cruise itinerary independence of the seas

Independence of the Seas cruise ship review: What to expect on board a Freedom-class megaship

Editor's Note

You can get a good preview of the cruise ahead of you by lingering at the pool deck buffet on embarkation day. At lunch on Royal Caribbean 's Independence of the Seas, I sat a few tables away from a large group of women toasting each other with drinks before bursting out with "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." I lost count of the number of groups I saw wearing matching T-shirts, most proclaiming family reunions, milestone birthdays and bachelorette parties.

I didn't see the actual bride, who'd boarded earlier. Presumably, she was still at her wedding reception in a private location. (I found out later three couples got married during my sailing.)

The crowd was young on my long-weekend Bahamas cruise. I saw a lot of folks in their 20s and 30s, as well as families with kids on a last hurrah before school started. But the reunion groups spanned at least three generations (possibly four?). The crowd was culturally diverse, and I heard a lot of Spanish on this sailing, but the vast majority hailed from Florida.

They all had one thing in common — a desire to have the most fun possible on a quick three-day trip. The ship and its smiling crew were happy to accommodate, serving up drinks, leading wild competitions and doling out cone after cone of soft-serve ice cream on hot Bahamian afternoons.

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Some trips are for seeing the sights or experiencing a new culture. A quick cruise on Independence of the Seas is all about letting the good times roll with some fun in the sun. On that promise, the ship totally delivers.

Overview of Independence of the Seas

The 154,407-ton Independence of the Seas is 15 decks high and carries 3,864 passengers at double occupancy (or 4,627 at maximum occupancy) in 1,932 cabins. It was built in 2008, and its last major refurbishment was in 2018. Currently, it's deployed on short three- and four-night itineraries out of Florida to the Bahamas.

The ship is part of Royal Caribbean's Freedom class, the precursor to the line's beloved yet notoriously giant Oasis class. When they debuted, Independence of the Seas and its Freedom-class sisters (Freedom and Liberty — sense a theme?) were the world's largest ships. They introduced new concepts to the cruise line, including the FlowRider surf simulator, oversized hot tubs cantilevered off the sides of the ship and a water park for kids.

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Fun fact: The ship's fitness center originally had a large boxing ring in the center and boxing workouts, but the ring has since been removed.

More than a decade later, the ship is no longer the biggest or the most innovative, the Wipeout Bar is gone and the water park has been revamped. Yet it still has all the hallmarks of a modern megaship with multiple dining and drinking venues, wow-factor entertainment (including a Broadway musical), plenty of active fun and room to sunbathe.

The ship still makes the top 40 hit list of biggest ships in the world, beating out much more recently built vessels such as Disney Wish , Discovery Princess and Norwegian Prima . It can accommodate all kinds of travelers, from budget-conscious vacationers staying in inside cabins to well-off families booking the largest suites, and offers activities for folks who like to stay active, those who want to lounge in the sun and partiers looking for a great time.

With so much to do on board, you won't feel like you're on an old ship. You'll feel like you're on an action-packed ship — one that might be the perfect size for active friends and family looking to have outsized fun on a quick getaway.

What I loved about Independence of the Seas

The ship's energy is high.

Short cruises don't always have the best reputation. "They're party cruises," people sneer, as if the megaship is one humongous den of debauchery with thousands of wasted weekend warriors on board. That's not at all what a short sailing on Independence of the Seas is like.

What a short cruise really translates into is a high-energy sailing because your shipmates know they have only a limited time to make the most of the ship's amenities and time in port. Onboard events will be packed with guests all-in on the fun, whether that's cheering on contestants in a game show or singing along with a musician in a bar. People screamed for their favorites at the "Finish the Lyric" game like it was a college football game, and I watched three, if not four, generations of families dancing the merengue together at the Latin bar Boleros.

You'll also encounter a ton of groups — birthday celebrations, bachelor and bachelorette parties, family reunions, anniversaries, even onboard weddings. The upshot is that the whole sailing takes on a celebratory vibe, even when you're not part of a group. The sense of fun is contagious, and you find yourself wanting to join in wherever the people are because you know you'll have a good time.

I'm sure that people got drunk on my cruise (stay away from the swim-up and floating bars on Royal Caribbean's private island if you wish to avoid them). But I didn't see any sloppy drunk guests stumbling through the public decks or getting sick in cabin hallways. Maybe that's because I went to bed at a reasonable hour. Mostly, I encountered groups of people ready to have the best time at every event around the ship, whose energy was infectious and made all the activities a bit more high-octane and fun.

Independence of the Seas doesn't feel huge or overly crowded

Royal Caribbean excels at passenger flow on its ships, which makes its megaships feel manageable. Independence of the Seas is easy to navigate, and I rarely had the "you can't get there from here" experience I've had on other cruise lines.

The ship is divided into three sections, top to bottom. The upper decks (11 to 15) are where you'll find all the outdoor fun and activities, as well as the buffet and spa. The middle decks (6 to 10) contain exclusively cabins and suites, so you can ignore all of these except the deck where your room is located. (You'll find a smattering of accommodations on the top and lower decks.) The bottom decks (3 to 5) feature the Promenade with its bars and shops and the main indoor attractions — the dining room, the casino, the theater and ice rink.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

I quickly learned where everything was located, essential on a short cruise. Better yet, I didn't encounter any bottlenecks where too many people were forced into too small a corridor or transit space. The Promenade was always bustling but never shoulder to shoulder. I always found a seat in the performance spaces, even when they were packed.

In short, I never felt like I was trapped in a mass of humanity in the middle of the ocean with no escape.

The buffet is well designed with great choices

As I've written about before, I'm not a huge fan of the cruise ship buffet . But for a mass-market cruise ship, Independence of the Seas has a pretty great buffet.

Related to my point above, I never felt that "trapped in a crowd" feeling at the buffet. Sure, it was bustling and busy. Sometimes I had to look around for a table for two. But the size of the venue and the station layout (versus one long buffet line) meant that people could move freely and select their dishes without waiting in slow-moving queues.

I also appreciated that the buffet had a lot of choices at dinner time. I've been on Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises ships, where I found the options limited at dinner. Independence had as much variety in the evening as at lunchtime, with gluten-free and interesting international (mostly Asian and Indian) stations, as well as a well-stocked salad bar and always-available burgers and hot dogs. Daily-rotating themed stations offered interesting options, such as Jamaican food on the night I stopped by.

Related: Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do at mealtime

The breakfast options had everything you'd expect to find, as well as an unexpected international station with Indian breakfast dishes. I admit I didn't put the made-to-order omelet counter through timed trials, but the steam-tray scrambled eggs were actually pretty moist for bulk-made eggs.

I was sad that I didn't have time to eat at the buffet for dinner, and that's a thought I rarely have when cruising!

What I didn't love about Independence of the Seas

The ship is showing its age.

Independence of the Seas had a major refurbishment in 2018, but in the five years since then, its cabins have seen a lot of wear and tear.

My balcony cabin was comfortable, with all the space I needed, but you didn't need a magnifying glass to tell it had been well-used. The couch was stained, the mirrored bathroom cabinets chipped, the picture frames scratched — and there was a gap between the bottom of one of the nightstand drawers and the front edge where small items could fall through. When I was putting my toiletries away, one of the triangular shelves fell down, even though I had only put a few items on it.

The cabin decor doesn't feel modern either, with a green leaf-patterned carpet, blonde wood furniture and striped curtains.

None of these quibbles impacted my enjoyment of the cruise, but set your expectations if you're hoping for a pristine, Insta-worthy room.

The drink menu is boring

I'm not a big drinker, but I love a craft cocktail — partly because they're interesting and partly because I can never think of what drink to order and I prefer to select from a preset menu. I've been loving going to bars on ships like Carnival Celebration and Oceania's Vista and checking out all the creative drink options.

So imagine my disappointment when I asked for the cocktail menu at Independence of the Seas' two specialty restaurants, Chops Grille and Giovanni's Table, and was handed the same cocktail menu found at every generic bar on board. No, I don't want a pina colada with my fancy steak, thank you very much. Where were the fun cocktails themed to each restaurant like I found at the Mason Jar restaurant on sister ship Wonder of the Seas ?

Related: Royal Caribbean drink packages: Everything you need to know

I did find a more interesting drink menu at the Schooner Bar (desert pear margarita, anyone?), but that was the only time I saw a different cocktail list. For a ship that loves to party, I was disappointed that Royal Caribbean hasn't hopped on the creative cocktail trend like some of its competitor cruise lines. I've since learned the Schooner Bar menu is new, so if it's successful, perhaps Royal Caribbean will add new cocktail menus to other bars on board.

Independence of the Seas cabins and suites

Independence of the Seas offers four main types of cabins: windowless inside cabins, ocean-view rooms with picture windows that don't open, balcony cabins with private verandas and bigger suites. The latter range from 364-square-foot junior suites to the humongous 1,649-square-foot Royal Suite (sizes include balcony space).

Some of the more unusual accommodations on this ship include inside-facing cabins with windows overlooking the Royal Promenade indoor mall and Panoramic Ocean-view cabins and suites on decks 11 and 12, which have wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows.

Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know

Note that if you book Promenade Interior cabin 6305, your view will be blocked by the butts of the cow statues above the ship's Ben & Jerry's ice cream parlor. To apologize for the obstruction, Royal Caribbean gives this room's residents one complimentary Ben & Jerry's ice cream every day of the sailing.

