8 Things We Love About The New Independence of the Seas

Launched in 2008, the much-loved Independence of the Seas is the third and final incarnation of Royal Caribbean's ground-breaking Freedom-class ships - once the largest in the world before the launch of Oasis of the Seas and its sister ships. For most of her career this behemoth has been offering a series of summer-long ex-UK sailings; and as such has gained a loyal following amongst cruisers who know when they’re onto a good thing. Before commencing her 2018 season of cruises from Southampton, Indy - as the ship is known to her many fans - underwent a £70 million makeover. Here are our eight favourite enhancements. 

1. Sky Pad offers you an opportunity to try a virtual reality bungee trampoline experience. Put on a VR headset, strap into a bungee trampoline and then be transported to another time, place or planet where you can bounce over moon craters or compete in intergalactic games – think ‘Tron Legacy’ and you’re getting close. 

2. Studio B is transformed into a glow-in-the-dark arena where Laser Tag is a fast-paced team-game that faces off in the Battle for Planet Z. 

3. A huge telescope dominates the Observatorium where bookshelves, recessed cupboards, ornate wooden boxes and a periodic table of elements complete the decor. Here groups of six unlock a series of cryptic clues, solve puzzles and work out lock combinations to try and rescue the brilliant professor who has become lost in time and space. 

4. Ideal for kids, Splashaway Bay comes complete with water cannons, slides and a drench bucket. From the top deck, the Typhoon and Cyclone duelling water slides descend three decks in the Perfect Storm. 

5. Fish and Ships is a kiosk that serves battered cod, haddock, saveloys, chip butties and deep-fried chocolate bars. 

6. The new Izumi is the largest in the fleet and offers sushi and sashimi – as well as a full-on hibachi experience – juggling eggs and rice chopping - it's part theatre, part dinner. 

7. Playmakers Bar shows sport on 35 plasma screens all day long. The huge circular bar serves a great selection of chilled beers and comfort food. 

8. Sugar Beach is stocked to max candy capacity with all your favourite confections – just don’t tell your dentist you were there!

Discover more about fun things to do aboard Indy by calling our experienced team on 0800 484 0370

Gary Buchanan