Jamie's Independence Of The Seas Report

Jamie has been with Cumbria Cruises for 14 years and has visited or cruised on over 10 cruise ships during his time here, including Queen Elizabeth 2, Oriana, Oceana, Brilliance of the Seas, Arcadia, Island Star, Voyager of the Seas & many more. Jamie is the Training Co-Ordinator for Cumbria Cruises, and in his spare time enjoys golf and many other sports.

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During my 14 years at Cumbria Cruises I’ve been fortunate enough to see an array of fantastic ships, each with their own character and onboard features. So it was with great expectation that I set off to Southampton to view the newest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, ‘Independence of the Seas’.

I’d heard great things about the ship so I was really looking forward to seeing her first hand.

On arriving at the dockside, you could immediately see what all the hype was about. Independence was a true giant of a ship which simply dwarfed the other cruise ships docked along side her.

From the moment I stepped onboard, I can honestly say I was amazed and somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of the ship and her outstanding onboard facilities.

Entertainment:
With 14 decks of entertainment to enjoy and fantastic innovations such as ‘Flow Rider’, where you can learn to surf, a 200 foot rock climbing wall, boxing ring and an 18-hole mini golf course, I simply can’t envisage boredom ever setting in onboard an Independence of the Seas cruise. (See how my colleague Phil got on when he braved the flow rider…I’ll let you make your own mind up but his efforts certainly raised a laugh or two onboard!!)

Above all else, one feature stood out for me; ‘The Royal Promenade’, a 445-foot street running through the centre of the ship.

A host of shops, cafes and bars line this street, so whether you’re after a quiet drink, a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, a spot of retail therapy or a late night snack, the Royal Promenade really does have it all.

For me, this amazing Royal Promenade was at its very best at night when it was brilliantly illuminated ….the bridge on this deck offers a great photo opportunity to catch the glitz of a formal evening.

For those of you who prefer relaxing days and a spot of sunbathing, Independence’s Pool decks are just the ticket. There’s a pool exclusively for adults whilst for the kids there’s H20 fun zone for children with water cannons, fountains and slides which looked absolutely great.

For a spot of peace and tranquillity, you can choose to visit the wonderful spas onboard and get away from it all by visiting the cantilever whirlpool, set on the outside of the ship with stunning views of the ocean to enjoy.

Cabins:
During our time onboard, we were fortunate enough to view a host of different cabins, ranging from Interior cabins to the pies de resistance; the 614 square feet Owners Suite which I could quite happily have lived in!
I was impressed with all the staterooms and particularly liked the idea of the Promenade View cabins, all of which overlook the fabulous Royal Promenade….

• Just a tip for anyone choosing this grade of cabin; make sure you close the curtains when you’re getting changed as contrary to some reports, people can see in these cabins as they’re walking along the deck below!

Food onboard:
Well what can I say? .... Sometimes in the past I’ve been onboard ships with fabulous facilities only to be slightly let down by the standard of food.

Not this time! ….. During the day we popped into the informal Windjammer Café for a buffet style lunch. The food in here was excellent and unlike many buffet restaurants, seemed to be as fresh and as hot at the end of lunch service as it had been at the start.

Our evening meal, in the main restaurant onboard was simply fantastic, as was the service.

Tender meat, wonderful sea food options and cracking deserts to choose from, this truly was an exceptional meal. Since this visit I’ve been back onboard Independence for lunch and I’m pleased to report that the standards were equally high!

Even the Pizza we enjoyed in the early hours of the morning on the Royal Promenade deck was freshly cooked and lived up the high standards set throughout the day.

Other features onboard include:
- Nightclub
- Casino
- Theatre
- Johnny Rockets (authentic American diner)
- Ice Skating Rink (ice show was excellent)
- Full Size sports court
- Fitness centre

This was by far and away the most exciting and innovative ship I’ve ever been on and I would have no hesitation in recommending an Independence of the Seas cruise to anyone.

Take a look at Jamie's Independence of the Seas photos>>>

Find out how Phil did on the Flowrider>>>

Why not ask a question or submit a comment about Jamie's Independence of the Seas Report