My room on Independence of the Seas was just down the hall but facing the sea. I had a balcony cabin, the most popular room type on most ships. It offered plenty of room for two people, and I don't think it would be a problem with an extra person sleeping on the pullout sofa.

The room has two twin beds that can be pushed together into a queen-sized bed. Bedside lamps with focused reading lights and one-drawer, one-shelf nightstands flank the beds. The living area features a long sofa that could seat three or four (and transform into a bed) and a glass coffee table.

Opposite is a large desk/vanity with a lighted mirror, six medium and three shallow drawers (one for the hair dryer) and an empty mini-fridge. Small shelves are hidden behind the two narrow side mirrors, with another glass shelf above the flat-screen TV.

The TV is not interactive. It has roughly 30 channels of sports, news, movies and kids programming, plus a bunch of cruise ship-sponsored channels.

A two-door closet looked small but had ample hanging space for two people on a three-night cruise, plus five shelves and a safe tucked into the corner. I appreciated the full-length mirror and metal hooks by the door for hanging jackets or hats.

The bathroom is small but serviceable. The round shower has two sliding doors, and I didn't hurt myself when I dropped my conditioner bottle and had to retrieve it off the floor mid-shower. The shower has two metal shelves and a movable wand showerhead.

Storage includes three towel racks and four hooks on the back of the door. The corner mirror hides a three-shelf vanity, and there's a long shelf below the sink.

Bathrooms are stocked with bath and hand towels, wash cloths, one bar soap, a pump dispenser of a shampoo-body wash combo in the shower and tiny bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion.

On such a short cruise, I did not spend much time on my balcony, other than to dry wet bathing suits. It has two upright chairs (with one level of recline) and a round table that could easily accommodate a room service breakfast order.

The decor, as mentioned earlier, is rather dated and showing some wear. The room is clearly ready for a refresh, as stains, chips and dings in the furnishings are visible. These minor details didn't bother me, but if you're expecting new and modern, please readjust your expectations.

What did bother me was the connecting door to the cabin next door. It was not open but sound carried — and this included my neighbor hacking and coughing loudly whenever I was trying to go to sleep. To compare, I couldn't hear anything from the cabin on the other side without a connecting door.

Related: The ultimate guide to choosing a cabin on a cruise ship

If you wish to upgrade and book a suite on Independence of the Seas, you have a choice of Royal, Owner's, Grand, Panoramic and Junior Suite options. Different suite types come with different Royal Suite Class perks , which may include access to the Suite Lounge on Deck 14 (just off the Viking Crown Lounge).

Independence of the Seas restaurants and bars

Independence of the Seas offers plenty of restaurant and bar choices, especially since it's currently sailing short cruises. It has a good mix of free and extra-fee, casual and fancy dining options. I enjoyed all my meals on board, but most of them didn't blow me away. I appreciated the varied personality of the many bars. You could find your favorite and return night after night or try someplace new with every drink.

Restaurants

The heart of Independence of the Seas' dining lineup is its three-deck-high main dining room, with a Shakespearean decor theme. You'll be assigned a table location based on your group size and dining time selection.

If you choose early or late dining (where you'll have the same table location, tablemates and waiters each night), you'll be assigned to a table on deck 3, 4 or 5 for a 5:30 p.m. dinner or on deck 4 or 5 at 8 p.m. with Choose My Time Dining, the line's flexible dining option. You can ask for a table on Deck 3 anytime between 6:45 and 9 p.m. and change up your dining time nightly. (If you want to eat at 6 p.m., you're out of luck, apparently.)

Deck 3 is also where breakfast and lunch are served (not offered every day so check the app for times). Breakfast is a similar selection to the buffet, but made to order and waiter-served. More out of the ordinary options include a breakfast power wrap, breakfast burrito and a market vegetable breakfast bowl. Lunch is a three-course affair with appetizers, entrees and dessert. Entrees might be a lamb pita, BBQ pulled pork sandwich, butternut squash risotto or roasted Atlantic cod.

Dinner might be themed (such as Taste of the Caribbean) with an on-theme chef's recommended three-course meal. Entrees will include seafood, chicken, beef, pasta and a vegetarian option. One Indian dish is offered nightly, usually meat-based with a vegetarian option available upon request. You can order premium selections, such as Maine lobster tail, surf and turf or a filet mignon from the ship's Chops Grille steakhouse, for an extra fee (ranging from $16.99 to $34.99).

Wine, soda and cocktails are available for an extra fee.

Related: Royal Caribbean My Time Dining: Everything you need to know

I dined here on Jamaican night and enjoyed a jerk chicken dish that had more spice and flavor than your average cruise ship entree. The waiters were friendly and ready with suggestions of the best choices that evening. After two long dinners the previous night, I didn't feel a need to linger over my meal, and the dining room staff was accommodating of my request to be out in time for a 7:30 show.

Cruise ship buffets don't always have the best reputation, but I've been impressed with Independence of the Seas' Windjammer Cafe. Found on Deck 11 aft, the expansive dining area is well set up to accommodate the crowds. I easily found tables on all visits (including embarkation day) and never waited in line, thanks to multiple food stations scattered throughout the space. There's no outdoor seating, but there are plenty of windows. The aft stations are different from the side stations, so do a loop before choosing.

Breakfast has all the obvious options: hot and cold cereal, breakfast breads and pastries, waffles and pancakes, eggs and omelets, breakfast meat, yogurt and fruit. A small Asian section has less typical choices (not just at breakfast but at all three meals). Lunch features American and Continental hot dishes, a salad bar, a burger and hot dog bar, an Asian station and dessert.

Dinner has just as extensive a menu as lunch and often has a theme. In addition to the standard hot entrees, burger bar, meat carving station, salad bar and dessert, I saw counters serving Jamaican specialties, some made fresh at the buffet, and was tempted to skip the main dining room to sample some of the dishes.

There's also a gluten-free counter at lunch and dinner for folks with dietary restrictions.

Independence of the Seas has three marquee, extra-fee specialty restaurants and a host of fee-free and a la carte casual options. They're often emptiest on the first night, but I didn't see any discount offers for booking on night one.

The ultimate date night restaurant is the ship's American steakhouse, Chops Grille. You can choose from four steak options, four seafood dishes (including Maine lobster), roast chicken or rack of lamb (our choice — it was very flavorful). Vegetarians will have to request something off menu.

Your protein comes naked on the plate, so dress it up with sauces and sides, not to mention appetizers, soups, salads and dessert. The pretzel mini-baguettes and mushroom soup are not to be missed. Dessert was enjoyable but no huge wow factor. A meal costs $62.99 for dinner ($14.99 for kids ages 6-12) and $26.99 for lunch.

If you're going to splurge on dinner, I'd recommend the ship's Italian eatery Giovanni's Table instead. It's a tad cheaper at $47.99 per person for dinner ($14.99 for kids) or $22.99 for lunch, and I thought my meal there was nicer than the one at Chops.

Everything I ordered was delicious, from the bright green arugula salad starter to the gnocchi gorgonzola pasta (save your stomach and order a half portion!) and perfectly cooked branzino fish. You could probably skip dessert here, but a companion and I enjoyed the chocolate-hazelnut cake and panna cotta with strawberry and basil flavors.

Both Chops and Giovanni's are located across from each other by the entrance to the Windjammer Cafe buffet. Lunch is not always offered on every cruise in these venues so check the app for dining times for your sailing.

The third specialty restaurant Izumi is tucked away in an easily missed spot on Deck 4 by the Schooner Bar. It's got five hibachi tables that can seat up to 10 people each. Choose your protein and be ready for a dinner performance that will have food flying, people singing and you in stitches. Alternatively, come for sushi at the bar or scattered two-tops. Don't like eating seafood raw? You can order other Japanese favorites, such as beef or chicken teriyaki, ramen, miso soup and gyoza dumplings.

Sushi seating can only be done on board in person at the restaurant. Pricing is a la carte, though you can pay a flat rate of $39.99 and receive half rolls with each order. Hibachi reservations should be made as far in advance as possible. Pricing ranges from $54.99 to $59.99 per person ($14.99 for kids) depending on your protein selection. Sushi is an additional cost.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

The Promenade features a number of casual dining venues. Sorrento's is the late-night pizza parlor, open until 2 or 3 a.m. nightly. Eat all the pizza you want; it's included in your cruise fare. Cheese and pepperoni are always available, with a third flavor that changes daily. You can always request vegetarian, gluten-free or dairy-free pizzas to be made special for you.

Follow up your pie with a scoop of ice cream at Ben & Jerry's, which offers 10 flavors in cups or cones for $2.50 to $4. Shakes are also available.

One of the most popular venues on the Promenade is the Cafe Promenade. It does double duty as your morning Starbucks outlet (it opens at 6 a.m.) and late-night snack venue (mini sandwiches and pastries are served until 5 a.m.) If you're cool with the free stuff, skip the line and head to the self-service coffee and tea station on the far wall.

Put blinders on your kids when you walk by Sugar Beach, the ship's rainbow-colored bulk candy store. Between the free Froot Loops and cookies elsewhere on the ship, I wouldn't think you need to spend money on more sweets, but if you need a jelly bean fix, you know where to go.

Playmakers Sports Bar offers a limited a la carte menu of bar favorites – nachos, chicken tenders and wings, sliders and meal-sized burgers and worth-the-money desserts (the Campfire Cookie is my fave, but a group could go to town on the Touchdown Sundae with five scoops of Ben & Jerry's). You can bring your kids to this bar.

