Independence of the Seas

Launched in 2008, the much-loved 3,634-passenger Independence of the Seas is the third and final vessel of Royal Caribbean's ground-breaking Freedom-class ships - once the largest in the world before the launch of Oasis of the Seas and her sister ships. For most of her career this leviathan has been offering a series of summer-long cruises from Southampton and as such has gained a loyal following amongst cruisers who know when they’re onto a good thing.

When she returns to Southampton in May, Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas will be fresh from a mega-makeover. She will be the first ship in the fleet to feature Sky Pad - virtual reality trampolines where passengers will be strapped into a bungee-type harness with the option of headsets which will transport them to the moon, for example. Kids will love Puzzle Break - a new escape room experience where competitors work together to find hidden clues and solve high-tech riddles to unravel a mystery. There’s also a waterpark with racing waterslides and glow-in-the-dark laser-tag as well as Splashaway Bay.

Other new features include a poolside fish n’ chips shop, a sweet store and the popular Izumi Japanese restaurant. Set to be a sure-fire success is Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade – which will also have a virtual reality experience. Back in 2013 the ship underwent a $7 million upgrade that added features such as a cupcake shop, an Italian trattoria called Giovanni's Table, and a Royal Babies & Tots Nursery. The spruce-up included a massive poolside screen showing latest-releases, new digital signage and Wi-Fi upgraded to the line's Voom system.

The action continues after dark in the Alhambra Theatre where a full-scale production of ‘Grease’ keeps audiences entertained for well over an hour. Studio B, the onboard skating rink, is open for skating lessons and free skating during the day; whilst by night this venue stages a spectacular ice show. With a cast of sixteen professional skaters it is one of the most enthralling shows at sea. On the upper decks there’s a FlowRider for surfing and body-boarding, rock-climbing wall with 11 challenging routes, as well as two large hot tubs cantilevered out from the sides of the ship.

Kids are also in their element during the Dreamworks Parade when characters from ‘Madagascar’ and ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ are the main attraction. One thing’s for sure, families are never bored on board Independence of the Seas and with the new enhancements it’s going to be difficult to fit it all in. To enlist for a cruise aboard one of the most popular ships sailing out of Southampton speak to our experienced team on 0800 484 0370.