about it as I've done many cruises now,crew amazing,itinerary amazing for the money,drinks package absolutely shocking and the food was amazingly,pity about the drinks packages for us normal working people,where else would you pay $8 for a beer,NOWHERE
03 Oct 2019
Just back from a great cruise new aditions since refit great,staff fantastic as always but our junior suite was very tired looking and the evening meal was sadly very poor and after doing over 30 cruises this was the first time we have had to go to the buffet for evening meals but the food was a lot better than the main restaurant which is a shame.
22 Sep 2019
Great time very good staff always friendly and helpful lovely ship and great ports of calls
21 Sep 2019
We were lucky to go on her maiden voyage - and to have sailed on her another 6 times but! I am afraid to say the Indy is not the ship she used to be. The staff are still great but the whole concept is now focused on selling! Nearly every talk or seminar is aimed at selling something, from the expensive excursions to the never ending spa treatments. The specialised dining has increased in price as well as the drinks packages. We also found that the ship docked much further away from the usual places forcing everyone to have to pay for shuttles etc. Very disappointing. On the plus side, the staff are still great and the food was excellent! We are however now going to try another cruise line.
Show more16 Sep 2019
Staff are very courteous and can’t do enough for you but that’s about where the good news ends. The ship is over crowded and the kids club facilities are very basic. Would have given 4 stars but had an issue with my son who has a severe nut allergy. No allergy information displayed anywhere in the restaurant buffet area. My son wanted a Chocolate mouse so we asked so speak to the chef to check if it contained nuts and was told that it didn’t. Asked them to double check as it has praline in the description and were reassured that the mouse did not contain nuts. Needless to say he had one spoonful and reacted. Took him to the ships doctor and then asked to speak to the head chef who confirmed that indeed the mouse has a 15% nut concentration. Understandably, we were quite anxious about what he was eating for the rest of the trip not to mention one evening ruined by spending it in the infirmary. In summary, fantastic crew (despite the allergy incident) but Royal Caribbean’s procedures and need to pack you in like sardines to maximise income let down the experience.
Show more16 Sep 2019
I have been on this ship many times and I have always had a great time. This time was no exception but I did notice that the food was not as good as previous cruises. The service was very good but the quality and menu choices in the restaurants in the evening did not live up to the standard of past cruises. Embarkment and Disembarkment was exceptional
11 Sep 2019
Had another amazing time on this wonderful ship! The staff are so helpful and attentive, nothing is too much trouble. This was the 2nd time I’ve been on this one and it doesn’t let you down! If you’ve not tried RC you must. Lots to do for all ages and we love the adult only area for the pool and hot tubs. Food is amazing and so much to choose from. Even the fussiest of eaters will find something. Entertainment is brilliant as well.
09 Sep 2019
Wonderful ship, there's so much to do for families. The entertainment is first class, food excellent and very child friendly. The only downside was the price of drinks was expensive, and the app which was supposed to track your bill was not working. We were billed hundreds of pounds, but no idea what for. So far no response from Royal Caribbean.
09 Sep 2019
I did not enjoy my cruise this time compared to last year. My grandchildren were looking forward to some of the activities that they enjoyed last year and many were cancelled although they were advertised, and some had to be booked on the app that even the crew didn't understand - so we had to go to the main desk and book, only to then find a fault and there was no booking. I found it overwhelming to be continuously pestered to purchase goods and services plus tips you couldnt move through the promenade deck for sales tables outside the shops and being pestered to buy. As this was a taster cruise I am afraid I was definately put off and would never use this cruise line again. Even chatting with the crew, they were all a bit disgruntled with the company and this was reflected - although they were all lovely and worked hard you, had to feel sorry for them. The cabin looked a bit tired with broken drawers, holes in soft furnishing and noise. I was glad to get home for a rest and some sleep. Such a pity as I have recommended this to others after last year but reversed this now. This is no reflection on your company, I will still use and recommend you .
Show more09 Sep 2019
We enjoyed our time on the mini cruise. Was a little disappointed with the room sizes and don't see that they were part of the refurb. We found the drinks on-board more expensive this time and the staff always a little pushy to try and sell a service. Entertainment was good and the food in the dining rooms was great as well as the service.
07 Sep 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this first cruise experience and will definitely be going again. Service, food and entertainment all excellent. Only niggle was the amount of people who daily reserved sun loungers inspite of the policy, but it wasn't being applied! That did not spoil an otherwise excellent holiday.
06 Sep 2019
Lovely clean ship, food fantastic, entertainment excellent, service great.