Independence of the Seas cruise ship evaluate: What to anticipate on board a Freedom-class megaship

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

Greater than a decade later, the ship is not the most important 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 energetic enjoyable and room to sunbathe.

The ship nonetheless makes the highest 40 hit listing of largest ships on this planet, beating out way more lately constructed vessels corresponding to Disney Want, Discovery Princess and Norwegian Prima. It may accommodate every kind of vacationers, from budget-conscious vacationers staying in inside cabins to well-off households reserving the biggest suites, and presents actions for folk who like to remain energetic, 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With a lot to do on board, you will not really feel such as you’re on an outdated ship.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 may really feel such as you’re on an action-packed ship — one which may be the proper measurement for energetic family and friends seeking to have outsized enjoyable on a fast getaway.

What I cherished about Independence of the Seas

The ship’s vitality is excessive

Quick cruises do not at all times have one of the best status. “They’re celebration cruises,” folks 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 benefit from the ship’s facilities and time in port. Onboard occasions will likely be filled with visitors 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 school soccer recreation, and I watched three, if not 4, generations of households dancing the merengue collectively on the Latin bar Boleros.

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

I am positive that individuals bought drunk on my cruise (keep away from the swim-up and floating bars on Royal Caribbean’s non-public island should you want to keep away from them). However I did not see any sloppy drunk visitors stumbling by way of 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 vitality was infectious and made all of the actions a bit extra high-octane and enjoyable.

Independence of the Seas would not really feel large 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 may’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) include completely cabins and suites, so you may ignore all of those besides the deck the place your room is positioned. (You may discover a smattering of lodging on the highest and decrease decks.) The underside decks (3 to five) function the Promenade with its bars and outlets and the primary indoor points of interest — the eating room, the on line casino, the theater and ice rink.

I rapidly discovered the place the whole lot was positioned, important on a brief cruise. Higher but, I did not encounter any bottlenecks the place too many individuals had been compelled into too small a hall or transit 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 after they had been packed.

In brief, 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. Certain, 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 loads of decisions at time for dinner. 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 fascinating worldwide (largely 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 fascinating choices, corresponding to Jamaican meals on the night time I ended by.

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The breakfast choices had the whole lot you’d anticipate finding, in addition to an surprising worldwide station with Indian breakfast dishes. I admit I did not put the made-to-order omelet counter by way of timed trials, however the steam-tray scrambled eggs had been 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 exhibiting its age

Independence of the Seas had a significant refurbishment in 2018, however within the 5 years since then, its cabins have seen loads of put on and tear.

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

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

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

The drink menu is boring

I am not a giant drinker, however I really like a craft cocktail — partly as a result of they’re fascinating and partly as a result of I can by no means consider what drink to order and I choose to pick out 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.

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

Independence of the Seas cabins and suites

Independence of the Seas presents 4 important kinds of cabins: windowless inside cabins, ocean-view rooms with image home windows that do not open, balcony cabins with non-public verandas and larger 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.

Word that should you e-book Promenade Inside cabin 6305, your view will likely be blocked by the butts of the cow statues above the ship’s Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlor. To apologize for the obstruction, Royal Caribbean provides this room’s residents one complimentary Ben & Jerry’s ice cream every single day of the crusing.

My room on Independence of the Seas was simply down the corridor however dealing with the ocean. I had a balcony cabin, the preferred room kind on most ships. It provided loads of room for 2 folks, 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-sized 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 remodel right into a mattress) and a glass espresso desk.

Reverse is a big desk/vainness with a lighted mirror, six medium and three shallow drawers (one for the hair dryer) and an empty mini-fridge. 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 children programming, plus a bunch of cruise ship-sponsored channels.

A two-door closet regarded small however had ample hanging area for 2 folks 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 harm 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 contains three towel racks and 4 hooks on the again of the door. The nook mirror hides a three-shelf vainness, and there is a lengthy shelf beneath the sink.

