Top 10 Highlights Onboard Independence of the Seas

Independence of the Seas Sailing
Independence of the Seas Sailing

Boasting 15 decks, 14 eateries and plenty of activities to enjoy onboard, Independence of the Seas is an awe-inspiring ship with so much to see and do. Sailing to a variety of breathtaking destinations from the Caribbean to North America, cruises aboard Independence of the Seas are unforgettable from start to finish. 

Whether you’re travelling solo, with your partner, with friends or with your family in tow, Independence of the Seas offers amenities and activities that will suit all ages and tastes. If thrills are on the agenda, the beloved FlowRider surf simulator and Perfect Storm waterslides should be on your list. Or perhaps you want to relax and unwind throughout your getaway? Then a trip to the Vitality Spa for an indulgent treatment and enjoying a film under the stars on the outside movie screen are must dos. 

Those aren’t the only highlights onboard Independence of the Seas however. Although it’s hard to create a list with only 10, we’ve rounded up the best things to do onboard Independence of the Seas that can’t be missed! Whether you’re booked on an Independence of the Seas getaway in the upcoming future or planning on booking one soon, this list is bound to come in handy! 

Did you know? Independence of the Seas sails from Southampton from 2025! Start your cruise getaway in the best way by sailing from the UK Port and enjoy a cruise that you’ll never forget. See these tempting 2025 Southampton Independence of the Seas itineraries here!

Contents:

  1. Enjoy a Thrilling Game of Laser Tag 
  2. Take on The Exhilarating Escape Room
  3. Savour Culinary Delights in a Variety of Eateries
  4. Watch Dazzling Entertainment in the Alhambra Theater
  5. Keep the Kids Entertained in Adventure Ocean®
  6. Indulge in a Tipple in One of the Stylish Bars
  7. Take to the Ice at the Centre Ice Rink
  8. Shop Til’ You Drop in the Royal Promenade
  9. Delight in a Refreshing Swim in 3 Spacious Pools
  10. Reach For the Sky on the Rock Climbing Wall
  11. Independence of the Seas FAQs

Enjoy a Thrilling Game of Laser Tag

If you’re looking for an exhilarating activity to enjoy as a family, Independence of the Seas’ exciting Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z℠ is ideal. At the start of this futuristic adventure you’ll be recruited by either an alien scouting party or the robot civilisation and battle against your components in an adrenaline-fuelled laser tag faceoff. 

Family playing Royal Caribbean laser tag
Family playing Royal Caribbean laser tag

Battling to claim ownership of a remote planet, this activity is the ultimate way to spend an afternoon whilst onboard. Set within an inflatable maze within Studio B, there’s no denying that your competitive side will come out as you pair up with your teammates to win the battle!

Suitable for children aged 5+, this family-friendly and immersive activity, Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z, is an extraordinary complementary feature onboard Independence of the Seas and one that should be on your list! 

Take on The Exhilarating Escape Room

Whether you’re a natural puzzle solver or love to crack codes, The Observatorium escape room onboard Independence of the Seas will keep you on your toes from start to finish! Working together with your teammates you’ll explore the escape room, trying to uncover clues, solve different puzzles and see if you can beat the clock! 

The Observatorium Escape Room
The Observatorium Escape Room

Located within a captivating setting that looks like something out of a sci-fi novel, you’ll have to explore the room and use your logical thinking to try and escape the room in under 60 minutes. 

Savour Culinary Delights in a Variety of Eateries

Royal Caribbean are beloved for the variety of cuisine they have on offer. And onboard Independence of the Seas, you won’t be disappointed. Choose from over 10 different decadent eateries, from casual dining options to quick bites and speciality dining. Whatever mood you’re in and no matter what you’re craving, you’ll find a myriad of options aboard Independence of the Seas. 

Izumi
Izumi

Dining highlights include Chops Grille, a New York style steakhouse offering mouth-watering steak and seafood dishes, Fish & Ships serving delicious fish and chips in a vibrant al fresco setting and Izumi that offers delicious, freshly prepared Japanese cuisine that’s prepared on a Hibachi grill! 

Watch Dazzling Entertainment in the Alhambra Theater

There will never be a dull moment onboard Independence of the Seas. And when it comes to entertainment, you’ll be captivated by the amount and variety on offer throughout the day. Whilst there’s no denying that the guest entertainers, pub performances, original productions and other live music throughout the ship are bound to impress, a top highlight onboard is the dazzling entertainment on offer in the Alhambra Theater. 

Grease!
Grease!

Grab a seat in the theatre and settle in for an evening of Broadway magic with the brightest stars at sea. Sing along with all of your favourites with a toe tapping performance of Grease! A much loved Broadway musical and classic 70’s movie, Grease is full to the brim with impressive performances and songs that will make you want to get up and dancing, a night at the theatre onboard Independence of the Seas will be unlike anything you’ve experienced before! 

Keep the Kids Entertained in Adventure Ocean®

Whilst there are plenty of family-friendly activities onboard Independence of the Seas, the dedicated and award-winning Adventure Ocean Youth Program® offers your little ones lots of activities to keep them entertained. For children aged 3-11 there’s the Aquanauts club, offering lots of activities they’ll love from arts and crafts to science experiments. 

