Independence of the Seas cruise ship review: What ...

You will get an excellent 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 ladies toasting one another with drinks earlier than bursting out with “Women 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 marriage ceremony reception in a non-public location. (I discovered later three {couples} bought married throughout my crusing.)

The gang was younger on my long-weekend Bahamas cruise. I noticed a whole lot 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 not less than three generations (probably 4?). The gang was culturally various, and I heard a whole lot of Spanish on this crusing, however the overwhelming majority of cruisers hailed from Florida.

All of them had one factor in widespread — a need to have essentially the most enjoyable potential on a fast three-day journey. The ship and its smiling crew members have been completely happy 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 inbuilt 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 edges of the ship and a water park for youths.

Associated: The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

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.

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Greater than a decade later, the ship is not the largest or essentially 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 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 record of largest ships on this planet, beating out rather more just lately constructed vessels corresponding to Disney Wish, Discovery Princess and Norwegian Prima. It will probably accommodate every kind of vacationers, from budget-conscious vacationers reserving inside cabins to well-off households staying within the largest suites, and gives actions for people who like to remain lively, those that wish to lounge within the solar and partiers searching for a good time.

With a lot to do on board, you will not really feel such as you’re on an outdated ship.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

What I beloved about Independence of the Seas

The ship’s power is excessive

Quick cruises do not at all times have one of the best popularity. “They’re get together cruises,” individuals sneer, as if the megaship is one humongous den of debauchery with hundreds of wasted weekend warriors on board. That is under no circumstances 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 take advantage of the ship’s facilities and time in port. Onboard occasions might be full of friends all in on the enjoyable, whether or not that is cheering on contestants in a recreation present or singing together with a musician in a bar. Folks screamed for his or her favorites on the “End the Lyric” recreation prefer it was a university soccer recreation, 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 understand you will have an excellent time.

I am certain that individuals bought drunk on my cruise (steer clear of the swim-up and floating bars on Royal Caribbean’s personal island for those who want to keep away from them). However I did not see any sloppy drunk friends stumbling via 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.

Notice 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 big or overly crowded

Royal Caribbean excels at passenger circulation on its ships, which makes its megaships really feel manageable. Independence of the Seas is straightforward 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, high to backside. The higher decks (11 to fifteen) are the place you will discover all of the outside enjoyable and actions, in addition to the buffet and spa. The center decks (6 to 10) comprise completely cabins and suites, so you possibly can 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) function the Promenade with its bars and retailers and the principle indoor sights — the eating room, on line casino, theater and ice rink.

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I rapidly realized the place all the things was situated, 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 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 have been packed.

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

The buffet is effectively designed with nice selections

As I’ve written about earlier than, I’m not a huge 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. Typically I had to go searching for a desk for 2. However the measurement 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 a whole lot 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. Each day-rotating-themed stations supplied attention-grabbing choices, corresponding to Jamaican meals, on the night time I ended by.

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The breakfast choices included all the things you’d anticipate finding, in addition to an sudden worldwide station with Indian breakfast dishes. I admit I did not put the made-to-order omelet counter via 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 whole lot 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 rest room cupboards have been chipped, the image frames have been scratched — and there was a niche between the underside of one of many nightstand drawers and the entrance edge the place small objects may fall via. After I was placing my toiletries away within the rest room, one of many triangular cabinets fell down, although 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 fashionable.

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

The drink menu is boring

I am not a giant 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 want to pick out from a preset menu. I have been loving going to bars on ships like Carnival Celebration and Oceania’s Vista and testing 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 Wonder 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 get together, 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 overview was initially revealed, Royal Caribbean has revamped the menus in each Boleros and the Ale & Anchor pub.

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My room on Independence of the Seas was a daily balcony cabin, dealing with the ocean — the preferred room kind on most ships. It supplied loads of room for 2 individuals, and I do not assume it might 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 contains a lengthy couch that would 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 facet mirrors, with one other glass shelf above the flat-screen TV.

The TV will not be 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 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 steel 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 damage myself after I dropped my conditioner bottle and needed to retrieve it off the ground mid-shower. The bathe has two steel cabinets and a movable wand showerhead.

Storage consists of 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 degree of recline) and a spherical desk that would 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 hassle me, however for those who’re anticipating new and fashionable, 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 each time I used to be attempting to fall asleep. To check, I could not hear something from the cabin on the opposite facet and not using 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 alternative of Royal, Proprietor’s, Grand, Panoramic and Junior Suite choices. Totally different suite sorts include completely 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 gives loads of restaurant and bar selections. It has an excellent 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 various character of the numerous bars. You possibly can discover your favourite and return night time after night time or strive someplace new with each drink.

Eating places

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

For those who select early or late eating (the place you will have the identical desk location, tablemates and waiters every night time), you will 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 Dining, 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 supplied day-after-day, so examine the Royal Caribbean app for occasions). Breakfast right here gives an identical 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 (corresponding to Style of the Caribbean) with an on-theme chef’s really useful 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 obtainable upon request. You may order premium picks, corresponding to Maine lobster tail, surf and turf or a filet mignon from the ship’s Chops Grille steakhouse for an additional charge (starting from $16.99 to $34.99, plus an 18% gratuity).

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

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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 selections 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 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 popularity, however I used to be impressed with Independence of the Seas’ Windjammer Cafe. Discovered on Deck 11 aft, the expansive eating space is effectively 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 house. There is no outside seating, however there are many home windows. The aft stations are completely different from the facet stations, so do a loop earlier than selecting.

Breakfast has all the plain choices: cold and warm 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 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 contemporary on the buffet. I used to be tempted to skip the principle eating room to pattern among the dishes.

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

Independence of the Seas has three marquee, extra-fee specialty restaurants 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 gives for reserving on night time one.

