Royal Caribbean, Independence Of the Seas

This post you can view details, of Royal Caribbean, Independence Of the Seas. I will be giving you information on the ship’s features. On docking, rooms, bars, my time dining and lots more.

Royal Caribbean, Independence Of the Seas – The Mediterranean Beaches 

Ports Of Call On The 14 Night Mediterranean Beaches Cruise

1 Southampton, UK,

2. At Sea,

3. At Sea,

4. Gibraltar UK,

5. Cartagena, Spain,

6. Palma De Mallorca, Spain,

7. Barcelona, Spain,

8. Nice (Villefranche), France

9. Ajaccio, Corsica

10. At Sea

11. Malaga, Spain

12. Seville (Cadiz),

13. At Sea

14. At Sea

 15. Southampton, UK

To view other deals and cruise’s 2018/19 from Royal Caribbean, please go to their link: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/

Royal Caribbean, Independence Of the Seas has recently had a multi-million-pound makeover. To revitalize her appearance, adding a variety of exciting new activities. Let me show you around!

Royal Caribbean, Independence Of the Seas, on contact via telephone, to Royal Caribbean, they advised arriving at around 2 pm. Ignoring this, arriving about noon pulling up at Southampton Cruise Terminal – feeling excited.

Walking through the cruise terminal doors, an employee of Royal Caribbean, directed me to the check-in desk. Standing in a small queue, waiting for my turn.

 

Royal Caribbean, Independence Of the Seas – Boarding Cards

Instructed to stand in front of a camera, which takes your photo for security purposes. Royal Caribbean Security swipes your card, getting on and off Independence Of the Seas. This allows them to see your photo-ID and name. They will not let you on or off the cruise-liner without this card. Having teenagers with me, the security team always asked them, “where is your adult”. Cards are your room key and a charge card onboard, for your convenience.

DX stands for a Drinks-Package.

My Time Dining this informs you what Deck, you are on for evening dinner.

The word GOLD is in the middle of the card, this states you are a Gold Crown & Anchor member. (When you cruise with Royal Caribbean you earn points)

 Royal Caribbean, Independence Of the Seas – Deck 4

Entering at the front of the cruise-liner, where there is a theatre, which hosts shows throughout your cruise. As you walk through Deck, to Schooner Bar Entertainment with Stefan on the Piano. This was our favourite bar, going in the summer months you will struggle to get a chair or table. Izumi Hibachi Sushi paying a supplement, totally worth every penny, the whole family will be entertained by the wonderful Elvis The Teppanyaki & Sushi Master. You might be interested in Sushi Class costing $30.00 per person.

For the Gamblers, there is a wonderful casino, with Roulade Tables, Black Jack, Slot Machines plus much more. Your next stop will be the massive Sports Bar with many screens showing sports, day and night. Boleros a Latin Bar, for me the best cocktails and loved watching people salsa dancing.

 

 Royal Caribbean, Independence Of the Seas – Deck 7 Room

Entering 7816 A double wardrobe to the right with shelves and hanging. Safe deposit box with keypad (easy to set up). The left side is a compacted shower room with power shower (water pressure excellent). Toilet, sink, and mirror with hidden cupboards. Towels changed daily.

Mirrors are around the room giving you the sense of a bigger space. A single chair and a glass table, inter-connecting door to the left. King-sized bed with a small side cabinet either size of the bed. Sliding doors to a good size balcony with a table and 2 chairs.

On the other side of the room, there is a 32-inch television. Along with a Fridge, Dressing Table, Chair, hairdryer, Kettle with tea and coffee and more Storage.

Our stateroom Attendant called Natalee Jones. Made our stay very relaxing by keeping our rooms clean. Every night giving a turndown service, with a towel animal and Cruise Compass. Giving you information on what’s going on around the ship the next day and night. Along with times of shows and opening and closing of bars and restaurants.

Royal Caribbean, Independence Of the Seas – My Time Dining & restaurants

My Time Dining restaurants (Deck 5,4 & 3) The service was exceptional most of the time and the food was mostly good. You can pre-reserve My Time Dining online. Unfortunately, we were unable to book being a party of 14. Having to wait to board Royal Caribbean, Independence Of the Seas.

Boarding the cruise-liner going straight to My Time Dining Desk on Deck 3. Sorting out times and tables for the duration of the holiday. The Desk Manager informed me they were unable to provide a table of 14 people. Plus they could not guarantee the 2 tables next to each other. That night I’m happy to say, they manage to seat 2 tables next to each other.

After speaking to the Main Floor Manager of The Deck 3 Restaurant listened to my issues and concerns. Helpfully he then guaranteed the same tables next to each other every night for the rest of our holiday, with our wonderful servers Caesar & Tessa (who were a total credit to Royal Caribbean).

Menus changed daily, always having 6 starters mains and desserts to choose from. Wanting to the whole Maine lobster ($29.95), Surf and Turf ($34.95) and the “Chops Grille filet mignon” ($14.95). Cooked perfectly to order and accompanied by a better quality mashed potato.

