Massive cruise ships are the usual for the cruise business, and Independence of the Seas stays top-of-the-line decisions for households seeking to get probably the most out of a mega ship with out the worth tag.
Royal Caribbean launched Independence of the Seas in 2008 as a part of its Freedom Class. On the time, these have been the most important ships on the earth. Whereas it might have been eclipsed by the Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships, these stay favorites of cruisers for good motive.
What I discover after I sail on Independence of the Seas is a cruise ship that does not compromise on issues to do, locations to eat, and aggressive charges.
Royal Caribbean strikes Independence round fairly a bit. In summer season, she’s crusing round Europe, after which across the Caribbean within the fall.
To be truthful, you will not discover the cruise line’s prime tier sights or eating places onboard, however I do not know that is a nasty factor both. Usually folks select this ship due to the itinerary it is crusing or the very fact it can save you some huge cash in comparison with the larger ships.
Plus, Royal Caribbean upgraded the ship with new options in 2018. They added water slides, new eating places, laser tag, revamped lounges, and added new staterooms too.
Over 4,000 passengers can sail on this ship, however it actually does not really feel that crowded. I believe the open deck house, number of actions, and correct programming assist unfold passengers round. I spent 15 nights onboard lately and it by no means felt overcrowded.
Straightforward to get round
You would possibly suppose a cruise ship that stretches over 1,000 toes can be onerous to determine the place you’re, however its extremely simple.
Independence has just a few key public areas, and when you stroll somewhat, I believe it turns into obvious the place the whole lot is positioned.
Royal Promenade: Grand concourse with bars and buying (Deck 5)Atrium: Multi-deck house with bars (Decks 3, 4 and 5)Pool Deck: Waterslides, swimming pools, and sports activities actions (Decks 11 and 12)Viking Crown Lounge: Indoor viewing lounge, with bar. Suite Lounge and Crown Lounge additionally discovered right here (Deck 14)On line casino: Deck 4Youth Zone: Children membership areas, together with the teenager membership (Deck 12)Vitality Spa and Health Heart: Ship spa and health club (Deck 11 and 12)
You may board the ship on deck 4 and from there it needs to be simple to get your bearings. There are two elevator banks to make getting round simple sufficient.
Cruise ship elevators are most likely the place you will run into the longest waits, however it’s hardly ever problematic.
I discover the staircases sensible for going up or down just a few flights.
Number of eating decisions, included and additional price
There are a selection of eating places on this ship, some which might be included and others which have a price to dine there.
Included eating places
Predominant Eating RoomWindjammer buffetFish and ShipsCafe PromenadeSorrento’s
Additional price eating places
Chops GrilleGiovanni’s TableIzumiPlaymakers Sports activities Grill and BarJohnny RocketsRoom service
The highest query new cruisers have is all the time ought to they spend further to dine on the specialty eating places.
Specialty eating places are expensive, however I like including selection to my eating rotation. There is definitely nothing fallacious with the included eating choices, however being on trip means splurging a bit.
The attractive three deck Predominant Eating Room serves breakfast and dinner daily, with lunch on sea days.
I ate in right here most nights for dinner and located a lot of the meals to be between “good” and “superb”. A couple of dishes have been “wonderful” and one or two have been duds. Fortunately, you’ll be able to order as many entrees, appetizers or desserts as you want, so I by no means went hungry.
I am additionally a giant fan of the ship’s buffet. I really like the number of meals, particularly the worldwide delicacies. Simply know that it will get very busy for breakfast on most days, so getting a desk is tough at peak occasions.
The grab-and-go meals on the Royal Promenade are good for fast snacks. The meals is nothing superb, however if you want a late evening chunk, that is your best option.
The three major specialty eating places have a canopy cost to dine there. It isn’t low cost, however in the event you purchase a eating bundle earlier than the cruise begins, it can save you round 50% off the common price.
Chops Grille is a conventional American steakhouse and it is good for steak lovers. I’ve but to go fallacious with the filet mignon, however there’s additionally just a few different cuts you’ll be able to attempt.
Giovanni’s Italian is quaint and has a mixture of pastas and featured entrees. It is Italian consolation meals, and I doubt you will be disillusioned from it, until you are anticipating one thing floor breaking.
At Izumi, it is primarily a hibachi desk restaurant with teppanyaki eating. That is the place the chef cooks in entrance of you, and it is top-of-the-line household experiences you’ll be able to have in a specialty restaurant.
Izumi additionally has a small sushi bar and some tables, in the event you’d desire to only eat sushi.
There’s additionally room service aboard Independence of the Seas, the place you’ll be able to order meals any time of day for a $7.95 surcharge plus an 18% gratuity. Take into accout there’s an missed complimentary continental breakfast choice.
The bars and lounges are the perfect spots for night leisure
One factor I believe Royal Caribbean does very well on Independence of the Seas is provide a strong selection of bars and lounges.
Actually, Royal Caribbean might be the perfect cruise line for stay leisure nowadays, and it reveals within the venues.
I discovered many implausible decisions every night for drinks and a present
My favourite spot is on the Royal Promenade on the English Pub, the place a guitarist performs every night. There’s one thing about beers and bar songs that works so nicely.
Should you’re extra of a wine aficionado, there’s Vintages throughout from the Pub. Alternatively, the champagne bar within the Atrium is an efficient selection for drinks with dialog. Each bars shouldn’t have leisure.
Most likely probably the most crowded bar every night would be the Schooner Bar on deck 4.
