Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas: Venues and Overview

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At one time, Independence of the Seas was one of the largest cruise ships out there. Now, of course, thatโ€™s hardly the case, but this ship is by no means shabby. Revamped as recently as 2018, itโ€™s still in great condition and offers spectacular sailings for avid cruisers.

Interested in seeing what awaits you, if you book anย Independence of the Seasย cruise in the near future? Hereโ€™s what you need to know.

Independence of the Seasย Stats

All of the Freedom-class cruise ships were the largest in the world when they were rolled out in the late 2000s. However, youโ€™ll notice that, by todayโ€™s standards, Independence of the Seas is, while hardly small, not exactly mammoth. 

Hereโ€™s how the ship measures in:

  • Gross tonnage: 155,889
  • Length: 338.95 meters
  • Capacity: 4,370 passengers
  • Crew: 1,360 members
  • Total decks: 19 decks
  • Passenger decks: 15 decks 
  • Staterooms: 1,929 in total

In comparison, today, the largest cruise ship in the world is Royal Caribbeanโ€™sย Icon class, which comes in with a gross tonnage of 248,663 GT โ€” quite a difference.ย 

When looking at the worldโ€™s overall biggest cruise ships, the Freedom class isnโ€™t even in the top 30 largest cruise ships. Additionally, it’s worth noting that itโ€™s not like the Freedom class held the โ€œbiggest in the worldโ€ title very long;ย Oasis of the Seasย came along in 2009 as the new biggest.

Again, though, just because these ships no longer hold that โ€œbiggest in the worldโ€ title, that doesnโ€™t mean theyโ€™re not worth a trip. In fact, some might argue that the smaller size is an attractant; thereโ€™s less cruise ship to get lost in. 

Construction of Independence of the Seas

Independence of the Seasย was built at Aker Finnyards Turku Shipyard, for approximately $828 million. The ship was launched in late 2007, and then christened on April 30, 2008, before embarking on its maiden voyage, on May 2.ย 

The ship was christened in Southampton by godmother Elizabeth Hill. Hill was picked after Royal Caribbean held a contest to find โ€œan ordinary British woman who has done extraordinary things.โ€ Hill was nominated for the contest by her daughter, and was recognized for founding the Gamelea Countryside Training Trust, which supports children with disabilities.

Independence of the Seas Debut
Independence of the Seas Debut

Independence of the Seas was the third and final Freedom-class ship that Royal Caribbean built. The class launched with Freedom of the Seas in 2006, followed by Liberty of the Seas, which launched in 2017. 

The Freedom class was fairly similar to the previous Voyager class. Standout features included the shipsโ€™ ice skating rinks, Royal Promenade, FlowRider surfing simulators and H20 Zone waterparks. ย 

Refurbishments and Dry Docks

As part of Royal Caribbeanโ€™s Royal Amplified initiative, the ship underwent an extensive dry dock in 2018, which brought new features and amenities. Most recently, the ship was dry-docked in Cadiz, Spain, for routine maintenance.

Escape Room: The Observatorium
Escape Room: The Observatorium

Additions included not only new and upgraded staterooms for cruisers, but also an escape room, laser tag arena, new water slides (with the favorited Tidal Wave slide, that propels riders up a vertical wall, for free falls and big thrills) and the bungee jump park at sea โ€” though the trampoline, dubbed SkyPad, is much more than just a regular trampoline; itโ€™s a VR experience.ย 

Independence of the Seas Staterooms

With a total of 1,929 staterooms, the cabins on Independence of the Seas can be broken down as such:

  • 790 interior rooms  
  • 289 ocean view rooms
  • 724 balconies
  • 126 suites

The staterooms are, honestly, some of the most outdated parts of the ship. While the 2018 renovations may have brought upgrades to the staterooms, they certainly didnโ€™t bring more style. The majority of the staterooms are decorated in greens and blues, with lots of light wood. Thereโ€™s a certain budget-hotel-at-the-beach vibe.

Balcony Stateroom
Balcony Stateroom

Staterooms come standard with amenities such as:

  • 24-hour room service
  • In-room safes
  • Phone and voicemail service
  • Interactive TV
  • Stateroom attendants
  • Nightly turn-down service 

Interior staterooms offer around 150 square feet each, and some do offer promenade views โ€” which is a nice feature if you want a little extra light, and donโ€™t mind some of the extra noise. Spacious interior cabins are also available, with more than double the space and room enough to sleep six.

Ocean View Stateroom
Ocean View Stateroom

The ocean view staterooms are around 160 to 200 square feet, each, and feature sitting areas and large circular windows. Unfortunately, some of these circular windows are situated directly behind your bed, which is less than convenient and/or desirable.

Read Also: Are Royal Caribbean Cruises All Inclusive?

You can try to snag one of the very few panoramic ocean view staterooms, though, which were added during the 2018 dry dock. These offer large, floor-to-ceiling windows that are much more preferable.ย 

Balcony staterooms measure in at around 180 square feet each, with balconies that average out around 70 square feet. Balconies are furnished and accessible via glass doors that provide nice views, even when youโ€™re not sitting out on the balcony.  