Bogs are stocked with bathtub and hand towels, wash cloths, one bar 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, apart from to dry moist bathing fits. It has 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 slightly dated and exhibiting some put on. The room is clearly prepared for a refresh, as stains, chips and dings within the furnishings are seen. These minor particulars did not trouble me, however should 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 sound carried — and this included my neighbor hacking and coughing loudly each time I used to be making an attempt to fall asleep. To match, I could not hear something from the cabin on the opposite facet with out a connecting door.

Associated: The final word information to selecting a cabin on a cruise ship

In case you want to improve and e-book a collection on Independence of the Seas, you may have a alternative of Royal, Proprietor’s, Grand, Panoramic and Junior Suite choices. Completely different suite sorts include totally different Royal Suite Class perks, which can 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, particularly because it’s at present crusing brief cruises. It has a great 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 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 important eating room, with a Shakespearean decor theme. You may be assigned a desk location primarily based in your group measurement and eating time choice.

In case 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. with Select My Time Eating, the road’s versatile eating choice. You possibly can 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 be the place breakfast and lunch are served (not provided every single day so test the app for instances). Breakfast is an analogous choice to the buffet, however made to order and waiter-served. Extra out of the atypical choices embrace a breakfast energy wrap, breakfast burrito and a market vegetable breakfast bowl. Lunch is a three-course affair with appetizers, entrees and dessert. Entrees may be a lamb pita, BBQ pulled pork sandwich, butternut squash risotto or roasted Atlantic cod.

Dinner may be themed (corresponding to Style of the Caribbean) with an on-theme chef’s beneficial three-course meal. Entrees will embrace seafood, rooster, beef, pasta and a vegetarian choice. One Indian dish is obtainable nightly, normally meat-based with a vegetarian choice out there upon request. You possibly can order premium choices, corresponding to Maine lobster tail, surf and turf or a filet mignon from the ship’s Chops Grille steakhouse, for an additional payment (starting from $16.99 to $34.99).

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

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 had been pleasant and prepared with options of one of the best decisions that night. After two lengthy dinners the earlier night time, 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 present.

Cruise ship buffets do not at all times have one of the best status, however I have been 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, because of a number of meals stations scattered all through the area. There is not any outside seating, however there are many home windows. The aft stations are totally different from the facet stations, so do a loop earlier than selecting.

Breakfast has all the plain choices: cold and hot cereal, breakfast breads and pastries, waffles and pancakes, eggs and omelets, breakfast meat, yogurt and fruit. A small Asian part has much 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 intensive 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, and was tempted to skip the primary eating room to pattern a few of the dishes.

There’s additionally a gluten-free counter at lunch and dinner for folk with dietary restrictions.

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

The final 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 one thing off menu.

Your protein comes bare on the plate, so gown it up with sauces and sides, to not point out appetizers, soups, salads and dessert. The pretzel mini-baguettes and mushroom soup are to not be missed. Dessert was pleasurable however no large wow issue. A meal prices $62.99 for dinner ($14.99 for teenagers ages 6-12) and $26.99 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 $47.99 per individual for dinner ($14.99 for teenagers) or $22.99 for lunch, and I believed my meal there was nicer than the one at Chops.

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

Each Chops and Giovanni’s are positioned throughout from one another by the doorway to the Windjammer Cafe buffet. Lunch will not be at all times provided on each cruise in these venues so test the app for eating instances 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 folks every. Select your protein and be prepared for a dinner efficiency that may have meals flying, folks singing and also you in stitches. Alternatively, come for sushi on the bar or scattered two-tops. Do not like consuming seafood uncooked? You possibly can order different Japanese favorites, corresponding to beef or rooster teriyaki, ramen, miso soup and gyoza dumplings.

Sushi seating can solely be completed on board in individual on the restaurant. Pricing is a la carte, although you may pay a flat price of $39.99 and obtain half rolls with every order. Hibachi reservations needs to be made as far upfront as doable. Pricing ranges from $54.99 to $59.99 per individual ($14.99 for teenagers) relying in your protein choice. Sushi is an extra price.