Up by Splashaway Bay, Fish & Ships serves a limited menu of fried fish, shrimp and chicken and fries for free, as well as a fried lobster tail basket for $12. One deck up by the kids clubs, Johnny Rockets will fuel your play with burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and the venue's signature milkshakes (a la carte pricing). Come at the right point and catch the waiters singing and dancing.

Finally, room service costs $7.95 per order, occasionally with an 18% gratuity added in certain unspecified ports. Continental breakfast (juice, coffee, tea, pastries and bread, cereal, fruit and yogurt) is complimentary from 6 to 11 a.m. Hot American breakfast (pancakes, eggs, potatoes and bacon/sausage) incurs the fee.

The regular room service menu is available from 11 a.m. all the way through until 6 a.m. and includes soup, salad, sandwiches, favorites (quesadillas, grilled salmon, pasta, pizza, chicken wings and tenders), dessert and a kids menu.

Your evening bar crawl won't earn you many steps as the ship's main watering holes are found on decks 4 and 5.

Starting on the lower deck, Boleros is the line's signature Latin bar, where there's often an all-ages crowd dancing merengue, salsa and more and singing along to popular tunes. Next door is Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade where you can watch all the games or play pool, foosball, skeeball or Super Shot basketball while downing beers. (Warn your kids — there are no video games at this arcade.)

The casino has its own bar in the center of the action. Become a regular and you might start getting drinks for free. On the other side of the casino, the nautical-themed Schooner's is the place to go for piano singalongs and trivia (usually catering to an older crowd). The desert pear margarita is popular, though I preferred the lavender martini.

One deck up on the Promenade, Ale & Anchor is the ship's British-style pub. Come for a lager and the game, stay for energetic singalongs with the resident guitarist. (The Ellie Finnerty's Taylor Swift singalong was standing room only, with the indoor and out-on-the-Promenade seating full up.) Across the street, so to speak, is Vintages, your go-to for a sophisticated glass of wine. The venue also hosts wine tastings.

The most understated bar on the ship is the Champagne Bar, just across from the shore excursions desk. If you like bubbly, you can relax on the comfy couches here and toast your vacation success.

But don't worry — if you're sunning or sweating on the upper decks, you'll find plenty of watering holes to wet your whistle. The ship has three pool deck bars: the pool bar by the main pools, the Sky Lounge serving guests lounging just above on Deck 12 and the solarium bar in the adult section.

The Plaza Bar in the Windjammer keeps you hydrated during meals with morning coffee drinks and mimosas and beer, wine and cocktails with your buffet lunches and dinners.

For a sophisticated drink with a view, head to the Olive or Twist Bar in Royal Caribbean's signature Viking Crown Lounge on Deck 14 midship. Floor-to-ceiling windows in a 180-degree semicircle overlook the ship's Splashaway Bay kiddie zone and the sea. It's a good spot to watch sailaway if you don't want to be out in the sun. Upper-tier loyalty members and suite guests can get their drink on for free at their respective lounges adjacent to Olive or Twist.

If your idea of a bar is a soda machine, you can find Coke machines by Sorrento's on the Promenade and on either side of the buffet. They only work with your drinks package-affiliated reusable cup. In addition to soda, you can pour out juice, seltzer water, sports drinks and smart water.

Independence of the Seas activities

A short cruise is all about fun in the sun, making the Deck 11 pool deck a popular spot on Independence of the Seas. The deck is divided into three sections. Forward is the adults-only solarium, aft is the kid-centric Splashaway Bay water play area and center is the main pool area.

The main pool area features two pools, three hot tubs, a bar, a bandstand and dance space, and a movie screen. Beginning swimmers can borrow life jackets from the nearby racks. Grab your blue pool towels from the towel station between the main pool and solarium. You'll need to sign towels in and out with your key card; fail to return one and you'll be charged $25 so keep track of your used towels!

Lounge chairs cover nearly every available surface on decks 11, 12 and 13, with many in the direct sunlight. The quietest spots might be on deck 13 forward.

Forward of the main pools, the solarium features two minipools, bar, shaded lounge space and two oversized hot tubs cantilevered over the sides of the ship — all reserved for adults ages 16+. Unlike on other Royal Caribbean ships, it does not have a retractable roof.

Aft of the main pools is Splashaway Bay. It's a kiddie water play area complete with junior slides, water sprayers and a dump bucket that soaks everyone nearby, a shallow swimming pool and a separate play area for tots in swim diapers. Two hot tubs here are perfect vantage points for parents — if the kids haven't taken them over. Not surprisingly, the soft-serve ice cream station and a counter serving fried fish and chicken flank this deck area.

Adrenaline junkies can set up camp on Deck 13 aft where they'll find a multipurpose sports court (basketball, pickleball, floor hockey), FlowRider surf simulator, rock-climbing wall and entrance to the two Perfect Storm waterslides. You must be at least 4 feet tall and no more than 250 pounds to ride the Cyclone (220 pounds for the Typhoon); children 12 and under must be supervised by an adult. Both are three-deck-high tube twister slides.

If you dare to boogie board or stand-up surf know that your successes and failures will be cheered by onlookers hanging out in the stadium seating surrounding the FlowRider. Tucker out little cruisers in the Sky Climber, a cat-tree-esque jungle gym for kids, encased in netting.

That weird circular object by the waterslides is the Sky Pad, which used to be a bungee trampoline but no longer. It wasn't clear what it's used for now, though I saw open-play archery scheduled there.

A running track weaves around the deck chairs above the main pools on Deck 12. Six laps equal a mile. The only realistic times to run are early morning or in the evening; watch out for wet decking in the morning.

Independence Dunes, the mini-golf course on Deck 13 forward, has a fun seaside theme with a lighthouse, whale's tail and VW bus selfie spot. Cool off with arched misters nearby.

Kick it old school with a game of shuffleboard on the Deck 4 outdoor decks.

If serenity is what you seek, the spa is located on Deck 12 forward, directly above the fitness center. Get your hair and nails done in the salon or melt away your work-life stress with a massage or facial. Acupuncture, medispa treatments (such as Restylane fillers), men's shaves, waxing and teeth whitening are also on offer. For free stress relief, you'll find saunas and steam rooms in the men's and women's locker rooms.

The expansive gym has rows of cardio machines, Life Fitness resistance stations and free weights. One side of the gym is reserved for spin class, while a workout studio is home to both group classes (yoga, boot camp and more, for a fee) and spa seminars. (Guess what? Based on your footprint analysis, you will need insoles!)

The daily schedule is packed with activities, including trivia, audience-participation games and competitions, art auctions and seminars in the Deck 3 art gallery, sushi or cupcake making classes, wine or alcohol tasting seminars, silent dance parties and behind-the-scenes ship tours. If you're over 18, don't miss the late-night Quest game show, which is decidedly not PG and is absolutely hilarious.

For some retail therapy, browse the shops on the Promenade for souvenirs such as logowear, liquor, beauty products, purses, fine watches and jewelry. The photo gallery and portrait studio is on Deck 3; look up photos on touch screens using your cabin number (we've moved on from searching through hundreds of printouts).

The Deck 4 Casino Royale has a special subway-style entrance from the Promenade. Try your luck at the slots and gaming tables. The casino is a popular evening spot, so you'll have plenty of company to cheer your wins and console your losses.

Related: I earned a 'free' cruise in a Royal Caribbean casino — here's what it cost, plus tips for getting comped

All the fun isn't just for adults. The kids rule the school on Deck 12 aft, with all the kids hangout spaces conveniently grouped around Johnny Rockets and the arcade. You'll find numerous table tennis set-ups in the deck areas around the kid spaces.

The Royal Babies & Tots Nursery entertains the youngest cruisers for a fee, but kids ages 3 and up can enjoy supervised fun for free at Adventure Ocean. The different groups of kids — Aquanauts (ages 3-5), Explorers (6-8) and Voyagers (9-11) — have their own play space, but depending on the number of children on board, they might get play time in another age group's space. Tweens and teens ages 12 to 17 can play video games and hang out in The Living Room and show off their dance moves in the Fuel teen nightclub.

Note: Kids ages 17 and under must be in their cabins by 1 a.m.

By day, Studio B offers both open ice skating sessions and glow-in-the-dark laser tag (both require advance signups). Feeling cerebral? Sign up for the Escape Room, which has a scientific observatory theme. It's pricy at $35 per person (minimum age 12), and there weren't as many puzzles to solve as in commercial escape rooms on land. It is a fun way to meet and interact with other guests, but I wouldn't prioritize it.

Guest services, the shore excursions desk and future cruise sales are all located on the aft end of the Promenade, near the dining room. If you're looking for a quiet space away from all the hubbub, sneak away to the library on Deck 5 aft. It's hidden within the Star Lounge lobby, but once inside, you can borrow a book, check email on the computer stations or hide out from the crowds (or your kids, you never know).

Independence of the Seas shows

The resident Broadway musical at the Royal Theater on decks 3 and 4 is a 90-minute version of "Grease." If that's not the show you want for some summer lovin', you can enjoy guest acts, such as comedians and ventriloquists on the other nights.

Don't confuse the main theater with the Deck 5 Star Lounge, which is a secondary performance space. Here, you'll find karaoke and audience-participation games such as "Finish That Lyric."

Royal Caribbean's ice shows are always a good time and Independence of the Seas' trip through the decades, called "Freeze Frame," is no exception. You'll be impressed as much by the numerous costume changes as what the skaters manage to accomplish on a tiny ice rink. Bring a sweater.