Aquanauts
Aquanauts

Alongside Aquanauts, for children aged 6-8 there’s the Explorers programme, offering the likes of themed parties and more and the Voyagers club providing 9-11 year olds with lots of thrilling activities. 

For teens aged 15-17, there’s the dedicated Living Room space with games, comfy sofas and themed events. The ultimate space for kids, they’ll have a blast whilst you can enjoy some me time! And if they fancy a dance, to play games or another activity, Fuel, the teens-only nightclub is ideal. 

Indulge in a Tipple in One of the Stylish Bars

When you’re on your cruise, you might fancy a tipple or two from time to time. And when you’re on an Independence of the Seas getaway, you’re spoilt for choice with the amount of comfortable and stylish bars and lounges that are on offer! Whether you want a refreshing cocktail al fresco in the adults-only Solarium Bar or a drink in the Ale & Anchor, a traditional English pub, the choice is yours!

Ale & Anchor
Ale & Anchor

Other popular bars onboard include the Schooner Bar which offers delicious cocktails and live music, the Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade featuring a menu of match-day favourites and Boleros, where you can dance the night away with a delicious after dinner drink.

Take to the Ice at the Centre Ice Rink

Ice skating is a fun and exciting activity. And where better else to enjoy it then whilst on holiday? An extraordinary activity to enjoy whilst at sea, ice skating in the Centre Ice Rink is bound to be a hit with all of the family.

Kids skating at the Centre Ice Rink
Kids skating at the Centre Ice Rink

Located on deck 3, this complimentary activity is fun whether you’re a novice or an avid ice skater! Wrap up warm, strap on your skates and feel the chill as you soar across the ice. 

Shop Til' You Drop in the Royal Promenade

Located at the heart of the ship, Independence of the Seas’ Royal Promenade is a hub of activity. Not only is there an array of bars and eateries throughout it, alongside transforming into a live performance space, but a wide selection of shops selling a variety of designer products, onboard exclusive and more.

Independence of the Seas Royal Promenade
Independence of the Seas Royal Promenade

Whether you’re looking for high street fashion, fine jewellery or a souvenir to take home for a loved one, the Royal Promenade has it all. Plus, the shops are tax and duty free! 

Delight in a Refreshing Swim in 3 Spacious Pools

Whilst there’s no denying that the FlowRider will provide thrills, if you want to unwind and cool off under the summer sun, Independence of the Seas’ three revitalising pools are perfect. From the spacious Resort Pool to the Sports Pool and adults-only Solarium, there’s plenty of opportunities to take a tip and relax whilst onboard.

Independence of the Seas Resort Pool
Independence of the Seas Resort Pool

Little ones meanwhile will enjoy the Splash Away water park, complete with slides, water cannons and fountains, and older children will love action-packed The Perfect Storm℠ waterslides Typhoon℠ and Cyclone.℠ 

Independence of the Seas also offers whirlpools, that are the perfect way to sit back, unwind and let the holiday vibes flow! 

Reach For the Sky on the Rock Climbing Wall

Another fun activity onboard Independence of the Seas is the rock climbing wall. Reaching an incredible height of forty feet, when you reach the top you’ll be rewarded with picturesque ocean views. 

RockWall on Independence of the Seas
RockWall on Independence of the Seas

Whether it’s your first time on the wall or you’re a rock climbing enthusiast, this complimentary and exciting activity is something that you’ll want to do again and again. 

Independence of the Seas FAQs

What Year was Independence of the Seas Refurbished?

Independence of the Seas was refurbished in 2018. 

What Class is Independence of the Seas?

Independence of the Seas sits within Royal Caribbean’s extraordinary Freedom Class, along with Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas

How Many Passengers Does Independence of the Seas Hold?

The maximum capacity of Independence of the Seas is 4,375. 

Is There a Formal Night on Independence of the Seas?

Onboard an Independence of the Seas cruise, you’ll have a formal night where you can dress your best. Whether that be in a suit and tie, tuxedo, cocktail dress or an evening gown, there are usually 1-3 formal nights depending on the length of your cruise. 

For example, on a 3-5 night cruise, there is usually 1 formal night, but on a 11-14 night cruise, there are 3 formal nights. Ahead of embarking on your cruise you’ll be able to see how many formal nights you have, along with which days they are on so that you can pack suitable attire. 

What are the Dining Times on Independence of the Seas?

When booking your Independence of the Seas, you can choose between traditional and My Time Dining. With traditional dining you can either choose an early sitting or late sitting in the main dining room. If you opt for My Time Dining however, you’ll have flexibility over when you eat in the evening in the main dining room. 

Book Your Independence of the Seas Getaway with Iglu Cruise 

If you’re looking for a truly extraordinary getaway, look no further than a cruise aboard Independence of the Seas. Whether thrills are on the agenda, or you want to unwind, Independence of the Seas has all of the amenities and activities to suit. Book your Independence of the Seas getaway with Iglu Cruise today and enjoy a holiday of a lifetime.

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