Name: Independence of the Seas
Brand: Royal Caribbean
Availability: InStock

At a glance

Independence of the Seas is a large-size cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean, in service since 2008. It carries 3,634 guests and 1,360 crew (2.7 guests per crew member) at 160,000 gross tons. It ties with 2 other ships as the 16th largest of 31 Royal Caribbean ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for spa & fitness (8.5/10) and lowest for adventure & nature and romantic (4/10). It is rated 4 out of 5 by Cruiseable, 4.5 out of 5 by Conde Nast, 3.5 out of 5 by Berlitz and 4.5 out of 5 by Cruise Critic. It has 48 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $406 to $3,165. 36 of its upcoming sailings dropped in price since the previous weekly fare check.

Builder's plate

Specs

Cruiseable: 4 / 5
Conde Nast: 4.5 / 5
Berlitz: 3.5 / 5
Cruise Critic: 4.5 / 5

Guests: 3,634
Crew: 1,360
Gross tons: 160,000
Decks: 18
Length: 1,112 ft
Beam: 184 ft
Maiden voyage: 2008
Launched: 2008
Refurbished: 2018
Space ratio: 2.7; Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew: 2.7
Speed (mph): 26
IMO: 9349681

Bliss scores

What Independence of the Seas is best at

Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.

Active 8.0
Adventure and nature 4.0
Cultural 6.0
Dining 6.0
Entertainment 8.3
Family friendly 6.5
Party 6.5
Romantic 4.0
Spa and fitness 8.5
Staterooms 8.0

Our review

Independence of the Seas: Packed with onboard activities

Meet Independence of the Seas, packed with a long list of onboard activities typical of Royal Caribbean's Freedom class of ships. Highlights include the FlowRider surf simulator, a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, cantilevered whirlpools, Royal Promenade, mini golf course, and more.

Who will like sailing on Independence of the Seas

Those looking for variety will appreciate the Independence of the Seas' onboard experience. Its activities will appeal to a wide range of cruise passengers, making it an ideal cruise ship for friends and families with different interests. The dining spots make the perfect place to meet up to discuss the day's events.

Where Independence of the Seas sails

Independence of the Seas offers mostly 3- and 4-night sailings to the Bahamas as well as longer voyages in and around the Caribbean year round.

Read the full review

Cavort in the surf when your Royal Caribbean cruise takes you to Labadee, its 260-acre private beach resort on Haiti's north coast. Michel Verdure / Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Top dining options

From the delicious cuisine in the main dining room to the casual convenience of the Windjammer Cafe, Independence of the Seas has a variety of dining experiences. In addition, the cruise ship offers low-fat ShipShape Day Spa menus, kids' menus and, if you arrange in advance, kosher menus.

Main Dining Rooms: feature complimentary, multicourse dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Chops Grille: a steakhouse that also requires one low cover charge
Giovanni's Table: an Italian restaurant available for lunch and dinner at an additional charge
Johnny Rockets: a ‘50s-style diner that features servers who double as entertainers, and is an additional cost.
The Cupcake Cupboard: a vintage-style gourmet bakery with 30 types of cupcakes for an additional charge
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream: offers a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings for an additional charge
More complimentary options including Windjammer Cafe, Jade Sushi, Sorrento's Pizza and Cafe Promenade for coffee and pastries/snacks
Room service: Late-night service charge applies to room service orders between midnight and 5 am

The MacBeth dining room, on deck 4 of Independence of the Seas, offers guests a high-end dining experience for dinner. Michel Verdure / Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Activities

From sunrise to sunset, there's something exciting for you to do on board Independence of the Seas. Try the rock-climbing wall, or work out with one of the fitness trainers. How about a swim or a relaxing massage? Better yet, try your luck at Caribbean Stud Poker, attend an art auction, or dance in a nightclub. There are even supervised activities for kids.

Sports & fitness

Don't wait until you get to your destination. Get your endorphin rush on the Sports Deck, where you can play basketball or volleyball or climb the rock wall. Take a spinning class, or enjoy a yoga class with an ocean view.

Spa

With so much to do on board, plus countless adventures on land, remember to take time for yourself at the Vitality Spa. Treat yourself to a pedicure or facial, or go for something you've never tried before, like a seaweed wrap or aroma stone therapy massage. What seems fun and extravagant, is actually a pathway to your own personal well-being.