Independence of the Seas Suites

So what can you expect among those 126 suites? 

There are a few different types of suites on the ship, including:

  • Junior suites
  • Grand suites 
  • Ocean view panoramic suites
  • Ownerโ€™s suites
  • Family suites
  • Presidential family suites
  • The Royal suite

In terms of style and aesthetic, suites are more upgraded than the majority of the staterooms, with a few more elegant touches.

Junior suites are 287 square feet and, while not really a suite per se, with only one bedroom, they still come outfitted with special extras, like walk-in closets. Grand suites offer two bedrooms, walk-in closets and bathtubs.

Ocean view panoramic suites offer two bedrooms and two bathrooms each, which is a nice feature if youโ€™re traveling as a family or a group. Thereโ€™s no balcony, but the panoramic views almost make up for it. Plus, these suites are on the newer side, in relation to the rest of the suites, as they were added as completely new features in 2018.

Independence of the Seas Suite Cabin
Independence of the Seas Suite Cabin

Ownerโ€™s suites offer even more to love, with a dining area, large living space and ample balcony space. 

Family suites provide extra space with amenities geared toward families (of course); think bunk beds and a bathtub. The presidential family suite is one of the largest on the ship, at 1,215 square feet, and a balcony thatโ€™s almost as big. It can really fit the entire extended family, with four bedrooms and multiple bathrooms.

Worth Reading: Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society – What You Need to Know

Lastly, thereโ€™s the crรจme de la crรจme single Royal suite, with tons of space, amazing views and special luxury touches like a marble tub and baby grand piano. All the while, suite guests enjoy exclusive amenities such as:ย 

  • Exclusive priority check-in
  • Complimentary concierge service
  • Reserved prime seating during shows
  • Priority tender tickets (when applicable) 
  • VIP pool deck seating
  • Private breakfast and lunch seating in specialty restaurants
  • Complimentary luggage valet service 
  • Complimentary laundry service 

Additionally, suite guests have access to a concierge lounge, where they can find small bites and drinks available all throughout the day, as well as the concierge to help make appointments and reservations. 

Free Dining

Youโ€™ll enjoy access to a handful of complimentary restaurants during an Independence of the Seas cruise. Your options include: 

  • Three main dining rooms (dubbed Romeo and Juliet, Othello and King Lear, for the Shakespeare plays)
  • Windjammer Cafรฉ, the shipโ€™s buffet
  • Sorrentoโ€™s, a pizza spot
  • Cafe Promenade, for light bites that are available 24 hours a day
  • Sprinkles, your spot for satisfying your sweet tooth
Sorrento's - Royal Promenade
Sorrento’s – Royal Promenade

You can also order room service, though it does come with fee.ย While this isnโ€™t quite the number of complimentary restaurants that youโ€™ll see on newer ships, itโ€™s still enough to get you through a short cruise. ย 

Specialty Restaurants

While thereโ€™s certainly nothing wrong with the dining you get included in your fare, you may want to spring for some of the for-a-fee dining options. Your tummy definitely wonโ€™t regret the choice.

Fish & Ships in Independence of the Seas
Fish & Ships in Independence of the Seas

Specialty dining restaurants on the ship, where you can dine either a la carte or for a set, per-person fee, include:

  • Izumi Sushi & Hibachi, for Japanese favorites
  • Sugar Beach, a candy shop
  • Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, serving up casual eats
  • Ben & Jerryโ€™s, for your favorite flavors form the famous brand
  • Fish & Ships, the shipโ€™s pub-style restaurant
  • Giovanniโ€™s Table, an Italian eatery
  • Chops Grille, for a classic steakhouse experience
  • Johnny Rockets, for diner bites at a well-known chain

There’s something for every taste! Plus, when you combine a trip to one or two of these specialty restaurants with dining primarily at the complimentary restaurants, you can easily still remain safely within your travel budget, while also splurging for a few special meals. 

Bars and Lounges

You wonโ€™t be lacking for a choice in watering holes on this ship. There are tons of bars and lounges, and Royal Caribbean offers a variety of drink packages, so you can pick the best option for you (youโ€™re also allowed to bring two bottles of your own wine aboard, if you so wish). Bar and lounge options include:ย 

  • Playmakerโ€™s Sports Bar, for craft beers and cocktails in a sports bar setting
  • Schooner Bar, for nautical theming, piano music and trivia
  • Boleros, for Latin flair, Latin music, Latin dancing and Latin drinks
  • Star Lounge, for more similar activities to what youโ€™ll find in Schooner Bar
  • Ale & Anchor Pub, a British pub with beer and live tunes
  • Vintages, a wine bar with a cozy and comfy atmosphere, as well as outdoor seating
  • Champagne Bar, on the Royal Promenade
  • Plaza Bar, serving Windjammer buffet guests
  • Two pool bars 
  • Olive or Twist, a martini bar with late-night dancing
  • The Viking Crown Lounge for amazing views thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the ship
Playmakerโ€™s Sports Bar
Playmakerโ€™s Sports Bar

See what we mean? You’ll never be thirsty while youโ€™re aboard a Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas cruise. No matter the time of day, you can always find a little tipple to whet your whistle.  

