Hotel Designs Miniview: Miniview: Royal Caribbean International's 'Independence of the Seas'

Miniview - 9th Feb 2009

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Miniview: Royal Caribbean International's 'Independence of the Seas'

Entertainment is central to the cruise experience, and Independence of the Seas certainly didn’t disappoint; two days aboard wasn’t long enough to sample some of the many and varied activities on board, which include a full-sized basketball court on the top deck, and a walking and running track around the deck’s circumference. There is a 12,000 ft2 fitness centre (complete with regulation sized boxing ring!), one of the largest gyms afloat, and a 43 ft climbing wall (200 ft above sea level). There are surfing lessons on the 35 mph waves of the Flowrider. For the less energetic guest there are a 9-hole miniature golf and two cantilevered whirlpools to enjoy (112ft above the ocean). The ship is also marketed as child friendly with facilities for toddlers to teens, with play areas equipped with Fisher-Price equipment (for the youngest travellers) and also the 5,380 ft2 (600m²) H20 Zone with freshwater pools or five different Adventure Ocean youth spaces as well as the video arcade.

The choice of restaurants seems endless from the formal dining of the Portofino Italian restaurant to the fast food of the Johnny Rockets diner, Seattle’s Best coffee shops and a Ben and Jerry’s outlet. The main evening dining at the Romeo and Juliet dining room was executed to perfection by the attentive waiting staff (there were early and mid-evening sittings assigned upon boarding). The standard of food, considering how many people were being catered for, was superb. To finish the evening enjoy a live show in the Alhambra Theatre, spanning three decks and containing 1,350 seats. Programmes included a lively Abba tribute show one night, with a variety of shows throughout the week. Alternatively the Studio B ice rink hosts colourful, energetic shows by night and the amusing sight of passengers learning to skate during the day – author included!

For a little more excitement the ship also has its own casino, ‘Casino Royale’, which has a range of gaming activities including 308 shiny slot machines of various kinds and 19 gaming tables offering roulette, craps and blackjack.

For a ship of such size carrying over 3,600 passengers and 1,370 crew members there are still quiet places to relax, to read, use the Internet or conduct business. There is a well-stocked library with comfortable seating, a popular business centre with Wifi access and laptop connectivity (as well as standalone PCs). Lounges include the Viking Crown lounge, which is a bar at the highest point on the ship (where weddings can be conducted), and dotted around the vessel are small lounges, a cigar room and a card room. For business travellers, there is a fully-equipped 400 seat conference room with dedicated meeting space and breakout rooms enabling high-tech presentations, colour touch screens, wireless remote controls, and teleconferencing equipment.

Independence of the Seas’ inaugural season in 2008 saw her visit Mediterranean ports, and throughout the winter season she has been based in Florida, USA, for Caribbean cruises.

Words and photography by Huw Kidwell and Tracey Kifford