The last word date night time 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 alternative — it was very flavorful). Vegetarians must 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 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 fulfilling however didn’t have an enormous wow issue. A meal prices $63 for dinner ($15 for youths ages 6-12) and $27 for lunch.

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

Every little thing 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 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 will not be at all times supplied on each cruise in these venues, so examine 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 bought 5 hibachi tables that may seat as much as 10 individuals every. Select your protein and be prepared for a dinner efficiency that can 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 may order different Japanese favorites, corresponding to beef or rooster teriyaki, ramen, miso soup and gyoza dumplings.

Hibachi reservations must be made as far prematurely as potential, 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 youths) 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 obtainable, with a 3rd taste that modifications each day. You may at all times request vegetarian, gluten-free or dairy-free pizzas to be made particular for you.

Comply with up your pie with a candy deal with at Sugar Seaside Ice Cream for a further charge per cup or cone. At no cost soft-serve ice cream, head as much as Sprinkles on the pool deck.

Some of the common 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.). 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 assume you want to spend cash on extra sweets, however for those who want a jelly bean repair, you understand the place to go.

Playmakers Sports activities Bar gives 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 without cost, in addition to a fried lobster tail basket for $12. One deck up by the youngsters golf equipment, Johnny Rockets will gasoline 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 charge.

The common room service menu is offered from 11 a.m. during till 6 a.m. and consists of 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 primary 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 common 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 youngsters — there aren’t any video video games at this arcade.)

The on line casino has its personal bar within the heart of the motion. Develop into a daily and also you may begin getting drinks without cost. On the opposite facet 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 common, 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 classy glass of wine. The venue additionally hosts wine tastings.

Probably the most understated bar on the ship is the Champagne Bar, simply throughout from the shore excursions desk. For those who like bubbly, you possibly can calm down on the cozy couches right here and toast your trip success.

However don’t be concerned — for those who’re sunning or sweating on the higher decks, you will discover loads of watering holes to moist your whistle. The ship has three pool deck bars: the pool bar by the principle swimming pools, the Sky Lounge serving friends 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. Flooring-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 look at sailaway for those who do not wish to be out within the solar. Higher-tier loyalty members and suite friends 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’ll find Coke machines by Sorrento’s on the Promenade and on both facet 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 good water.

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All of the enjoyable is not only for adults. The youngsters rule the varsity 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 charge, however youngsters ages 3 and up can take pleasure in supervised enjoyable without cost at Journey Ocean. The completely different teams of children — Aquanauts (ages 3-5), Explorers (6-8) and Voyagers (11th of September) — have their very own play house, however relying on the variety of kids on board, they may get playtime in one other age group’s house. Tweens and teenagers 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.

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

By day, Studio B gives 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 business escape rooms on land. It’s a enjoyable technique to meet and work together with different friends, 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 searching for a quiet house away from all of the hubbub, sneak away to the library on Deck 5 aft. It is hidden throughout the Star Lounge foyer, however as soon as inside, you possibly can borrow a e-book, examine e-mail on the pc stations or disguise out from the crowds (or your youngsters, you by no means know).

Independence of the Seas reveals

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, corresponding to comedians and ventriloquists, on the opposite nights.

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

Royal Caribbean’s ice reveals are at all times an excellent time, and Independence of the Seas’ journey via the many years, 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. Carry a sweater.

I didn’t should make reservations for both “Grease” or “Freeze Body” prematurely on this cruise, as I’ve performed for reveals on different Royal Caribbean ships. Examine the cruise app whenever you’re on board, however until this modifications from cruise to cruise, you will 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 observe that the Promenade on Independence of the Seas doesn’t stage parades or concert events. A couple of themed events have been listed on the each day schedule, however normally, 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 quick cruises from Florida ports, however in April 2025 the ship will cross the Atlantic to a brand new spring and summer season residence port in Southampton, England. From there the ship will sail two- via 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 residence in Miami and sail a collection of seven-night Japanese and Western Caribbean itineraries, most of which embrace a cease within the line’s common personal island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

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In April 2026, Independence of the Seas will transfer to yet one more new residence 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

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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 computerized gratuity of $18.50 to $21 per individual, per day, relying in your cabin class, added to your onboard account and ultimate invoice. You might be allowed to regulate this quantity on the Visitor Companies desk earlier than disembarking, however please do not — even if you’re upset by the service. Gratuities are an essential 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 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 units), although costs do change over time. You may also buy 24-hour entry for a flat fee 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 additionally be eligible for reductions on Wi-Fi packages.

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

Having bother logging in? A Voom assist desk on the Promenade (exterior The Assortment retailer) is staffed each day.

Associated: How fast is the internet on Royal Caribbean ships? We put it to the test

Carry-on drinks coverage

Royal Caribbean friends 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 corresponding 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 will have to pay a $15 corkage charge.

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 charge.

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 your entire 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 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 rest room (aside from a shavers-only outlet — lookup by the mirror as it isn’t straightforward to identify).

Foreign money

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 may examine your onboard invoice within the cruise line’s app or at Visitor Companies.

The retailers on CocoCay additionally take your SeaPass card.

Consuming age

You have to 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. Carry 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 have been resort informal, dress-to-impress and tropical. Specialty eating places state their costume codes are good 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 night time, and I can say that Royal Caribbean cruisers have diverse notions of methods 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 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 friends in floor-length robes, sparkly attire and fits.

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

Associated: Ultimate cruise packing list

Backside line

Independence of the Seas helps vacationers pack a whole lot of exercise into a fast getaway. The vibe is upbeat and enjoyable, and the ship is massive sufficient to accommodate all sorts 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 will discover your completely happy place on this ship.

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