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The Promenade options plenty 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 out there, 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.

Comply with up your pie with a scoop of ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s, which presents 10 flavors in cups or cones for $2.50 to $4. Shakes are additionally out there.

Some of the fashionable 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.) In case 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 youngsters if 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 assume it is advisable spend cash on extra sweets, however should 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 and 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 Ben & Jerry’s). You possibly can 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 children golf equipment, Johnny Rockets will gasoline your play with burgers, scorching canine, sandwiches and the venue’s signature milkshakes (a la carte pricing). Come on the proper level and catch the waiters singing and dancing.

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

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

Bars

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

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

The on line casino has its personal bar within the heart of the motion. Turn out to be a daily and also you would possibly 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 fashionable, although I most popular the lavender martini.

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

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

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

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

For a complicated drink with a view, head to the Olive or Twist Bar in Royal Caribbean’s signature Viking Crown Lounge on Deck 14 midship. Ground-to-ceiling home windows in a 180-degree semicircle overlook the ship’s Splashaway Bay kiddie zone and the ocean. It is a great place to observe sailaway should you do not wish to be out within the solar. Higher-tier loyalty members and suite visitors 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, yow will discover 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 may pour out juice, seltzer water, sports activities drinks and sensible water.

Independence of the Seas actions

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

The principle pool space options two swimming pools, three scorching tubs, a bar, a bandstand and dance area, and a film display screen. 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 solarium. You may have to signal towels out and in together with your key card; fail to return one and you will be charged $25 so maintain observe of your used towels!

Lounge chairs cowl practically each out there floor on decks 11, 12 and 13, with many within the direct daylight. The quietest spots may be on deck 13 ahead.

Ahead of the primary swimming pools, the solarium options two minipools, bar, shaded lounge area and two outsized scorching tubs cantilevered over the perimeters of the ship — all reserved for adults ages 16+. In contrast to on different Royal Caribbean ships, 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 folks — if the children have not taken them over. Not surprisingly, the soft-serve ice cream station and a counter serving fried fish and rooster flank this deck space.

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

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

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

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

Independence Dunes, the mini-golf 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-fashioned with a recreation of shuffleboard on the Deck 4 outside decks.

If serenity is what you search, the spa is positioned on Deck 12 ahead, straight above the health heart. Get your hair and nails completed within the salon or soften away your work-life stress with a therapeutic massage or facial. Acupuncture, medispa remedies (corresponding to Restylane fillers), males’s shaves, waxing and tooth whitening are additionally on provide. Free of charge stress reduction, you may discover saunas and steam rooms within the males’s and girls’s locker rooms.

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

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

For some retail remedy, browse the outlets on the Promenade for souvenirs corresponding to logowear, liquor, magnificence merchandise, purses, wonderful watches and jewellery. The photograph gallery and portrait studio is on Deck 3; lookup images on contact screens utilizing your cabin quantity (we have moved on from looking out by way of 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.

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

The Royal Infants & Tots Nursery entertains the youngest cruisers for a payment, however youngsters ages 3 and up can get pleasure from 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 play time in one other age group’s area. Tweens and teenagers ages 12 to 17 can play video video games and hand around in The Dwelling Room and exhibit their dance strikes within the Gas teen nightclub.

Word: Youngsters ages 17 and below 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 require advance signups). Feeling cerebral? Join the Escape Room, which has a scientific observatory theme. It is pricy at $35 per individual (minimal age 12), and there weren’t as many puzzles to unravel as in industrial escape rooms on land. It’s a enjoyable approach to meet and work together with different visitors, 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. In case you’re searching for a quiet area 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 may borrow a e-book, test electronic mail on the pc stations or conceal 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 may get pleasure from visitor acts, corresponding to comedians and ventriloquists on the opposite nights.