There’s trivia classes all through the day, and a piano participant at evening. If you need a seat, make sure you arrive early as a result of it is a small venue and the reveals get very crowded.
If you need extra vitality along with your leisure, try Boleros within the Atrium on Deck 4. It begins out every night with a basic rock band, however then turns right into a Latin-themed social gathering.
The Star Lounge is the ship’s multi-purpose lounge, and it’s the place you will discover karaoke, musical acts, and trivia.
One in all my go-to bars is Playmakers on deck 4. I really like the situation right here, hooked up to the Atrium and On line casino.
Not like the Oasis Class ships, it is indoors, which means it is air conditioned and never as scorching and humid.
Playmakers has an incredible drink menu of its personal, together with meals too. You’ll be able to order a snack or have a complete meal.
Talking of drinks, you’ll be able to pay for every drink you order individually or buy a vast drink bundle.
Drink packages are very fashionable with cruisers as a result of they’re handy and make it simple to price range in your drinks. Undoubtedly pre-purchase earlier than the cruise to save cash on them.
Mixture of family-friendly actions and adult-leaning enjoyable
Royal Caribbean’s core cruise expertise is about providing extra issues to do onboard than you’ll be able to presumably squeeze right into a day, from trivia and silent discos to viewers participation occasions.
You may discover dance events and a balloon drop occasion on the Royal Promenade. They are a bit hacky, however many individuals love them as an excuse to get out and revel in themselves.
There are two theaters onboard with reveals every night. You may discover the Broadway musical Grease carried out within the Royal Theater on choose nights (rumor has it Grease can be eliminated later this 12 months), together with featured performers and comedians. There’s additionally an ice rink at Studio B, which has its personal present and even lets company skate on sure days there.
The on line casino is probably going going to be busy every night, as it is the spotlight for a lot of cruiser’s night enjoyable. Slots, desk video games, and poker are all obtainable. The on line casino is open so long as the ship shouldn’t be docked or in a rustic’s territorial waters. Good luck!
Should you desire extra solar along with your enjoyable, there’s a primary pool on deck 11, with loads of seating round it on each deck 11 and 12.
You may discover swimming pools and scorching tubs, together with a children aquapark at Splashaway Bay.
Adults will gravitate in direction of the Solarium, which is reserved for passengers not less than 18 years outdated. There is a pool and scorching tub of its personal right here too.
On the again of Independence is the place the thrills are positioned.
Three’s a Flowrider browsing simulator, pair of water slides, and sports activities court docket.
The sports activities court docket presents pickle ball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and extra. It adjustments up the exercise relying on the time of day.
What I beloved to do on Independence of the Seas
Numerous stay leisure every evening
The primary motive I began cruising with Royal Caribbean was due to how a lot there may be to do on it ships, and Independence will not disappoint in that regard.
There are bands, singers, reveals, and extra provided every day. I preferred we may bounce between totally different venues and see what was occurring at one, after which pop again to the opposite.
Independence is a giant ship, however the venues with performances are conveniently positioned close to one another.
Nice pool deck for households
One other benefit Independence has over smaller ships is how a lot pool deck house it has.
There is a pair of dual swimming pools on the primary pool deck, and it is good for cooling off and submerging your self in them.
Equally compelling are the number of scorching tubs across the ship. By far, the perfect are the whirlpools that cantilever out over the aspect of the ship. They’re huge, have nice views, and even have televisions to observe.
Splashaway Bay is a good characteristic for the youthful children, and it is certain to maintain them busy on a regular basis.
Attempting specialty eating places
I purchased a 3 evening eating bundle for my cruise, and it made a giant distinction in my enjoyment of consuming onboard.
Hibachi, steak, and pasta have been pretty upgrades from the included meals. I would be remiss if I did not suggest a eating bundle as a great way to reinforce what you will get totally free.
I additionally actually just like the meals at Playmakers. As a result of it is priced a la carte, you’ll be able to cease in for simply wings. Or after a busy day in port, seize a burger, beer, and a few fries.
Who ought to e book a cruise on Independence of the Seas
The very best motive to sail on Independence of the Seas goes to be the worth it presents.
You may get a giant ship cruise expertise that satisfies the wants of most individuals with out the premium costs newer ships command.
Every time I sail on Independence, I will virtually all the time improve to a balcony or suite as a result of the price is sort of cheap.
After all, the place Independence sails to is an equally necessary consideration.
I believe the European cruises are its best choice. Should you can go to cities and locations in Northern Europe, it is a fantastic escape.
The one warning I would give for skipping this ship is for somebody that wishes Royal Caribbean’s newest and best choices.
In case your normal is a ship like Star of the Seas, Independence will really feel like a step down. It has so much, however not as a lot as these huge and newer vessels.
Itineraries and pricing
Independence of the Seas presents a mixture of brief getaways, basic Caribbean itineraries, and summertime European voyages by 2025, 2026 and into early 2027.
A lot of the 12 months, Independence of the Seas sails out of Miami, providing 3- to 7-night cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean. Within the spring and fall, Independence of the Seas sails out of Bayonne, New Jersey, providing cruises to Canada and Bermuda.
An inside cabin will begin at $358 per particular person for a fast Bahamas cruise, however you must anticipate to pay nearer to $650 – $900 per particular person for many sailings.
Vacation sailings over spring break, Christmas, and summer season will see a lot increased costs. Longer or premium Europe/Baltic voyages rise above $1,000.
I would suggest reserving about 6–12 months earlier than the sail date for the perfect offers, and 12–18 months for optimum cabin availability.
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