I did not have to make reservations for either "Grease" or "Freeze Frame" in advance on this cruise, as I've done for shows on other Royal Caribbean ships. Check the app when you're on board, but unless this changes from cruise to cruise, you'll only need to show up 15 to 20 minutes in advance to get the best seats.

If you've been on other ships in the fleet, please note that the Promenade on Independence of the Seas does not stage parades or concerts. A few themed parties were listed on the daily schedule, but usually it meant that a DJ was playing louder-than-normal music with nothing else special going on.

Independence of the Seas itineraries and pricing

Independence of the Seas currently sails three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando) to Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Nassau, Bahamas .

However, in late October 2023, the ship will reposition to Miami, where it will sail a mix of four-night Eastern and five-night Western Caribbean cruises, as well as three- and four-night Bahamas sailings .

Related: Eastern Caribbean vs. Western Caribbean cruises: Which itinerary will I like more?

The majority of the ship's five-night Western Caribbean cruises visit CocoCay and Cozumel, Mexico, while a handful go to Nassau, Grand Cayman Island or Falmouth, Jamaica instead. The four-night Eastern Caribbean sailings call on Royal Caribbean's private beach in Labadee, Haiti, with two days at sea.

Rates start at the following prices:

• $223 per person for an inside cabin or $385 for a balcony cabin on four-night Eastern Caribbean cruises
• $290 per person for an inside cabin or $442 for a balcony cabin on three-night Bahamas cruises from Miami
• $320 per person for an inside cabin or $431 for a balcony cabin on four-night Bahamas cruises from Miami
• $333 per person for an inside cabin or $521 for a balcony cabin on five-night Western Caribbean cruises

What to know before you go

Required documents.

Since Independence of the Seas is currently sailing round-trip from Florida, U.S. citizens can sail with either a current passport or an official copy of their birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo I.D. Passports must be valid for at least six months.

The name on your reservation must be the same as what's printed on your passport or other official proof of nationality. Double-check if you've recently gotten married or go by a different version of your name.

Related: What documents do you need for a cruise? From passports to printouts, here's what to take

The room stewards and dining staff on Independence of the Seas are friendly and helpful and deserve an extra thank-you. Royal Caribbean makes that easy by charging you an automatic gratuity of $16 to $18.50 per person per day, depending on your cabin category, added to your onboard account and final bill. You are allowed to adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking, but please don't — even if you are disappointed by the service. Gratuities are an important part of crewmembers' paychecks.

An 18% gratuity is added to bar, specialty dining and spa/salon bills. You should not feel pressured to add an additional tip.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Royal Caribbean has one of the fastest Wi-Fi systems at sea, called Voom, and you can take advantage of this on Independence of the Seas. Currently, Wi-Fi packages with streaming bandwidth start at $26.99 per day for one device (or $20.99 per day per device for packages accommodating two, three or four devices), though prices do change over time. You can also purchase 24-hour access for a flat rate of $29.99.

Often you can get the best discounts on onboard Wi-Fi by purchasing your plans online in advance of your cruise. Members of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society cruise loyalty program may also be eligible for discounts on Wi-Fi packages.

Certain suite guests and upper-tier loyalty program members receive complimentary Wi-Fi, so know your included perks before you sign up for a package.

Having trouble logging in? A Voom help desk on the Promenade (outside The Collection store) is staffed daily.

Related: How fast is the internet on Royal Caribbean ships? We put it to the test

Carry-on drinks policy

Royal Caribbean guests of legal drinking age can bring one bottle of wine or Champagne onto Independence of the Seas at boarding, plus up to a dozen standard cans, bottles or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas.

If you want to toast your good fortune in your cabin, you're good, but if you want to bring your preferred vintage to a restaurant or lounge, you'll need to pay a $15 corkage fee.

Smoking policy

Smoking (including e-cigarette smoking) is forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee.

Passengers can smoke in Independence of the Seas' casino (cigarettes only) and designated outdoor lounges on decks 4 and 11 portside. The Deck 11 smoking area is adjacent to the seating for Fish & Ships. The casino does offer nonsmoking tables, but the cigarette smoke from the smoking section tends to waft throughout the entire space, and even into the Playmakers Sports Bar next door.

Independence of the Seas does not offer self-service launderettes. Passengers can pay extra for laundry, pressing and dry cleaning services.

Electrical outlets

You'll find two North American-style 110-volt outlets and one European-style 220-volt outlet by the desk/vanity in your cabin. You will not find outlets by the bed or in the bathroom (other than a shavers-only outlet — look up by the mirror as it's not easy to spot).

The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar, but you won't need cash on the ship. You'll receive a SeaPass card that functions as your shipboard ID, room key and credit card. You'll charge shipboard purchases (drinks, souvenirs, extra-fee meals, shore excursions and so on) to your onboard account, and Royal Caribbean will charge your credit card on file once the cruise ends. You can check your onboard bill in the cruise line's app or at Guest Services.

The shops on CocoCay also take your SeaPass card.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on Independence of the Seas.

During the day, people dress casually. T-shirts, shorts, athletic wear, casual sundresses and bathing suits are commonly worn on board and ashore. Bring a cover-up to go from the pool back indoors.

In the evening, the ship does have a suggested dress code. On my cruise, the themes were resort casual, dress-to-impress and tropical. Specialty restaurants state their dress codes are smart casual (Giovanni's and Izumi) or formal (Chops), but on a three-night cruise, the only dress code is nearly anything goes.

I ate at Chops Grille on dress-to-impress night, and I can say that Royal Caribbean cruisers have varied notions of how to impress with their fashion. In Chops, I saw men wearing both shorts and jeans though most were wearing collared polo or button-down tropical-style shirts.

Around the ship on dress-to-impress night, I saw a couple in full-on pirate attire, a group in an across-the-decades theme (one woman wore go-go boots and a mini dress, another wore an '80s Jazzercise outfit and a man had a '70s-style shirt and vest with a peace-sign necklace) and several guys in loud tropical-style outfits with matching shirts, shorts and hats. I also saw plenty of guests in floor-length gowns, sparkly dresses and suits.

Figure that the only thing that will get you side eye from the crew in the main dining room and specialty restaurants will be swimwear, bare feet, pajamas and athletic-style tank tops.

Related: Ultimate cruise packing list

Bottom line

Independence of the Seas helps vacationers pack a lot of activity into a quick getaway. The vibe is upbeat and fun, and the ship is large enough to accommodate all types of travelers but not so big as to feel overwhelming on a short cruise. Whether you're a family with kids, a couple or group of family and friends, you'll find your happy place on this ship.

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Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas Deck Plans & Reviews

Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas

Activities & entertainment

• CruiseCritic Meet and Mingle
• Dance Classes
• Dance Parties
• Escape Room *
• Fitness Classes *
• Hot Tubs (7)
• Independence Dunes
• Library & RC Online *
• Rock Climbing Wall
• Running Track
• Scavenger Hunts
• Spa and Fitness Center *
• Spa and Fitness Center
• Splashaway Bay
• Sports Court
• Sports Tournament
• The Living Room
• The Perfect Storm
• Video Arcade *
• Wine Tasting *
• Waterslides (3)
• Adventure Ocean
• Fuel Teen Club
• Casino Royale *
• Deck Parties
• Demonstrations
• Game Broadcasts
• Poolside Movies
• Royal Promenade
• Royal Theatre
• Star Lounge
• Wellness Lectures
• Dining Room - American
• Izumi - Asian *
• Windjammer Café - Casual
• The Plaza Bar - Casual bar *
• Champagne Bar - Champagne *
• Johnny Rockets - Fast Food *
• Fish & Ships - Fish & Chips
• Ale & Anchor - Gastropub *
• Ice Cream Parlor - Ice Cream *
• Viking Crown Lounge - Iconic Bar *
• Giovanni's Table - italian *
• Boleros - Latin bar *
• Olive or Twist - Martini Bar *
• Schooner Bar - Nautical bar *
• Sorrento's - Pizza
• Pool Bar - Pool Bar *
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade - Sports Bar *
• Chops Grille - Steakhouse *
• Sugar Beach - Sweets *
• Vintages - Wine Bar *
• Excellent 82
• Very Good 40
• Terrible 19
• All languages ( 171 )
• English ( 167 )
• Spanish ( 3 )
• Portuguese ( 1 )

Upcoming itineraries

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MEETINGS & INCENTIVES

THE ULTIMATE EVENT DESTINATION

Independence Of The Seas

Maiden voyage & enhanced.

2008 / 2018

Total Guest Rooms

Ocean view rooms, largest meeting room.

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on Independence of the Seas

There’s the caribbean you know., and then there’s the royal caribbean..

No one knows the Caribbean better than we do. After all, it is our middle name. And when it comes to beautiful beaches and sparkling blue waters, this region really is in a league of its own. Get up close and personal with stingrays in Grand Cayman. Explore the El Yunque Rain Forest in Puerto Rico, Christoffel National Park in Curaçao, and the Mayan Ruins in Cozumel, just to name a few.

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4 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Royal Caribbean International is known for ships with a wow factor. From ice skating rinks to zip lines, if you can think of it, you can find it on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Explore the islands or get up close and personal with some intriguing wildlife when you cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

• Independence Of The Seas - Passenger Capacity:  3,858 (double occupancy) Year Built:  2008 Last Refurbished:  2018

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4 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise sailing on the Independence Of The Seas

Departure dates: jan 2025 - jan 2025, stateroom prices for jan. 2, 2025.