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

Royal Caribbean’s ice reveals are at all times a great time and Independence of the Seas’ journey by way of the a long time, referred to as “Freeze Body,” isn’t any exception. You may 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 must make reservations for both “Grease” or “Freeze Body” upfront on this cruise, as I’ve completed for reveals on different Royal Caribbean ships. Examine the app if you’re on board, however until this modifications from cruise to cruise, you may solely want to point out up 15 to twenty minutes upfront to get one of the best seats.

In case you’ve been on different ships within the fleet, please notice that the Promenade on Independence of the Seas doesn’t stage parades or live shows. A number of themed events had 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 occurring.

Nonetheless, in late October 2023, the ship will reposition to Miami, the place it can sail a mixture of four-night Japanese and five-night Western Caribbean cruises, in addition to three- and four-night Bahamas sailings.

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

The vast majority of the ship’s five-night Western Caribbean cruises go to CocoCay and Cozumel, Mexico, whereas a handful go to Nassau, Grand Cayman Island or Falmouth, Jamaica as a substitute. The four-night Japanese Caribbean sailings name on Royal Caribbean’s non-public seaside in Labadee, Haiti, with two days at sea.

Charges begin on the following costs:

• $223 per individual for an inside cabin or $385 for a balcony cabin on four-night Japanese Caribbean cruises
• $290 per individual for an inside cabin or $442 for a balcony cabin on three-night Bahamas cruises from Miami
• $320 per individual for an inside cabin or $431 for a balcony cabin on four-night Bahamas cruises from Miami
• $333 per individual for an inside cabin or $521 for a balcony cabin on five-night Western Caribbean cruises

What to know earlier than you go

Required paperwork

Since Independence of the Seas is at present crusing round-trip from Florida, U.S. residents can sail with both a present passport or an official copy of their delivery certificates and a driver’s license or different government-issued photograph I.D. Passports have to be legitimate for no less than six months.

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

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 $16 to $18.50 per individual per day, relying in your cabin class, added to your onboard account and ultimate invoice. You’re allowed to regulate this quantity on the Visitor Providers desk earlier than disembarking, however please do not — even if you’re upset by the service. Gratuities are an necessary a part of crewmembers’ paychecks.

An 18% gratuity is added to bar, specialty eating and spa/salon payments. You shouldn’t really feel pressured so as to add an extra 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’ll make the most of this on Independence of the Seas. At the moment, Wi-Fi packages with streaming bandwidth begin at $26.99 per day for one machine (or $20.99 per day per machine for packages accommodating two, three or 4 gadgets), although costs do change over time. You may as well buy 24-hour entry for a flat price 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 may additionally be eligible for reductions on Wi-Fi packages.

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

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

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Carry-on drinks coverage

Royal Caribbean visitors 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 success in your cabin, you are good, however if you wish to carry your most popular 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 provide nonsmoking tables, however the cigarette smoke from the smoking part tends to waft all through all the area, 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 may discover two North American-style 110-volt retailers and one European-style 220-volt outlet by the desk/vainness in your cabin. You’ll not discover retailers by the mattress or within the lavatory (apart from a shavers-only outlet — lookup by the mirror as it isn’t straightforward to identify).

Forex

The onboard forex is the U.S. greenback, however you will not want money on the ship. You may obtain a SeaPass card that capabilities as your shipboard ID, room key and bank card. You may 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 Providers.

The outlets on CocoCay additionally take your SeaPass card.

Consuming age

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

Gown code

Throughout the day, folks gown 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 recommended gown code. On my cruise, the themes had 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 assorted notions of the right way to impress with their style. In Chops, I noticed males sporting each shorts and denims although most had been sporting collared polo or button-down tropical-style shirts.

Across the ship on dress-to-impress night time, I noticed a pair in full-on pirate apparel, a gaggle in an across-the-decades theme (one lady 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 several other guys in loud tropical-style outfits with matching shirts, shorts and hats. I additionally noticed loads of visitors in floor-length robes, sparkly clothes and fits.

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

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