Adventure at Sea: Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas

What does it mean to embark on a thrilling adventure? To some, it means stepping out of their comfort zones, embracing new experiences, and most importantly, enjoying the journey as much as the destination. Onboard the Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, every moment is an invitation to a new adventure.

Royal Caribbean’s Nautical Gem

Launched in 2008, Independence of the Seas, is the third and final ship of Royal Caribbean’s revolutionary Freedom-class. For a time, these were the largest ships in the world. That was until the launch of Oasis of the Seas and its sister ships. But the Independence of the Seas is far from being overshadowed.

In May 2018, the cruise ship underwent a monumental refurbishment as part of Royal’s $900 million “Royal Amplified” program. The refurbishment introduced a host of new features, including Sky Pad, a virtual reality trampoline experience, a laser tag arena, a puzzle break room, The Observatorium, two water slides, a kids’ aqua park, and an array of dining and drinking venues. The remodel has given Indy a fresh, contemporary feel, as well as cutting-edge and on-trend new features, thus reaffirming her place as one of the best family-friendly cruise ships afloat.

Onboard Magic

Aboard the Independence of the Seas, the fun begins from the moment you step onto the deck. The adventure-loving heart would flutter at the thought of the FlowRider® surf simulator or the Perfect Storm℠ dueling waterslides. Or imagine stepping into the heart of an alien planet in the Battle for Planet Z℠, an enthralling glow-in-the-dark laser tag clash.

And the fun doesn’t end there. The cruise ship’s impressive selection of dining options guarantees an adventure for your taste buds too. Say “Konnichiwa” to Izumi, where the best ingredients and impeccable presentation combine to offer a unique Asian cuisine experience. Or dip into batter-fried delights at Fish & Ships℠, conveniently located near the pool. And for a sweet treat, Sugar Beach℠ is a veritable treasure trove of candy and confectionery.

For those who enjoy a friendly game with a side of delicious grub, Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade offers an exciting array of options. With your home team streaming live on 50 screens, you can celebrate each victory with wings, french fries, sliders, and our signature Playmaker Burger, accompanied by ice-cold brews.

Journey into the Freedom-Class

The cruise ship, with her 3,858 passenger capacity, is part of the Freedom-class, sharing a sibling rivalry with Mariner of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas. These three ships are almost carbon copies of each other with similar itineraries and offerings. Independence of the Seas, however, stands out with two more restaurants and more kid-friendly activities than the Mariner. Comparatively, she differentiates herself from Freedom with the exciting addition of a Sky Pad.

An Invitation to Adventure

Despite its immense size, the cruise ship’s deck plan is easy to navigate, with the bars, restaurants, pools, and entertainment venues primarily located on decks 5 and 11 to 15. Though over a decade old, the ship’s age is seen only in some of the cabins and bathrooms’ decor, and its atrium, which may seem less impressive than those on larger Royal Caribbean liners.

Nevertheless, where the cruise ship truly excels is in its family-friendly offerings. From the variety of kids’ clubs and facilities to Broadway shows, movies by the pool, fine dining, and a wide choice of bars, Independence of the Seas delivers an unforgettable experience every time.

It’s no wonder then that this ship has won multiple accolades from cruisers over the years. If you’re looking for an almost limitless number of activities and forms of entertainment combined with cutting-edge features and a contemporary feel, Independence of the Seas should be your choice for your next family vacation.

Embark on a journey of discovery and adventure with Independence of the Seas and Event.Cruises. Forget everything you thought you knew about cruising and get ready for an epic getaway filled with next-level thrills, incredible cuisine, and unforgettable experiences, day and night. Let Event Cruises be your guides to the adventure of a lifetime.