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*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars & include NCCF. Government taxes & fees are additional and vary based on sailing. All government taxes and fees may change without notice -- please confirm at time of booking. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN ARABIA

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GRAB A HOLD OF BOLD

Independence of the seas, this is a firm “no” to fomo. independence of the seas® is giving the caribbean an injection of new adventures on getaways. launch yourself into a virtual world on the sky pad® bungee trampoline experience. go head to head in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag clash in battle for planet z℠. score an awesome time and game-changing grub at playmakers℠ sports bar & arcade. come seek the royal caribbean®..

MAXED OUT ON THRILLS

Gear up for a glow-in-the-dark laser tag faceoff in battle for planet z℠ and indulge your sweet tooth at sugar beach℠. catch a wave on the flowrider® surf simulator and race down the perfect storm℠ dueling waterslides. independence of the seas® is overflowing with bolder ways to fill your time between shores..

NOW STREAMING THRILLS

The new Independence of the Seas® is loaded with surprises to thrill even the boldest weekend warriors. Launch yourself into a virtual world on a new bungee trampoline experience — Sky Pad®. Hang ten on the FlowRider® surf simulator or race down The Perfect Storm℠ waterslides. And go head-to-head in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag clash in Battle for Planet Z℠.

BOLD IN EVERY BITE

Say “Konnichiwa” to a reimagined favorite at Izumi Hibachi & Sushi. Sashimi, sushi and more are all made-to-order with intense flavors, the best ingredients and impeccable presentation. Or order up batter-fried favorites at Fish & Ships℠ — the new seafood spot that’s just within splashing distance of the pool. Then treat your sweet tooth to every candy under the sun — plus a few sugarcoated surprises at Sugar Beach℠.

SCORE AN AWESOME TIME

At Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade, it’s all about winning. Watch your home team dominate on the field, or make your own legendary plays at the arcade. When it’s time to refuel, you’ll find wings, french fries, sliders and our signature Playmaker Burger to keep you going, along with ice-cold brews.

Or Contact our Reservations Team Middle East: +971 4 331 4299 Saudi Arabia Toll Free: 800 897 1419 Email: [email protected]

Ways to explore, adventures from your backyard, if you’re looking for the ultimate island hop around the caribbean, your ship’s come in. whether you opt for a weeklong itinerary from the lone star state or a short getaway from the sunshine state, you’re in for a far-out, no-holds-barred vacation..

SAIL FROM THE SPACE COAST

Less than an hour from Orlando’s world-famous amusement parks, Port Canaveral is nestled on what’s known as Florida’s Space Coast. You’ll find over 72 miles of pristine coastline to explore here plus some of the best surfing in the region, making it a great spot to spend a few days before or after your cruise vacation.

GO BOLD FROM GALVESTON

Fun-loving Galveston is all about big thrills, great food and rich history. It’s definitely worth setting aside a few days to explore this vibrant seaside town. Make sure to try a Texas-style breakfast in the Strand District, stroll along the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, and pop into the city’s museums before or after your Caribbean escape.

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About Independence of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's beautiful Independence of the Seas is a family friendly ship, featuring thrilling onboard innovations that will delight guests of all ages. Fun filled activities, astounding entertainment, spacious staterooms and a variety of delicious dining options ranging from casual fare to fine dining await you on your next cruise aboard this lovely ship.

Onboard highlights include cantilevered whirlpools extending 12 feet off the side of the ship, a kid-friendly water park, a rock-climbing wall and an ice-skating rink. Independence of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class ships, boasting multiple pools, the Vitality Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Dining choices will take your taste buds on a scrumptious culinary journey. Stop in for a bite of whatever you're in the mood for at Johnny Rockets, Jade Sushi, Sorrento's Pizza and Windjammer Cafe. Fine dining is on the menu at Chops Grille and Giovanni's Table. At Chefmakers Cooking Academy foodies can master their skills. The sophisticated main dining rooms serve delightful continental fare sure to please everyone.

Designed with comfort, practicality and serenity in mind, your stateroom or suite provides the perfect retreat. Choose from well-appointed adjoining rooms for families, staterooms with magnificent ocean views and gorgeous luxury suites. All accommodations have ample storage for your belongings.

Entertainment for the entire family abounds on Independence of the Seas! Enjoy Broadway-style shows in the Main Theater, complimentary ice-skating shows and challenge Lady Luck at the immense Vegas-style Casino Royale. From The DreamWorks® Experience to a first-run movie in the 3D theater or poolside, under the stars, on the outdoor movie screen, there is plenty of fun just waiting to be discovered. Your kids will find their happy place making new friends their own age at the Adventure Ocean Youth Program.

With 22 bars, clubs and lounges, including a Latin-themed lounge, champagne bar and a traditional style English Pub there is always something to do, somewhere to go and someone to see. Enjoy cocktails before dinner, dance the night away and delight in the company of old friends and new.

Independence of the Seas has it all. On deck try out the rip-roaring FlowRider surf simulator, mini-golf course and the H2O Zone kids' water park, Indoors, stroll along the fabulous Royal Promenade, brimming with name-brand, duty-free shopping, cafés, bars and more. While there, pick up a decadent treat at the vintage-style gourmet bakery. There are various kids programs available onboard.

Independence of the Seas offers a wide variety of cruises to beautiful ports worldwide.

Royal Suite - 1 Bedroom

Relish an extraordinary vacation in this luxurious suiteOcean view,Bedroom,Private balcony with outdoor dining, seating area and whirlpool,One bathroom with tub, two vanities and bidet.

Owner's Suite - 1 Bedroom

Enjoy the ultimate suite for a perfect vacation. Ocean view,Room with bed and vanity,Living area with double sofa bed,One bathroom with tub.

Grand Suite - 2 Bedrooms

Indulge in a comfortable suite and enjoy the extra perks. Ocean view,Two bedrooms,Master bedroom with dressing area,Living area,Private balcony with outdoor dining and seating area.

Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom

Enjoy a comfortable suite and the extra perks. Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom with tub.

Junior Suite

An incredible intimate suite with a great view. Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity, and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom with tub..Accessible- An incredible intimate suite with a great view. (Up to 6 guests). Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed, One double sofa bed, Two Pullman beds in staterooms with up to 6. Stateroom: 408 sq. ft.,Balcony: 65 sq. ft.

An incredible intimate suite with a great view.Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity, and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom with tub.Accessible- An incredible intimate suite with a great view. ( Up to 3 guests ),Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed,One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 guests,Stateroom: 317 sq. ft.,Balcony: 65 sq. ft.

Ocean View Panoramic Suite (No Balcony)

Enjoy the view through a wrap around panoramic window with your family.

Suite Guarantee

This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Spacious Ocean View Balcony

Immerse yourself in a gorgeous view for a memorable vacation.Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity, and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.

Ocean View Balcony

Experience a spectacular view for a memorable vacation.Ocean view some staterooms have an obstructed view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.

Experience a spectacular view for a memorable vacation. Ocean view some staterooms have an obstructed view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.Accessible-Experience a spectacular view for a memorable vacation. (Up to 2 guests),Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed,Stateroom: 286 sq. ft.,Balcony: 53 sq. ft.

Connecting Oceanview Balcony

Experience a spectacular view for a memorable vacation.

Ocean View Balcony Guarantee

Spacious Panoramic Ocean View

Marvel the view through a floor to ceiling panoramic window.Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.Accessible-Enjoy the view through a wrap around panoramic window. ( Up to 4 guests ),Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed,One double sofa bed,Stateroom: 283 sq. ft

Ultra Spacious Ocean View

Have a spectacular view in an immense space with family.

Spacious Ocean View

Have a spectacular view for a memorable vacation.Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.

Have a spectacular view for a memorable vacation.Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.Accessible-Gaze into the beautiful views from your cozy room. (Up to 3 guests),Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed,One single sofa bed in staterooms with up to 3 guests,180 sq. ft.

Gaze into the beautiful views from your cozy room.Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.

Gaze into the beautiful views from your cozy room. Ocean view,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.Accessible-Gaze into the beautiful views from your cozy room. ( Up to 2 guests ),Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed,Stateroom: 315 sq. ft.

Ocean View Guarantee

Spacious Promenade View Interior

Delight in two bowed windows overlooking the Royal Promenade.

Spacious Interior

Enjoy your vacation in an expanded space.Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.

Promenade View Interior

Delight in bowed windows overlooking the Royal Promenade.Royal Promenade View,Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.Accessible-Delight in bowed windows overlooking the Royal Promenade. (Up to 2 guests),Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed,Stateroom 266 sq. ft.

Enjoy your vacation in the perfect space.Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom. Accessible-Enjoy your vacation in the perfect space. (Up to 4 guests),Two twin beds that convert to a Royal King bed,One double sofa bed, 256 sq. ft.

Enjoy your vacation in the perfect space.Room with bed, vanity and sitting area with sofa,One bathroom.

Connecting Promenade Interior

Delight in bowed windows overlooking the Royal Promenade.

Interior Guarantee

View Deck Plan

Chops Grille

For more than a decade, the chefs of Chops Grille have proudly presented quality, hand cut steaks at this hallmark Royal Caribbean restaurant. Now, they give you a fresh twist on a favorite, with a revamped menu. Most intriguing: our exceptional prime meat. This prime beef is joined by Maine lobster, veal parmesan, grilled branzino and other succulent dishes paired with addictive sides and irresistible desserts.

Dining Room

Decks: 3 4 5

Sweeping, multi-level ambience, world-class cuisine and the most attentive staff at sea. Our main dining room serves exceptional, multi-course meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy a new dinner menu each evening in an elegant setting, with extraordinary personal service from your dedicated wait staff. Main Dining Room offers reservations for My Time Dining, giving more flexible options for you to book or Traditional dining, which secures the same seating and table every evening.

