Independence of the Seas ship stats

  • Price:

    $$$$
  • Size:

    L
  • Total Passengers:

    3,634
  • Total Crew:

    1,360
  • Passenger to Crew Ratio:

    2.67
  • Built:

    Apr 2008
  • Refurbished:

    Jan 2018
  • Number of Decks:

    14
  • Total Cabins:

    1,933
  • Cabin Categories:

    61
  • Gross Tonnage:

    160,000
  • Length:

    1,112
  • Beam:

    127

Independence of the Seas overview

By Cruiseline.com - Updated Mar. 9, 2020

Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas is all about high-energy thrills. Over the years, Royal Caribbean has redefined cruising and revolutionized the onboard experience. Like many of the fleet’s ships, Independence of the Seas caters to active travelers and families on the go with activities like dual-racing waterslides, surf simulators, laser tag, and rock climbing. Still, this Freedom-class vessel is more than just a thrill-seekers’ domain. With restaurants featuring bold, global flavors and a number of daily entertainment options including Broadway at Sea and ice-skating shows, there’s something to satisfy all kinds of travelers.

In 2018, Independence of the Seas received enhancements through Royal Caribbean’s multimillion-dollar Royal Amplified program and now boasts some of the most innovative activities at sea. Updates included several waterslides, a Puzzle Break escape room, and SkyPad: a virtual reality experience that is also the first-ever trampoline park at sea. Independence also added new cabins including panoramic-view staterooms with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a kids-only waterpark. The modernization also added several restaurants, including Izumi and Fish & Ships, plus a fully stocked candy shop.

Depending on the season, Independence of the Seas’ cruises sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, or Southampton, England to destinations in the western Caribbean and Europe. From Florida, the ship travels to several western Caribbean destinations including Cozumel, Puerto Costa Maya, Jamaica, and Labadee, Haiti, Royal Caribbean’s top-rated private destination. From England, Independence starts the summer cruise season with voyages to the Mediterranean. Itineraries there vary, but ports of call may include Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and the United Kingdom. The ship also offers several transatlantic cruises as it moves between continents.

Independence of the Seas ship highlights

  • Adults-only Solarium
  • Broadway at Sea productions, including Grease
  • Surf simulators and dual-racing waterslides
  • Full-service Vitality at Sea spa
  • Specialty dining including the Fish & Ships poolside restaurant
  • SkyPad virtual reality bungee/trampoline experience
  • Puzzle Break escape room
  • Kid-friendly Splashaway Bay
  • Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
  • Sugar Beach candy shop
  • Johnny Rockets and Ben & Jerry’s
  • Royal Caribbean's award-winning Adventure Ocean childcare program

Before you book

Why sail on Independence of the Seas: This ship was designed for adventurous travelers. Its onboard amenities have multigenerational appeal, making this the ideal cruise ship for families and travelers who want to stay active on sea days.

You should know: Independence of the Seas is known for keeping cruisers busy. Because it can accommodate over 3,500 passengers, the ship’s hot spots, including its main swimming pool and adults-only Solarium, are often crowded during peak times, and noise from its pulse-pounding amenities may disturb those trying to relax. This ship likely won't appeal to travelers seeking a tranquil, traditional at-sea experience.

Independence of the Seas ratings:

  • Cabin / Stateroom 4.5
  • Children's Programs 3.9
  • Destinations and Excursions 4.3
  • Embarkation and Disembarkation 3.8
  • Entertainment 4.3
  • Food and Dining 4.2
  • Onboard Activities 4.2
  • Service and Staff 4.6
  • Ship Quality 4.6

Independence of the Seas cabins

1933 cabins and 61 cabin categories.

Inside Cabin

Inside

4.4
(326 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 201 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $141/night
Oceanview Cabin

Oceanview

4.3
(138 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 201 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $181/night
Balcony Cabin

Balcony

4.5
(345 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 201 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $222/night
Suite Cabin

Suite

4.6
(74 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 644 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $340/night

View All Independence of the Seas Cabins

Independence of the Seas dining

Izumi

Izumi

5.0
(6 Reviews)
Giovanni's Table

Giovanni's Table

5.0
(4 Reviews)
Portofino

Portofino

5.0
(2 Reviews)

View All Independence of the Seas Dining Options

Independence of the Seas onboard activities

Library

Library

5.0
(1 Review)
Sports Court

Sports Court

5.0
(1 Review)
Jazz Club

Jazz Club

5.0
(2 Reviews)
Alhambra Theater

Alhambra Theater

5.0
(10 Reviews)

View All Independence of the Seas Onboard Activities

Independence of the Seas deck plans

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2320 Independence of the Seas Reviews

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Awesome trip by paullanoue59

Sail date: / Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Ship: Independence of the Seas

This was my first cruise with Royal Caribbean and overall I loved it. It will definitely not be my last but probably the shortest. Already thinking about an eight night cruise

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1 Comment

Fantastic by madmfkat

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Independence of the Seas

Had a great time, eat in the dining room as often as possible, service is amazing

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2 Comments

Beautiful Labadee - Haiti by dar1333

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Independence of the Seas

Labadee is a great example of what a private island should be. Now they simply have to offer Haitian food to complete the entire experience.

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8 Comments

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Independence of the Seas photos

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1083 Independence of the Seas tips

EatSleepCruise

Aug 20, 2014

$6 blackjack on the afternoon in you are in Labadee. Tables open at 3pm. The casino was dead. At Labadee lunch is from 11:30am to 1:30pm, go early. Food runs out, fellow passengers get a little irritated, and the workers deal with this everyday, so they are indifferent

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MTN

Dec 04, 2014

Book a day at Palm Court Plantation & restaurant for $11 and swim there all day. There is a nice restaurant & it overlooks the water (you can see the cruise ship from there). I would definitely hang out there on my next visit to St. Kitts. Another cruiser said food was good. A paradise to relax.

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GACruiser530152

Mar 05, 2013

"Vintages Bar" has a nice wine sampler. You get three glass of one ounce each, of the particular wine category you choose, reds, whites, etc.

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