Activities and Entertainment

When youโ€™re ready to play,ย Independence of the Seasย has you covered. The ship can easily hold its own when it comes to offering plenty of entertainment and activities. From gambling in the Casino Royale to kicking back for some relaxing at the Vitality at Sea Spa, you’ve got options. Here are some of the highlights vacationers like most.

Read Also: Royal Caribbean Ships By Age – Newest to Oldest

Pools and Waterslides

If you are determined to come back from your cruise with an enviable tan, then youโ€™ll find lots of spots aboardย Independence of the Seasย to catch those rays.

Pools on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas
Pools on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)

The pool deck has three different zones. Thereโ€™s the main pool with its whirlpools, the hub of all the activity and where youโ€™re most likely to find some rambunctious kiddos; the water park-style area with its water slides and FlowRider surf simulator; and the Solarium, the adults-only area with two whirlpools and a bar. Water slides on this ship include the Perfect Storm, with the Cyclone and Typhoon slides.

If youโ€™re looking for a quieter, more relaxing setting in which to sunbathe, itโ€™s the Solarium that youโ€™re going to want to go to. Just note that the bar in the Solarium is only open during sea days, which is kind of a bummer. 

The Promenade

When Royal Caribbean first debuted its Royal Promenade, it was a huge deal โ€” and this portion of the ship still is. On each ship where a Royal Promenade appears, itโ€™s a impressive, large, sweeping room with lots of dazzling effects to draw your eye.

Royal Promenade
Royal Promenade (Photo Credit: ShaunWilkinson)

Itโ€™s the heart of the ship, with so many people coming and going. If youโ€™re ever bored on this ship (unlikely!), just go check out the Promenade. Youโ€™ll soon discover something fun. ย 

Shows

Royal Caribbean offers a lineup of theatrical shows that channel your favorite Broadway hits, from โ€œGreaseโ€ to โ€œCATS.โ€ These are no low-budget productions, either. Royal Caribbean strives to hire a top-notch theatrical cast and it shows. The talent is there, along with high-quality, modern sets and stage management.

Alhambra Theater
Alhambra Theater

In addition to these main theater attractions at the Alhambra Theater, you can also find live music and similar entertainment throughout the ship.

Ice Skating

Ice skating? At sea? Itโ€™s more likely than you think! While ice skating may be the last thing youโ€™d expect to do on a cruise, you definitely can on Independence of the Seas. Families can enjoy skating on the rink during the day, and then return for a skating show at night.

Sports

If you want to get a little active on this ship, the skating rink isnโ€™t your only choice. Thereโ€™s also a mini golf course, golfing simulator, rock climbing wall, jogging track and the classic sports court with basketball, volleyball and ping pong.

Onboard Sports Court
Onboard Sports Court

Kids Venues

Royal Caribbean is very family-friendly, and kiddos will have no shortage of things to do during a cruise.

Adventure Ocean programming is available for children ages 3 to 5, 6 to 8 and 9 to 12. Then, The Living Room offers less structured fun for those ages 12 to 14, but still lots of activities likely to pique preteensโ€™ interest. Fuel is the older teensโ€™ hang-out spot for those ages 15 to 17.

Independence of the Seasย Itineraries

Independence of the Seasย has operated all around the world, with itineraries around the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Europe, and the Caribbean and North America. Currently, the ship sails both Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, and European fjords cruises from England, for getaways on both sides of the pond.

Independence of the Seas FAQ:

How many pools are on Independence of the Seas?

There are three pools aboard Royal Caribbeanโ€™s Independence of the Seas. The aqua park pool is more geared toward children and their family, with water park-style features. The main pool is open to all ages and is where youโ€™ll find most activity occurring. The Solarium pool is only open to adults. There are also several whirlpools on the ship.

What class ship is Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas?

Independence of the Seas is part of the trio of Freedom-class cruise ships, along with sister ships Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. The Freedom class would precede Royal Caribbeanโ€™s larger Oasis class.

How large is the Independence of the Seas cruise ship?

The ship accommodates 4,370 passengers and 1,360 crew members over 15 passenger decks and four crew decks, with a gross tonnage of 155,889 GT and a length of 338.95 meters. When the ship launched alongside Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, they were the largest cruise ships and passenger vessels built to date.

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Holly Riddle
Holly Riddle
Holly Riddle is a travel and food freelance writer whose work can be found in print and digital publications all around the world. She is additionally an entrepreneur specializing in content and marketing services. Beyond frequent travel, Riddle enjoys cooking, reading, camping and spending time with her husband and two dogs. Her favorite travel destinations include Chicago, Amsterdam, Edinburgh and just about anywhere in the Caribbean. Find out more about us here.

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