Fish & Ships

Find yourself reeled in to Fish & Ships?, a seaside seafood spot that’s just steps away from the pool. No need to hop across the pond for a basket of freshly battered cod and crispy hand cut fries. You can get the British classic right here, plus calamari, and even a frosty pint of brew — without even having to change out of your flip flops.

Giovanni's Table

Rustic Italian dishes are served with contemporary flair at Giovanni’s Table, a Royal Caribbean® favorite offering indoor and al fresco seating. This casual trattoria serves up a seemingly endless selection of Italian classics, like Gnocchi Al Gorgonzola, Melanzane alla Parmigiana, Risotto, Bolognese and much more. From the mouth-watering fresh pastas to the carefully braised meats and stews, you can tour all of Italy without ever leaving the ship.

From sushi to sashimi and tableside preparation using Hot Rocks, Izumi offers guests an exotic Asian-inspired dining experience. At Izumi, items are charged a la carte. You'll enjoy a wide variety of hot and cold appetizers, entrees, desserts and more, all made-to-order with intense flavors, the best ingredients and impeccable presentation. Now that's fresh.

Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets® has been serving up delicious American fare to diners around the world since 1986. Its menu features fresh, never frozen, made-to-order hamburgers, sides, shakes and desserts. So, no matter where you are onboard or in the world, you’re always surrounded by good food and simple pleasures at Johnny Rockets.

Looking for an authentic New York pizzeria experience… at sea? Then head to Sorrento's for fully loaded pies right out of the oven. Try a different creation every day— from chorizo to Hawaiian to Pizza Florentine, with classic cheese and pepperoni always on call— or have one custom made with your favorite ingredients. Sorrento’s is just one of many casual-service dining options that cater to a wide variety of tastes and preferences, offering something for everyone at no additional cost. And with Sorrento’s serving up freshly baked pies, this is already one of our most popular restaurants— because any way you slice it, who doesn’t love pizza?

Windjammer Cafe

Windjammer Marketplace, a Royal Caribbean dining mainstay, is a global culinary pavilion that invites you to explore the world, dish by dish. Enticing food islands weave throughout, showcasing international fare while mapping your way between interactive stations. Here, staff prepare signature specialties to your specs— like fresh-pressed panini, juices blended before your eyes, fluffy omelets, pastas, salads, soups, sandwiches and tantalizing desserts— all part of a menu that changes daily.

Ice Cream Parlor

Royal Theatre

Royal Theatre.

Casino Royale

Players love Casino Royale?, a slice of Vegas right onboard every ship. Explore thousands of square feet of games, from penny slots to poker tables to roulette.

Available in the ships library, this area offers classic and popular family titles in a variety of languages (based on the ship’s itinerary) and a comfortable reading area for kids to relax and delve into a book, individually or with a parent.

Conference Center

Conference Center.

Join your wee one for a session of educational and engaging fun with Royal Babies® and Royal Tots® playgroups at Adventure Ocean®. Each interactive playgroup is held at one of our onboard lounges and is designed to make playtime learning time too.

Resort Pool

Resort Pool.

Check your watch: It’s me time. Discover the Solarium, a relaxing indoor-outdoor retreat just for our adult guests. Perfectly positioned at the front of every Royal Caribbean® ship, the crystal canopy area presents fantastic views and stays warm while you enjoy swimming pools, whirlpools and lounge area, as well as cascading lagoons on select ships.

Splashaway Bay

Pint-sized cruisers will find gallons of fun at Splashaway BaySM aqua park. This bigger, better water adventure features colorful waterslides, water cannons, fountains, pools and whirlpools for tots to tweens (and their supervising parents). And keep your eye on the drench bucket. You’ll want to be there when it tips!

Sports Pool

Sports Pool.

Discover a different type of hot spot. Each Royal Caribbean® ship has multiple whirlpools and several are designed with unique cantilevered whirlpools extending 13 feet beyond the side of the ship for a unique at-sea perspective. Find the warm and bubbly whirlpool that’s calling your name

Independence Dunes

Up the ramp, around the curve and into the hole. Play on the green as you enjoy wide, blue ocean views. Mini golf is included in your fare, so play as much as you like. No reservation necessary. DISCLAIMER- Images might not be accurate depictions of venue. Venue appearance varies by ship.

Escape Room

There are some puzzles you solve. And some you escape. Work together with your team to uncover hidden clues, solve mind bending teasers, and work out bewildering puzzles. The timer’s set to 60 minutes. Have you and your team got what it takes to beat the clock in the latest Royal Caribbean® Escape Room challenge?

The surf’s always up on the 40-foot-long FlowRider® surf simulator. Grab your board and get ready, 30,000 gallons of rushing awesome are headed your way. Carve like a pro — or just try to stay upright — while friends cheer you on from the stadium seating.

Discover the underwater world on a PADI® scuba diving expedition— exclusively offered on Royal Caribbean. PADI dive instructors will lead you on underwater adventures with a range of courses offered, so you can get certified right onboard. Fee applies.

Hop into the Sky Pad? for an out-of-this-world bungee trampoline experience. Strap in, put on your virtual reality headset and get transported to another time, place, or planet. Whether you’re smashing candies in a sugar-coated world or traveling light years into the future, your virtual adventure will launch you high into the stratosphere and let your imagination soar.

Skyclimber .

The Perfect Storm

Three stories high with wet and wild thrills, The Perfect Storm? water slide duo takes excitement off the charts. Grab a buddy and race through twists, turns and translucent panels offering unforgettable views, to the bottom of the Typhoon? and Cyclone? slides.

Center Ice Rink

You may not expect to wrap up a sunny day with figure eights on the ice rink. But onboard, excitement like this comes standard— and the ice skating comes complimentary. Children and adults, from beginners to masters, are invited to strap on a pair of skates and show off their moves.

Sugar Beach

Treat your sweet tooth to every candy under the sun — plus a few sugarcoated surprises. Sugar Beach? is stocked to max candy capacity with all your favorite confections.

Next Cruise

Next Cruise.

Guest Services

Guest Services.

Shore Excursions

Shore Excursions.

Fuel Teen club

See the some great comedy movies as well as other fantastic action films brought to life in our 3D theatre or in your stateroom.

The Living Room

Whether you want to chill out or all-out dance, drop by teen-only spaces where you can hang out late. Start at the teen lounge, a laid-back hideaway, and then amp up the energy at the teen-only nightclub.

Royal Promenade

Decks: 5 6 7 8

Halloween? Birthday? New Year’s Eve? Wednesday? You really don’t need an excuse to celebrate when you’re on vacation. But here’s one anyway. Let’s Celebrate! is a wild and crazy parade on the Royal Promenade where it doesn’t matter what day it is, because we’re celebrating them all, all at once.

Promenade Shops

Promenade Shops.

Fitness Center

Decks: 11 12

Start a healthy new habit or keep your fitness routine on track. VitalitySM Fitness Center© has an array of the most popular training classes including yoga, Pilates, spinning, sculpting and more. Trained instructors make it easy for everyone to have a great time and get fit. Fee applies for some classes.

Emerge renewed, relaxed and rejuvenated at the Vitality? Spa. Professional spa products from acclaimed brands such as Elemis®, bliss®, La Thérapie and Ionithermie bring the most advanced services to the sea. Massages, wraps, facials and acupuncture, or choose medi-spa treatments to smooth wrinkles, lift and tone. A more brilliant smile is just a tooth whitening away, while a salon completes the perfect look with hair and nail services.

Art Gallery

Art Gallery.

Photo Gallery

Photo Gallery.

Adventure Ocean

When the kids are happy, parents are happy. And our award-winning Adventure Ocean® Youth Program is designed with that in mind. Tiny travelers ages 3-5 will have an education blast in the Aquanauts group. The Explorers program keeps 6-8 year olds entertained with activities like themed parties and more. And learning is a thrillfest for 9-11 year olds in the Voyagers group.

Play Makers Sports Bar & Arcade

It’s always game on at Playmakers? Sports Bar & Arcade, where you can catch your home team live on 50 screens or face off against your friends. With a menu of game day favorites and icy-cold draughts on tap, anything you order is a winner. Like the signature Playmakers Burger, the buffalo wings, or the four-scoop Touchdown Sundae.

Video Arcade

If you find yourself fleeing a gang of ghosts, saving deep space from invaders, or starting a dance revolution, you might be at the Royal Caribbean Arcade. Your favorite games from the 1980s and 1990s are onboard, as well as Guitar Hero, Fast and Furious Drift, Skee-ball, air hockey and more.

Ale & Anchor

Ale & Anchor.

Champagne Bar

Whether you prefer onboard thrills or beachside chill, raise a glass of bubbly at our Champagne Bar and toast to a day well-spent. From bold bruts to crisp cremants, discover your perfect pairing for adventure at sea.

Diamond Club

Loyalty definitely has its privileges. Royal Caribbean® created the exclusive Diamond Club lounge to thank our valued Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club Crown & Anchor® Society members for their continued loyalty.

Olive or Twist

Enjoy the coolest spots under the sun. Chill at the pool deck and enjoy tasty sips from the Pool Bar or Sand Bar, both are full-service and perfectly positioned on the upper level of the pool deck, serving beers, non-alcoholic beverages and delicious mixed drinks.

