The recently launched Independence of the Seas is a magnificent ship that has every imaginable onboard facility to ensure your European or Mediterranean holiday is truly memorable. The ship can accommodate 3,634 guests, which isn't exactly small, and stunning features on this brand new and very exciting vessel include a state of the art surfing simulator, cantilevered whirlpools suspended high above the ocean, a rock climbing wall, the Royal Promenade, an ice-skating rink and a boxing ring. However you decide to spend your days, it is good to head back to an airy, comforting and relaxing room, which range from spacious suites with a private balcony, to compact rooms to suit any budget.
The Independence of the Seas offers an incredible range of dining options, with a choice of menus that will leave you more than satisfied. From the 24 hour snack buffets to the sophisticated à la carte restaurants, every taste will be catered for, and as with all Royal Caribbean ships, room service is fully included. The vast, three-deck-high dining room, called Romeo and Juliet, offers great breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Daytime meals, which are open-seating, are limited to Romeo and Juliet, and there's rarely a wait for a table. You can also head to Latte-tudes for sweet treats and coffee, grab a pizza at Sorrentos or burger and fries at Johnny Rockets. However, if you are in the mood for something a little more leisurely and an indulgent dinner, savour the fine menus on offer at Portofino and Chops Grille.
Being such an impressive vessel, the Independence of the Sea comes packed to the rafters with as many spa facilities as you could wish for. Royal Caribbean's Shipshape Day Spa offers a comprehensive range of services including massages, reflexology, facials and body wraps, as well as special acupuncture treatments. The facility also has a dedicated room for a variety of classes, such as yoga, aerobics, Pilates, group cycling and water aerobics, and the ship's boxing ring hosts boxing lessons and even some good-natured fights. The onboard gym is like a land-based health club with circuit-training machines, treadmills, stationary bikes, and there's also an area for weight-lifting and a group of cycles for spinning.
Independence of the Seas has a dedicated sports pool, adults only solarium, an enlarged outdoor rock climbing wall, which is some 30 feet above the deck and 200 feet above the sea, an indoor ice skating rink, a full basketball court, miniature golf course and the FlowRider surfing simulator. For entertainment choose from the majestic 1,350 seat theatre or hi-tech Studio B entertainment complex, to the intimate piano sounds of the Olive or Twist Jazz Club. The aforementioned Studio B offers some fantastic ice shows, the theatre showcases a variety of Broadway-style productions and you can even find the occasional bit of cabaret onboard. If you fancy a flutter check out the ship's casino, or merely relax on deck and take in the Mediterranean sunshine.