Casinos

Enjoy the excitement of a winning hand at poker or a slot machine paying off, and try your luck in the Las Vegas-style casino on board. Casino Royale has games for all levels of players. There are onboard lessons for novice players and tournaments for the more advanced. The casino is open whenever you are sailing, so stop in and try your luck!

Shops & galleries

Whether you want to buy a T-shirt for your niece or a sculpture for your art collection, there are all kinds of shops and galleries on board. There are also art galleries, art auctions and even activities such as wine tastings.

Sprinkles galore: Kids can make their own cupcakes at the Cupcake Cupboard on your Royal Caribbean sailing. Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Young adventurers

Independence of the Seas offers exciting programs for guests of all ages, starting at just six months old. From six to 36 months of age, infants and their parents are invited to participate in the Fisher Price Aqua Babies and Aqua Tots Programs. Developed by Fisher Price exclusively for Royal Caribbean International, these activities are hosted by trained youth staff. A parent or caregiver must accompany children during activity sessions.

Kids from 3 to 17 can participate in the complimentary Adventure Ocean Youth Program. Adventure Ocean was specially designed to blend educational activities with just plain fun.

Aqua Babies ages six to 18 months: Parents and babies enjoy special themes each day involving music, toys and learning activities.
Aqua Tots ages 18 to 36 months: Delightful themes for parents and toddlers to share reinforce early learning and natural curiosity.
Aquanauts ages three to five years: Potty-trained kids from 3 to 5 years of age can play games, color and even become certified Jr. Adventure Scientists.
Explorers ages six to eight years: Kids 6 to 8 years of age can join parties, compete for prizes, make kites and masks, and even learn to make gummy candies.
Voyagers ages nine to 11 years: Kids 9 to 11 years of age can take a backstage tour, play List-o-Rama and even learn a new sport like Gagaball.
Guests ages 12-17 years: Navigators 12-17 years of age can play games and sports, join parties and contests. They can also hang out at Fuel, the teen-only club; the Living Room, a teen lounge, and the Back Deck, a private outdoor area for teens.

Entertainment

A distant view of some of the shops, cafes and lounges on Royal Promenade, the heart of Independence of the Seas. Michel Verdure / Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Live entertainment is available for guests looking to see a contemporary musical stage production or catch a live band. Guests can also be a part of the fun with ballroom dancing lessons, ice-skating or miniature golf. Other entertaining highlights include the FlowRider surf simulator and the full-sized boxing ring.

Bars, lounges & clubs

Dance the night away to hot Latin rhythms, watch a live band play your favorite song, laugh with a comedian or enjoy a cocktail with some new friends in the ship's bars, lounges and discos.

Schooner Bar: Relax and enjoy the warm atmosphere of Royal Caribbean's signature nautical-themed bar. The Schooner Bar often features live piano music at night. Pull up a seat and sing along.
Pubs: You'll think you've popped across the pond as you lift a pint of ale in the authentic English pub, Dog & Badger. Sample the wide variety of imported beers and ales.
Vintages: This wine bar serves up different varietals to please even the pickiest palate.
Nightclubs: Dance the night away in the onboard nightclubs and lounges such as the Latin-themed Boleros lounge.

Your take

How about you? Have you cruised on Independence of the Seas? What did you think?

Interested in a cruise on this ship?

If you're interested in a cruise on Independence of the Seas, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773 or by email. We can usually offer a better deal than you can get by contacting the cruise line directly.