Desserts include Key lime pie, ice cream or souffle, apple-pie, and New York-style cheesecake.

Chops Grille (Deck 11): Steakhouse-influenced with starters like shrimp cocktail and Caesar salad; various cuts of meat, including filet mignon, lamb and pork; and family size side dishes. (extra cost)

Fish & Ships (Deck 11): This opened in 2018. We all enjoyed the food, and the fried mars bar is a must.

Giovanni’s Table (Deck 11); $30 per person for dinner, $15 per person for lunch:  is a family friendly place with a relaxed atmosphere. Neat and simple tables and decor. The food is beautiful with the rustic charm of Italy.

Izumi Sushi  (Deck 4)  If you do not like egg juggling, food throwing, and cheesy singing, perhaps it’s not the restaurant for you. The set price includes edamame, rice and a green salad, (you can order off the sushi menu). Mains consist of beef, chicken, shrimp, veggie or a combo. Best restaurant on Royal Caribbean

Johnny Rockets (Deck 12): The 1950s diner-style restaurant serving, hamburgers, chilli dogs, onion rings, fries, and milkshakes. The staff all put on a show for you as you eat, dancing to “Saturday Night Fever,”

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade (Deck 4): Added during the 2018 refit, this sports bar offers classic sports bar food such as burgers, sliders, wings, and much more.

Windjammer Cafe (Deck 11): Windjammer is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Serving a buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. My highlight was the washy hand song, Sung by Mr Washy himself, every time you came into the Windjammer.

Royal Caribbean, Independence Of the Seas – Decks 11,12 & 13 – WOW

Two water slides, Collectively known as the Perfect Storm. They allow two people to race each other down to the bottom. The entrance is on the same level as the FlowRider. You will find sun-loungers (Deck 13).

The rock climbing wall, which covers some 30 feet above the deck and 200 feet above the sea. Can accommodate two climbers at a time. There’s no fee to use it.

The FlowRider has no charge just selected times that it is open to the public. Passengers that want to book a private lesson, the cost of $75 per person. Children’s climbing frame and swings.

All the pools are on Deck 11. The centre pool with its nearby whirlpools is party-central. It’s the site of light-hearted fun, pool contests, and music on sea days. Movies screened around the centre pool, on selected days and nights. On one of our nights was a white party, where you dance under the stars around the pool.

Solarium a small, adults-only pool area (16 +). Two whirlpools that cantilevered out over the ship. On one of the nights, they covered the pool, having a silent disco. Collecting a set of headphone from one of the Entertainment Team. Having 2 different choices of music (dance or chart).

The kids-only Splashaway Bay, pools and slide, very colourful and fun packed area with sun-loungers and umbrellas around the pool.

Independence Dunes

Super fun for the whole family mini golf, and no booking plus free to use. You collect your balls and putters up next to hole 1.

Royal Caribbean, Independence Of the Seas – Deck 5 – Royal Promenade

Royal Caribbean

The undisputed hub inside the ship is the Royal Promenade. A variety of shops including Michael Korrs, Perfume and cosmetic, Fine Jewellery, Clothing and more. The last couple of days, of the cruise, was a fabulous sale. Get great deals up to 50% of items.

Star Lounge: Lovely bar comfy white chairs with waiter service. Live music, games show and karaoke nights.

Ale & Anchor Pub: British pub feel, complete with live music and a glass, bottle or can of your favourite brew. Over 40 different Ales to choose from, plus Beer Cocktails.

Vintages: A wine bar, Vintages offers wine tastings on Deck 3 at an extra cost.

Champagne Bar: This bar is located on the Royal Promenade, across the way from the passenger services desk. Fabulous Ki Royal and other Champagne cocktails served there.

Sorrento’s: serves thick, doughy pizza along with antipasti and Italian desserts. Gluten-free pizza is available upon request.

Cafe Promenade: The ship’s only 24-hour restaurant, and offers breakfast pastries, mini-sandwiches, and desserts.

Sugar Beach:  A Sweet Shop,  a huge choice of loose candy, both retro and modern.

Ben & Jerry’s: Ben & Jerry’s ice cream bar, located across from Cafe Promenade and next to Sugar Beach (there’s an adjoining entrance at the back), makes delicious fresh waffles, in addition to offering up a large ice cream selection that tops a dozen flavours.

Royal Caribbean, Independence Of the Seas – Shore Excursions

Having a Shore Excursions Desk (deck 5). Their Team will help you find the best excursions if you have never cruised.  A magazine with information on all the ports we dock at, along with tours and prices (lots to choose from).

Check out my other posts on destinations, we visited on this cruise. This may help you if you decided to explore on your own.

Gibraltar Rock Private Tours

Docking at Cadiz, Spain

Thank you for reading my post on Royal Caribbean, Independence Of the Seas.