Schooner Bar

Is the pianist playing your song? Join the fun at Schooner Bar, where a nautical theme, warm decor and perfectly mixed cocktails come together. Cozy up in a seat under the mast, by the portholes, or right by the gleaming grand piano. The sing-along's starting soon.

The Plaza Bar

This is where wine list and to-do list overlap. Whether it’s Burgundy, Merlot, Riesling or Pinot Grigio, you’re sure to find your beloved reds or whites at Vintages wine bar. But be bold — try something new and you may return home with a new favorite. From France to California, the wide world of wine is well-represented through extensive partnerships with top winemakers, including some exclusive bottles you won't find anywhere else. And the abundant wine list is perfectly paired with a menu of light bites and sweet delights.

Whether it’s after dinner or after party, nighttime sizzles at Boleros, a Latin-themed club and hot spot serving Cuban mojitos, Brazilian capirinhas, or your favorite classic cocktails. A live six-piece band and singer belt out the Latin rhythms that get you moving, because it’s all about the salsa, cumbia, merengue and samba. So get on the floor and dance.

Sky Lounge.

Star Lounge

Star Lounge.

Suite Lounge

It’s serenity with a twist of lime. Reserved exclusively for guests of Grand Suite-level accommodations and above, the Suite Lounge. So from croissants to Cosmos, we’ve got your cravings covered.

Viking Crown Lounge

Viking Crown Lounge.

Rock-Climbing Wall

The view alone is worth every step. Climb forty feet above deck on the signature Rock Climbing Wall, where everyone from beginners to speed climbers can strap in and go vertical. you could visit the view again and again.

Running Track

Running Track.

Sports Court

We’ll bring the balls — you bring your A game. Whether it’s a pick-up game or one-or-one, go all in for basketball and volleyball action at sea, but with an awesome energizing ocean view.

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Independence Of The Seas

Royal caribbean.

• Year of built 2008
• Length (LOA) 338 m / 1108 ft
• Passengers 4603
• Destination Grand Turk Island
• ETA April 29, 12:30
• Speed 17 kn / 31 km/h
• Temperature

Protect Your Trip »

The 4 newest royal caribbean ships.

Explore the newest amenities onboard including surf simulators, fine dining and more.

The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's highly anticipated Icon of the Seas is set to debut in 2024.

The world's biggest and most ambitious cruise lines never stop building out their fleet of ships, and Royal Caribbean International is no exception. The Florida-based cruise line currently boasts 28 incredible vessels for cruisers of all ages, including the four newest ships that have been added to the fleet since 2021. An even newer ship, Star of the Seas, is also being constructed with a planned launch date during the summer of 2025.

If you're interested in trying out one of the most over-the-top cruise ships sailing the world today, consider Royal Caribbean's newest vessels from the last few years. Read on to learn about the brand-new Icon of the Seas, the jaw-dropping action offered on the Wonder of the Seas, the Utopia of the Seas and the Odyssey of the Seas and all the amenities and unique experiences they have to offer.

Book a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Icon of the Seas

Scheduled to set sail in early 2024, the Icon of the Seas is one of the most celebrated and anticipated new cruise ships across all the major cruise lines. This Icon Class vessel was built to dazzle and entertain cruise passengers of all ages, and it features eight unique neighborhoods, seven pools and the largest waterpark at sea.

In total, Icon of the Seas offers 2,805 individual staterooms with space for 7,600 guests at maximum and 2,350 crew members. The vessel is 1,198 feet long with gross tonnage of 250,800.

• Sails to: The Icon of the Seas will offer alternating seven-night sailings between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The vessel's Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas . The alternative itinerary also stops at the cruise line's private island , as well as Basseterre in St. Kitts and Nevis and Charlotte Amelie in St. Thomas. All itineraries will depart from Miami .
• Cabin types: Cabins on the Icon of the Seas are spread across eight unique neighborhoods with their own themes and amenities. Cruisers will find the basic interior, ocean view and balcony staterooms they would expect. The ship also features 179 suites that vary in size and in terms of their features, with some really spacious and over-the-top options. For example, the vessel's Ultimate Family Townhouse (UL) is more than 1,700 square feet with three stories, a multi-level slide, an outdoor space with a ping pong table and more.
• Dining options: Icon of the Seas offers 11 included dining options plus room service that's available 24/7. There are also nine unique specialty restaurants on board, including options like Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, the Empire Supper Club and Chops Grille Steakhouse. A Starbucks is also available.
• Features: The Icon of the Seas boasts the largest cruise ship pool at sea, as well as seven pools and nine whirlpools in total. There are also six record-breaking waterslides located in what Royal Caribbean says is the largest waterpark at sea. Nightlife and entertainment options run the gamut from the ship's dueling piano bar to its jazz and blues club to its AquaTheater with mesmerizing shows that feature incredible diving feats and acrobatics.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas is another vessel that is set to debut in 2024 with sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. This Oasis Class ship will offer up a total of 2,834 guest rooms and is 1,188 feet in length and 236,860 gross tons in size.

The ship has space for 5,668 passengers at double occupancy and eight different neighborhoods with cabins for guests. Interestingly, this huge ship will not offer seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean and will instead focus on offering three-night and four-night itineraries, at least at first.

• Sails to: The all-new Utopia of the Seas will offer shorter sailings to the Bahamas. The ship's three-night sailings will stop only at the cruise line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, whereas four-night sailings from Port Canaveral stop at the cruise line's private island and at Nassau, Bahamas.
• Cabin types: The Utopia of the Seas has interior rooms, ocean view rooms and balcony rooms just like other ships. Upgraded room options also abound and include a range of luxury suites at sea. For example, you can book the iconic Ultimate Family Suite, a Solarium Suite with Wraparound Windows, a Royal Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: There are 10 different included dining experiences on the Utopia of the Seas, with room service also offered 24 hours a day. These include a Main Dining Room experience, several cafe options, a pizzeria, a coastal kitchen with California and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and more. In addition, there are 10 different specialty restaurants that can also be booked on the Utopia of the Seas, and a Starbucks is on board. Special dining experiences include a hibachi and sushi restaurant, a seafood restaurant, a Chef's Table experience for up to 16 diners at a time, a Johnny Rockets and more.
• Features: Utopia of the Seas has everything you would expect in a new Oasis Class ship from Royal Caribbean. For example, passengers will find five huge pools, eight hot tubs, three water slides, 23 different bars and two on-board casinos. Other features include an ice-skating rink, two rock climbing walls, a zip line, a basketball court, two FlowRider Surf simulators and of course the line's famous AquaTheater. Like other Royal Caribbean ships, Utopia of the Seas also features special spaces for kids and teens, including dedicated clubs, an Imagination Studio and an on-board arcade.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

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Wonder of the Seas

Sailing the friendly seas since March 2022, the Wonder of the Seas boasts more individual rooms and suites than Icon of the Seas. The Oasis-class ship features 2,867 staterooms with a total guest capacity of 7,084. There are also eight unique neighborhoods for cruisers to choose from, each with its own decor and flair.

This Royal Caribbean vessel is also huge at 1,188 feet long and 235,600 gross tons. A total of 2,204 crew members run the ship and assist guests.

• Sails to: Wonder of the Seas is currently sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida and offers seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Eastern itinerary includes stops in Charlotte Amelie, St. Thomas and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay. Meanwhile, the Western loop stops at the cruise line's private island as well as Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico and Roatan, Honduras.
• Cabin types: Wonder of the Seas also offers all the normal cabin types you would expect, including interior rooms, sea view rooms and balcony staterooms. There are also over-the-top suites to choose from, including an Ultimate Family Suite, a Royal Suite, an Owner's Suite and more.
• Dining options: Nine complimentary dining options are included on the Wonder of the Seas, with a main dining room, a buffet option and plenty of other eateries available to grab a bite to eat. There are also 11 unique specialty restaurants on board, including a steakhouse and a seafood restaurant, a Johnny Rockets, a sushi and hibachi restaurant and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. For coffee lovers, a Starbucks is also on board.
• Features: The Wonder of the Seas has its own Central Park, along with 11 different bars, as well as special kids and teens-only areas like a social club and an arcade. Other notable features include the vessel's AquaTheater, rock-climbing walls, whirlpools, laser tag and more. There are also 19 swimming pools, an ice rink and a casino on the Wonder of the Seas.

Read: The Top Cruises for Teens

Odyssey of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas is a Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship that's smaller than the other newest vessels from the line. The impressive ship completed its first sailing in 2021 when it became the first ship of its class to sail from the United States. Odyssey of the Seas currently departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and other ports and offers a range of six-night and seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean in the coming months.

Up to 4,198 guests can sail on the Odyssey of the Seas with double occupancy, and 1,612 crew members are on board to tend to their every need. The ship is approximately 1,138 feet long and is 167,704 gross tons.

