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They introduced new concepts to the cruise line, including the FlowRider surf simulator, oversized hot tubs cantilevered off the sides of the ship and a water park for kids. After breakfast, I explore the ship’s so-called neighborhoods. There’s the AquaDome, where one can find a food hall and an acrobatic sound-and-light aquatic show. Central Park has a premium steak house, a sushi joint, and a used Rolex that can be bought for $8,000 on land here proudly offered at $17,000.
Early Life of the SS Independence
The couch was stained, the mirrored bathroom cabinets chipped, the picture frames scratched — and there was a gap between the bottom of one of the nightstand drawers and the front edge where small items could fall through. When I was putting my toiletries away, one of the triangular shelves fell down, even though I had only put a few items on it. "They're party cruises," people sneer, as if the megaship is one humongous den of debauchery with thousands of wasted weekend warriors on board. That's not at all what a short sailing on Independence of the Seas is like. Royal Caribbean® is amping up your favorite ships with never-before-seen thrills, the cuisines you crave, and more unforgettable experiences day and night. The ship makes an effort to accommodate travelers with special needs.
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The Deck 4 Casino Royale has a special subway-style entrance from the Promenade. The casino is a popular evening spot, so you'll have plenty of company to cheer your wins and console your losses. Independence Dunes, the mini-golf course on Deck 13 forward, has a fun seaside theme with a lighthouse, whale's tail and VW bus selfie spot.
They are known for their multiple pools and whirlpool options, some cantilevered off the side of the ship. The Independence of the Seas is very similar to its sister-ships; Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, although each ship may have some differences. In my white robe, I am a stately presence, a refugee from a better limited series, a one-man crossover episode.
Inside Cabin
Royal Caribbean's ice shows are always a good time and Independence of the Seas' trip through the decades, called "Freeze Frame," is no exception. You'll be impressed as much by the numerous costume changes as what the skaters manage to accomplish on a tiny ice rink. The most understated bar on the ship is the Champagne Bar, just across from the shore excursions desk. If you like bubbly, you can relax on the comfy couches here and toast your vacation success. The casino has its own bar in the center of the action. Become a regular and you might start getting drinks for free.
Richard D Fain (Chairman and CEO of RCCL) and Sir Steve Redgrave (one of Royal Caribbean's main charity partners) were members of the jury. The jury assessed the charity activities of all contestants. Elizabeth Hill was elected for her Gamelea Countryside Training Trust that helps young people with physical or social problems to integrate into society.
” Mr. Rand cries out as we pass each other by the Thrill Island aqua park. You know, you really drank me under the table that night.” I laugh as we part ways, but my soul cries out, Please spend more time with me, Mr. and Mrs. Rand; I so need the company. I put on my meatball T-shirt and head for one of the dining rooms to get a late lunch.
You'll find numerous table tennis set-ups in the deck areas around the kid spaces. If you're over 18, don't miss the late-night Quest game show, which is decidedly not PG and is absolutely hilarious. You must be at least 4 feet tall and no more than 250 pounds to ride the Cyclone (220 pounds for the Typhoon); children 12 and under must be supervised by an adult. Up by Splashaway Bay, Fish & Ships serves a limited menu of fried fish, shrimp and chicken and fries for free, as well as a fried lobster tail basket for $12. One deck up by the kids clubs, Johnny Rockets will fuel your play with burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and the venue's signature milkshakes (a la carte pricing). Come at the right point and catch the waiters singing and dancing.
Only 31% of the dining options are included meaning you might spend more while on the ship due to the additional fees. The Independence of the Seas can hold 3,858 based on double occupancy (two people per room) and more when you take into account 3rd and 4th passengers. When you compare the total tonnage of the ship to the number of passengers, the Independence of the Seas has a space ratio of 40. Depending on the ship, this number can range from 30 to 52 (with a bigger number meaning more space per person) so this ship's space-to-person ratio is about average. Added to Independence of the Seas during its Amplification, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is a sports fan’s paradise. You can watch all your favorite teams live across dozens of screens, or challenge your friends to classic games in the arcade.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN UNVEILS 2025 EUROPEAN ADVENTURES - Royal Caribbean Press Center
ROYAL CARIBBEAN UNVEILS 2025 EUROPEAN ADVENTURES.
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They come in at 337 square feet, and with a double sofa bed, two pull-down beds and two twin beds, they sleep six and work well as a family option. Independence of the Seas helps vacationers pack a lot of activity into a quick getaway. The vibe is upbeat and fun, and the ship is large enough to accommodate all types of travelers but not so big as to feel overwhelming on a short cruise. Whether you're a family with kids, a couple or group of family and friends, you'll find your happy place on this ship. The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar, but you won't need cash on the ship. You'll receive a SeaPass card that functions as your shipboard ID, room key and credit card.
The breakfast options had everything you'd expect to find, as well as an unexpected international station with Indian breakfast dishes. I admit I didn't put the made-to-order omelet counter through timed trials, but the steam-tray scrambled eggs were actually pretty moist for bulk-made eggs. With similar itineraries and offerings, many passengers struggle to decide between Independence of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. They’re both almost the same size and were refurbished in 2018. Independence of the Seas has two more restaurants and more kid-friendly activities than Mariner. Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, which means the pricing for many things will vary per sailing.
It has roughly 30 channels of sports, news, movies and kids programming, plus a bunch of cruise ship-sponsored channels. My room on Independence of the Seas was just down the hall but facing the sea. I had a balcony cabin, the most popular room type on most ships. It offered plenty of room for two people, and I don't think it would be a problem with an extra person sleeping on the pullout sofa.
Yet it still has all the hallmarks of a modern megaship with multiple dining and drinking venues, wow-factor entertainment (including a Broadway musical), plenty of active fun and room to sunbathe. Independence of the Seas is a Freedom-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. The 15-deck ship was built in the Aker Finnyards Turku Shipyard, Finland.
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There’s the aforementioned Royal Promenade, where I had drunk with the Rands, and where a pair of dueling pianos duel well into the night. There’s Surfside, a kids’ neighborhood full of sugary garbage, which looks out onto the frothy trail that the behemoth leaves behind itself. Thrill Island refers to the collection of tubes that clutter the ass of the ship and offer passengers six waterslides and a surfing simulation. There’s the Hideaway, an adult zone that plays music from a vomit-slathered, Brit-filled Alicante nightclub circa 1996 and proves a big favorite with groups of young Latin American customers. I also appreciated that the buffet had a lot of choices at dinner time. I've been on Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises ships, where I found the options limited at dinner.
Although Celebrity Cruises is also owned by Royal Caribbean, I am made to understand that there is a deep fratricidal beef between passengers of the two lines. “We met a woman from the Apex,” one matron says, “and she says it was a small ship and there was nothing to do. Her face was as tight as a 19-year-old’s, she had so much surgery.” With those words, and beneath a cloudy sky, humidity shrouding our weathered faces and red necks, we set sail once again, hopefully in the direction of home.
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