SEE ALL INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS SAILINGS

On board highlights

Cupcake creation Cupcake Cupboard
Royal Promenade Deck 6
Solarium Deck 15

Dining

Where to eat on Independence of the Seas

Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 12

Fun along the beach during a shore excursion in the tropics on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Daughter and dad take a rollercoaster ride in Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach resort on Haiti's north coast.
Take a jetski out for a spin when your Royal Caribbean sailing takes you to Labadee, its 260-acre private beach resort on Haiti's north coast.
An aerial view of Labadee, Haiti, Royal Caribbean's 260-acre private beach playground on Haiti's north coast.
Water sports, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and parasailing are all part of the action at Labadee, Royal Caribbean's 260-acre private beach resort on the north coast of Haiti.
An aerial view of CocoCay in the Bahamas, a private island reserved just for cruise ship guests and run by Royal Caribbean.
CocoCay in the Bahamas is less than than a mile wide and less than 200 yards from north to south. The 140-acre tropical retreat was awarded a Gold-Level Eco-Certification by Sustainable Travel International for its environmentally friendly activities and tours.
Explore new aquatic facilities, nature trails and places where you can just kick back, relax and enjoy a tropical drink at CocoCay.
You can explore CocoCay, an eco-certified private destination in the Bahamas, through eco-tours, guided nature walks, leisurely kayaking and snorkeling. The secluded island has no restaurants or shops — but lots of shady hammocks.
You can rent out a private cabana on the beach during your day trip to CocoCay in the Bahamas
Grab a mat and splash your way to some fun on a Royal Caribbean trip to the tropical island of CocoCay in the Bahamas.
Grab your snorkeling gear and head out to the pristine waters off CocoCay in the Bahamas on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Dining 12

Top off your meal with a decadent chocolate dessert at Chops Grille on your Royal Caribbean cruise.
A herb-crusted jumbo shrimp entrée at Chops Grille aboard your Royal Caribbean cruise.
Colorful, cool chilled soup provides a refreshing lift-me-up during a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Sky High Lemon Meringue Pie, available from the kitchen of your Royal Caribbean ship.
Potato Leek and Spinach Tower, available from the kitchen of your Royal Caribbean ship.
Fish and Tomato Chowder, a popular soup on Royal Caribbean voyages.
Caramel apple pie à la mode, a worthy dessert to top off your day on a Royal Caribbean sailing.
Capesante al Forno (Baked Scallops in the Shell), prepared for guests on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Royal Caribbean menu options include free-range chicken as well as gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian dishes.
Royal Caribbean chefs will prepare your meals to your specifications.
Dining options on Royal Caribbean cruises range from formal seating in the main dining room to more casual fare.
Royal Caribbean menus include dishes specially prepared to please the discerning palate of children.

On board 7

Diamond Plus- and Pinnacle-level members of the Crown & Anchor Society, Royal Caribbean's loyalty program, and select suite guests have exclusive access to the Concierge Club.
The spectacular ice shows in Independence of the Seas' Studio B are among the ship's most popular entertainment productions.
Independence of the Seas hosts 22 bars, clubs and lounges, including the Plaza Bar on deck 11.
The nautically themed Schooner Bar is a popular watering hole on Independence of the Seas.
Meet a friend for a glass of red or white at Vintages wine bar, on deck 5 of Independence of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean's fleetwide Adventure Ocean Youth Program and its trained staff offer age-appropriate entertainment and activities for cruisers ages 3 to 17.
Relax at poolside and let your cares slip away during your Royal Caribbean sailing.

Ship exteriors 1

Independence of the Seas' highlights include the FlowRider surf simulator, a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, cantilevered whirlpool and mini golf course.

More photos 12

The MacBeth dining room, on deck 4 of Independence of the Seas, offers guests a high-end dining experience for dinner. The ship's main dining room also has a Romeo and Juliet dining area on deck 3 and King Lear on deck 5.
Cavort in the surf when your Royal Caribbean cruise takes you to Labadee, its 260-acre private beach resort on Haiti's north coast.
Take a jetski out for your own private tour of CocoCay in the Bahamas.
A chocolate-covered strawberry dessert at Chops Grille aboard your Royal Caribbean sailing.
Walk along the white beaches and turquoise lagoons of CocoCay in the Bahamas. The east end of the private island is where the recreational activities take place, with beaches facing a coral basin where you can see rays, tropical fish and occasional manatees.
Water sports, snorkeling, kayaking and parasailing are all part of the action at Labadee, Royal Caribbean's 260-acre private beach resort on the north coast of Haiti.
Sprinkles galore: Kids can make their own cupcakes at the Cupcake Cupboard on your Royal Caribbean sailing.
Relax on a floating mat with your sweetie during a day trip to CocoCay in the Bahamas.
Pan Seared Sea Scallops and Chorizo, available from the kitchen of your Royal Caribbean ship.
Both Independence of the Seas and her larger cousin, Oasis of the Seas, sail for the Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
A distant view of some of the shops, cafes and lounges on Royal Promenade, the heart of Independence of the Seas.
The serene, adults-only Solarium is one of three pool areas on Independence of the Seas.

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