Independence of the Seas
“The trailblazing Freedom-class ship that started Royal Amplified — a proven favourite from Bayonne.”
Independence of the Seas made history in 2018 as the very first Royal Caribbean ship to undergo the Royal Amplified renovation programme, and the results still hold up. The dueling Perfect Storm waterslides, Sky Pad bungee trampoline, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, and Splashaway Bay waterpark transformed this Freedom-class veteran into a genuine family favourite. Sailing primarily from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, she offers convenient Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda itineraries for the New York and New Jersey market, along with classic Freedom-class staples — a three-deck main dining room, Royal Promenade, and twin FlowRiders — that made this class so popular in the first place.
Independence of the Seas was the very first Royal Caribbean ship to receive the Royal Amplified treatment in 2018, debuting the Perfect Storm dueling waterslides, the Sky Pad interactive bungee trampoline, and the fleet's original Battle for Fuzion laser tag arena.
What’s Onboard
Dining
- ✓Main Dining Room (three-deck, included)
- ✓Windjammer Marketplace buffet
- ✓Chops Grille steakhouse
- ✓Giovanni's Table Italian trattoria
- ✓Izumi Japanese cuisine
- ✓Johnny Rockets diner
Pools & Recreation
- ✓Perfect Storm dueling waterslides (Typhoon & Cyclone)
- ✓Sky Pad interactive bungee trampoline
- ✓Twin FlowRider surf simulators
- ✓Splashaway Bay aqua park
- ✓Rock climbing wall & mini golf
- ✓Vitality Spa & fitness center
Entertainment
- ✓Royal Promenade parades & shops
- ✓Battle for Fuzion glow-in-the-dark laser tag
- ✓Broadway-style shows in the main theatre
- ✓Puzzle Break escape room
- ✓Casino Royale
- ✓Comedy club performances
Cabins
- ✓Interior, Oceanview, Balcony & Suite categories
- ✓Family Interior Connecting Staterooms
- ✓Junior Suites with pull-out sofa beds
- ✓Grand Suites with wraparound balconies
- ✓Owner's Suite & Royal Suite categories
- ✓Accessible staterooms fleet-wide
Family & Kids
- ✓Adventure Ocean youth programme (6 months–17 years)
- ✓Splashaway Bay waterpark for young kids
- ✓Sky Pad bungee trampoline for older kids & teens
- ✓Teen-only lounges (Fuel & Social 100)
- ✓Royal Babies & Tots Nursery
- ✓Family-friendly game shows & poolside activities
Video Tour
Independence of the Seas | Full Walkthrough Ship Tour & Review | Freedom Class | Royal Caribbean | 4K
- ✦Families sailing from the New York/New Jersey area
- ✦Cruisers wanting proven Freedom-class waterslides and activities
- ✦Short Bahamas and Bermuda getaways
- ✦Budget-conscious multi-generational groups
Cruisers who want the very latest ship innovations — Independence's amplification is now several years old, and newer ships like Icon or Utopia of the Seas offer more cutting-edge attractions.
7-night Caribbean from ~$750/pp (inside) to $2,300+/pp (suite)