Independence of
the Seas - Cruises from Southampton
Royal Caribbean International
is the cruise line that delivers the "Wow" factor and
the one that put a surfing simulator, rock-climbing
wall, ice-skating rink and other innovative amenities on
a cruise ship.
With more than 170 destinations worldwide aboard the
world's largest and most innovative ships - Royal Caribbean offers
itineraries, activities and amenities designed to appeal to every taste,
energy level and age group giving passengers the opportunity to create their
own adventure.
Royal
Caribbean International's Independence of the Seas set sail
for the first time in May 2008 and ranks among the largest, most
innovative cruise ships in the world.
2012
Independence of the Seas Cruises from Southampton
Independence of the Seas
operates as an American resort-style ship but following Royal
Caribbean's decision to home port the ship at Southampton for ex-UK
roundtrip cruises without the hassle
of flying, the company tweaked some of their normal offerings
in-order to attract a growing contingent of British cruise
passengers to compete with traditional favourites such as P&O
Cruises.
Firstly, this came in the
form of a £9 million investment with the ABP Port of Southampton at
the
City Cruise Terminal
to accommodate the worlds largest cruise
ships and provide enhanced passenger facilities including a new,
wider entrance lobby, an enlarged reception area with 50 check-in
desks, and additional security capabilities.
Secondly, to combat Europe's
inclement weather conditions the outdoor pools have been heated to
provide a little more comfort for passengers.
Thirdly and some say most
importantly, provided every stateroom with tea-making facilities.
2012
Independence of the Seas Cruises from Southampton
At
the heart of the ship and unlike anything else that you
may have seen on any other cruise line is the Royal
Promenade, four decks high and the length of two
football pitches - this 'shopping-style mall' offers 24
hour dining, a Ben & Jerry's ice-cream parlour, a
traditional Gents Barbour's, a variety of watering holes
plus a world of shopping. The Royal Promenade also
serves as a backdrop for colourful parades and parties
which are part of the fun cruising with Royal Caribbean.
Other unexpected things to be found around the ship
include an ice rink open for lessons and free ice
skating during the day and spectacular shows at night.
A rock climbing wall 200ft above sea level, the
Flowrider® - a surf machine which generates a a thin
sheet of water that creates a wave allowing you to surf
or body board, a mini golf course, a full size
basketball court and oh yes a boxing ring if you want to
go a few rounds!
Children and adults alike are well catered for on this
ship, so its great for multi-generational families, the
younger ones will particularly like the 5,380 Sq ft H2O
Zone® - a colourful interactive family water park
featuring a waterfall, various fountains and water
cannons etc whilst the adult-only Solarium and pool
might be a welcome bolt hole to read a good book and
relax without the kids.
An obelisk guards the
entrance to the outlandish Pyramid Lounge which takes you back in
time to ancient Egypt. Nods toward the British clientele on
board include James Bond, who casts his eyes over going's on in the
Casino Royale whilst beefeaters, gargoyles and rooks serve as the
backdrop for the gothic Labyrinth Nightclub.
Passengers familiar with
other Royal Caribbean ships will welcome the old favourites such as
the nautical Schooner Bar, Champagne Bar and Viking Crown Lounge
with its fabulous floor to ceiling windows and panoramic sea views
perfect for pre-dinner cocktails as the sun
sets.
Dining and
entertainment:
The main dining room sports a grand staircase and
massive chandelier and is split over three decks with
each level being named after one of William
Shakespeare's plays: "King Lear," "Macbeth" and "Romeo &
Juliet". Here dinner is served in the traditional
two sittings of 6.15pm and 8.30pm plus a flexible 'MyTime'
dining option.
For casual daytime dining and for those that prefer not
to dine in the main restaurant, the Windjammer Café
is open virtually around the clock and offers a great
choice of food from around the world at various food
stations.
Retro styling is the backdrop for the very popular
Johnny Rockets' 1950's style US diner serving up great
burgers and fries all for just $3.95pp.
Two speciality restaurants where reservations are
required seat around 100 passengers in an intimate
upscale environment and are well worth the $25pp cover
charge.
Portofino's is an Italian styled restaurant serving up
traditional Italian favourites such as fantastic sea
food pasta dishes whilst Chops Grille Steakhouse offers
premium US steaks to your liking.
A wide variety of bars and
lounges exist on Independence of the Seas and offer something for
everyone.
Approximate drink prices:
 |
Beer: $5.50
Soft drink: $1.95
Spirit/Mixer:
$5.25 |
Independence of the Seas is
trialling beer and premium drinks package available from $45 per
person per day, which is bookable onboard - details can be found
here:
Staterooms:
Choose your stateroom from 1
of the 1817 available on board designed in pastel tones and ranging
in size from around 150 Sq Ft upwards, all are equipped with a hair
dryer, mini-fridge, flat panel TV, extensive WiFi capabilities and
connectivity for mobile phones.. Beds can be configured as
either twins or a queen with a pillow top to fit nicely over the gap
and we can confirm that they offer a great nights sleep.
There are 733 interior
staterooms, 1084 with an ocean view and 842 equipped with a balcony.
32 are dedicated as wheelchair accessible.
Tip:
Don't forget your US.
adapter plugs - the UK tweaks did not extend to the plug sockets.
Family Cruising:
Royal Caribbean operate an
Adventure Ocean® Youth Programme whereby children are
grouped into seven different age ranges located in separate areas.
The youngest being Aqua
Babies (6-18months) to the oldest (15-17 years) who have their own
places to chill out at.
You can feel confident
leaving your children on board as All members of staff in
the Adventure Ocean® hold a college degree in education,
recreation or related field and has experience working with children
ages 3 - 17
In room baby sitting is
available from 8.00am to 02.00am.
Facilities onboard
Independence of the Seas:
- Spa and Fitness Centre
- Royal Promenade Boutiques
- Three Pools
- Six Whirlpools
- Pool Bar
- Adventure Ocean
- FlowRider® surf simulator
- Rock-climbing Wall
- Sports Court
- Nine-hole Miniature Golf Course
- Jogging Path
- Karaoke Lounge
- Video Game Room
- Ice Skating Rink
- Ben & Jerry’s® ice cream scoop shop
2012
Independence of the Seas Cruises from Southampton
For further information, please
visit: royalcaribbean.co.uk
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