Independence of the Seas

Independence of the Seas is the last Freedom-Class ship, launched in 2008 and upgraded in 2018. Looking at it, we do wonder why there are just three ships in this class, since it seems to do everything right. Independence is a mid-sized ship with plenty to do, even if it lacks the bumper cars, skydiving simulators, and go-karts you might see on cruises these days. It is often considered one of the best bang for your buck cruises Royal Caribbean has to offer, since you can find plenty to do onboard and often pay less than $400 per guest for an amazing cruise. 

So, what does Independence of the Seas get right and what needs improvement? Let’s dive right in.

What we like about Independence of the Seas

Independence of the Seas is what many consider the “typical family cruise.” You will see tons of families and children onboard, as well as people who just want to have fun. This is, after all, a mid-size resort at sea that offers plenty to do at a very reasonable price. In an age where newer ships can cost $1,300 per guest at entry level, you can take a short 3-night Bahamas cruise on Independence of the Seas for as low as $320, while a 7-night cruise starts at $590. It is definitely a great deal, and with so many itineraries leaving from Miami, it is easy to book a quick cruise, pack a pair of sunglasses, and just enjoy a nice beach without worrying about planning too much.

This is simply a very good mid-size ship with plenty to do. You might think that, being a ship from 2008, there would not be much, but you would be wrong. Independence of the Seas received a major update in 2018 that added even more activities. Onboard, you can now find multiple waterslides, a small waterpark for children, an escape room, a laser tag battle room, the Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade, an ice skating rink, a sports court, a FlowRider, a rock climbing wall, and a full Kids Club. There are no roller coasters or carousels, but the ship is packed with activities, full of families, and the high energy onboard combined with so much to do under the Caribbean sun creates an overall great family vacation vibe.

Dining options onboard are also pretty good for a mid-size ship. The main specialty restaurants include Chops Grille, Chef’s Table, Giovanni’s Table, and Izumi Hibachi and Sushi. There are also casual options like Johnny Rockets, Sorrento’s Pizza, Fish & Ships, and Sugar Beach, which mostly looks like an M&M store filled with candies and cupcakes of all kinds. I do miss El Loco Fresh, which is available on sister ship Freedom of the Seas, but overall it is a solid range of complimentary and specialty restaurants, especially considering that Independence of the Seas focuses on shorter itineraries.

So, after reviewing all three Freedom-Class ships, are they really that different? Honestly, they are sister ships with only small differences. I would rank Freedom of the Seas as the best of them, followed by Independence and then Liberty. Why put Independence below Freedom, you might ask? I miss the Mexican restaurant El Loco Fresh on Independence, since there is nothing like enjoying tacos and burritos in the Caribbean. The ice rink shows also tend to be better on Freedom of the Seas. Freedom received its major update in 2020, two years after Independence, making it feel a little younger.

What we don’t like about Independence of the Seas

This ship originally launched in 2008 and received its last major update in 2018, so it does show its age in some areas, especially since it is considered a big family-friendly and party ship. You might notice stains on your stateroom couch, dents on the walls, rust on your balcony, and so on. You should also bring your own USB adapters, as most rooms only have two power outlets for charging devices.

The ship can get crowded sometimes, but honestly, I expected it to be worse. This is, after all, a mid-size ship with affordable prices sailing from Miami, so many people take it to party or celebrate special occasions. Elevator lines can get long, and the area around the pool can be chaotic, but other than that, it does not feel overly crowded most of the time.

Conclusion

Independence of the Seas is the very definition of a family-friendly party cruise. There is so much to do onboard that you will not be able to see everything on a short 3 or 4 night cruise. The 2018 update made it even better, adding the Playmakers bar, the laser tag arena, and an escape room, giving you an even bigger range of options for fun. Go on, you will not be disappointed.