• Sails to: Odyssey of the Seas will depart from various ports in the United States and elsewhere in the world in the coming years. For example, there are upcoming six-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale that include stops in Labadee, Haiti and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic in addition to Perfect Day at CocoCay. The vessel will complete a 14-day transatlantic cruise in April and May of 2024, which begins in Fort Lauderdale and ends in Rome, Italy. From there, the vessel will offer Greek Islands cruises from Rome before moving back to Cape Liberty (New York), New Jersey in the fall of 2024. At that point, itineraries will include stops in Port Canaveral, Florida, Nassau in the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Cabin types: Odyssey of the Seas offers interior staterooms, ocean view rooms and balcony staterooms. Guests can also book interior rooms with a virtual balcony that boasts a floor-to-ceiling virtual view of the outdoors. Over-the-top suites available on the Odyssey include an Owner's Loft Suite, a Royal Loft Suite, a Grand Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: As a smaller vessel with considerably fewer passengers than Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class and Icon Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has fewer dining options overall. Guests can dine at seven included eateries including a main dining room, a bistro, a cafe and the main ship buffet. There are also seven specialty restaurants and experiences on board including the Chef's Table, a Chops Grille and a sushi and hibachi restaurant. Like other newer ships from Royal Caribbean, the Odyssey also has its own Starbucks.
• Features: The Odyssey has eight dedicated bars and lounges on board, bumper cars, laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, an outdoor movie screen and a casino, along with kid and teen features like an arcade, a kids' splash area and a social club. A FlowRider surf simulator is on board, as well as a sky diving simulator. Note that the Odyssey of the Seas doesn't have an AquaTheater like Oasis Class ships.

Find a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea.

Look Out for Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is already offering limited information about its newest ship, the Star of the Seas. This vessel will also be an Icon Class ship like the Icon of the Seas, meaning it will be big and beautiful with all the bells and whistles.

The Star of the Seas is scheduled to debut in 2025.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel expert and content creator who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised dozens of times with most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to write this article, along with information provided by Royal Caribbean.

You might also be interested in:

• What to Pack for a Cruise
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival
• Cruise Line Drink Packages
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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Top 9 Things To Do On The Amplified Independence Of The Seas

By Amanda Mesa | Published on  December 16, 2021

1. Go For A White-knuckle Ride On The Perfect Storm Waterslides

2. Join An Epic Glow-In-The-Dark Laser Tag Battle

3. Try Not To Wipe Out On The Flowrider*

4. Join A Late-Night Singalong At Schooner Bar

5. Watch A Dazzling Show At The Ice Skating Rink

6. Kick Back And Relax In The Solarium

7. Savor Far East Flavors At Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

8. Spend A Night On The Dancefloor At Boleros

9. Watch All Your Favorite Teams At Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

Added to Independence of the Seas during its Amplification, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is a sports fan’s paradise. You can watch all your favorite teams live across dozens of screens, or challenge your friends to classic games in the arcade. The food here is also incredible — the menu spotlights game-day favorites like burgers, wings and an extensive selection of brews on tap.    

No matter what kind of vacation experience you’re looking for, the Amplified Independence of the Seas has plenty of onboard activities to fill every sea day — and night — with can’t-miss adventures. From top deck surf lessons on the FlowRider* to fun-filled evenings at Schooner Bar and Boleros, this cruise ship delivers on bold experiences.

Perfect Day On Independence of The Seas

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I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. These were my 8 favorite amenities on the world's largest cruise ship.

Posted: April 20, 2024 | Last updated: April 23, 2024

• Royal Caribbean invited me to spend three complimentary nights on its new Icon of the Seas  in January.
• My eight favorite amenities included the waterpark and jazz bar.
• I've yet to see most of the amenities on my list on other cruise ships.

There's a reason Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship is only operating seven-night sailings .

The 1,196-foot-long, 20-deck Icon of the Seas is packed with bars, restaurants, and things to do. Any shorter of an itinerary, and you might not have time to experience all it has to offer.

If you're a frequent cruiser — especially with Royal Caribbean — amenities like the mini-golf course and water playground may not seem exciting.

But of all the activities the new world's largest cruise ship has to offer, my eight favorites are, for the most part, ones I've yet to see on another vessel.

Take a look at what made the cut.

1. The six-slide waterpark

It wouldn't be a roundup of Icon of the Seas' best amenities without a mention of its waterpark.

Plenty of family-friendly cruise ships have waterslides, but few have six — or even one that requires a multi-person raft.

However, if you don't like the feeling of your stomach dropping, I'd advise skipping the 46-foot-tall drop slide.

2. The adult-only suspended infinity pool

The 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas has seven pools and nine hot tubs. As a kid-fearing adult, I loved the grown-ups-only suspended infinity pool.

I spent my time there perched at one of its in-water loungers, contently splashing my legs around the water, wondering if I actually hated cruises.

While I would've preferred a quieter atmosphere (the DJ did not, in fact, play smooth jazz), the pool's views, day beds, and lack of screaming children were hard to beat.

3. The Crown’s Edge thrill 'ride'

There's no need to grab coffee before harnessing up for the part-zipling, part-agility Crown's Edge course. You'll be jolted awake when the floor drops from beneath your feet, leaving you dangling 154 feet above the ocean before the zipline kicks in.

Unfortunately, it comes with two costs: $49 and a spike of anxiety.

4. The 'Wizard of Oz' and 'Aqua Action!' shows

If you hate cruise shows, Icon of the Seas could make you change your mind.

The ship's riff on Broadway-approved "Wizard of Oz" — 16-piece live orchestra and flying bed included — delighted me, a hater of most musicals.

For something less traditional, the semi-circle AquaDome theater hosts a compelling multi-disciplinary swim, dive, and aerial show reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil.

It's the first show-at-sea I've seen with a waterfall and nine-foot-tall robotic arms, and so far, it's one of my favorites.

5. The live jazz bar

Ya like jazz? So do I.

Icon of the Seas has plenty of live music venues — including rowdy karaoke and dueling pianos bars, if that counts. But if you're a jazz fan or looking for a peaceful nightcap, none of these options will top the live music at Lou's Jazz 'n Blues.

6. The customizable Mediterranean-style wrap at the five-stall food hall

The mega-ship's food hall wasn't nearly as diverse or exciting as the one on Norwegian Prima .

But compared to the rest of my mediocre meals on Icon of the Seas — including dinner at a specialty restaurant — my complimentary pork pita wrap from the food hall's Mediterranean-inspired stall was admittedly pretty decent.

The Cava -like meal was balanced, succulent, and filling. Ending it with a strawberry nutella crepe from one of the vendors didn't hurt either.

7. The Pearl Café with sweeping ocean views

Everyone takes a picture inside the Pearl . But few people know that the best part about the glittering structure isn't what's inside it — it's what's behind it: the Pearl Café.

Admittedly, the food wasn't standout.

But it's 2024. In this era, we don't dine for food. We dine for vibes . And the Pearl Café was definitely "serving" (even with its mediocre sandwiches).

At first glance, I had snubbed the dining and lounge area as a rip-off of a generic airport coffee shop. But during my three days on Icon, I returned to the centrally located space more often than expected. It turns out it's a great place to get some work done.

8. The lounging pods that tower above passerbys

Speaking of vibes, if you're looking for a secluded place to drink (as in, not the swim-up pool bar), few will top the Overlook Pods, perched just behind the AquaDome.

If you want to feel like you're drinking in a nest atop a tree, bring your coffee-infused cocktail from nearby Rye and Bean to one of the elevated pods. .

Just don't drink too much. What goes up must come down. And to get down from the pods, you'll have to take the stairs.

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I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.

• I booked a stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, one of the biggest cruise ships.
• For $2,000 a week, the 179-square-foot cabin had a private bathroom, a king-size bed, and a view.
• I thought I'd feel cramped in the room, but it had everything I needed and left no space unused.

In April 2022, I cruised on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas . At the time, it was the largest cruise ship in the world , but the title has since been replaced by Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas .

During my voyage, the ship sailed to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas .

For $2,000, I spent seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom on deck eight. The cruise was on sale, as it was originally priced at $3,000. Take a look inside the 179-square-foot space.

My room was a mid-tier cabin at the front of deck eight.

I booked a mid-tier room — a step above interior staterooms , which have no window. It's a category below staterooms with a balcony , and two steps below a suite.

My cabin was on the same deck as Central Park, an outdoor space with 20,000 plants.

I thought it was the most relaxing area on the ship, so I enjoyed being close by.

When I stepped inside my stateroom, I was surprised at how big it felt.

Right away, I thought the cabin made great use of a small space.

To operate most of the electricity in the room, I had to insert my room key into a slot on the wall.

I appreciated the energy-saving system.

On one side of the room, I had a mirror and a desk with several outlets to charge electronics with USB, American, and European ports.

I thought the desk was useful for eating, as well as storing daily flyers about the day's events.

Next to the desk, a set of drawers included a cabinet with a minifridge inside.

The desk drawers were mostly empty aside from a hair dryer, which I didn't end up using.

Across from the desk, I had a couch positioned in between two closets.

Inside each closet, I found a rack of hangers, shelving, and a small safe. I thought it was plenty of space for a weeklong journey

Next to the couch and desk area, a small bathroom used clever storage hacks, like placing the trash can and toilet paper under the counter.

In the bathroom, there were two glasses, a bar of soap, and a two-in-one hair and body wash.

At the top of the shower, a pullout clothing line was useful for drying my bathing suits.

Each night, my stateroom attendant replenished towels and brought flyers and schedules for the next day.

Sometimes, the towels were folded creatively to look like animals.

I noticed that my king-size bed at the back of the room was actually two twin beds pushed together.

All Royal Caribbean cabins come with this configuration, according to its website , so they may be separated for additional guests. I often woke up in the crevice.

A large flat-screen TV was mounted across from the bed with storage hooks below.

Skinny nightstands on either side of the bed held lamps, charging ports, and a room phone on one side.

Because I booked an ocean-view room, I was able to look out over the front of the ship from a window above my bed.

The window was equipped with an electronic shade that could be opened during the day for grand views and closed when I was ready to sleep.

While I thought the room might have been a tight space for a couple with a lot of luggage or a family, it was just right for me.

And watching the sun rise over the Caribbean Sea from the comfort of my room was the best part.

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