Independence of the Seas (together with sister ships Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas) is the largest-ever purpose-built cruise ship. It is an extension of the highly successful Voyager-class of ships, which Royal Caribbean International introduced in 1999 with Voyager of the Seas.

The ship’s length and beam were extended. This enabled an increase in the number of cabins and passenger capacity, as well as a combined pool area 43 percent larger than the Voyager-class (but with 500 more passengers). The extra length has enabled more innovative design elements to be incorporated, such as two 16-person hot tubs cantilevered 12 feet (3.7 meters) over the sides of the ship in an adults-only Solarium. The ship’s podded propulsion virtually eliminates vibration.

This Freedom-class ship is essentially split into three separate areas, rather (like the Disney cruise ships – adults-only, family, or main).

The “wow” factor aboard the ship is its connection with water (of the seas) in the design of a dramatic water theme park afloat. By day, the H2O Zone (aft of the funnel) has an interactive water-themed play area for families that includes water cannons and spray fountains, water jets and ground gushers; by night the “water park” turns into a colourfully-lit sculpture garden. Meanwhile, the ship’s central pool has become a sports pool, with grandstand seating and competitive games that include pole jousting. Other active sports facilities include an Everlast boxing ring, rock-climbing wall (10 ft/3 meters taller than in the Voyager-class ships), in-line skating area, an ice-skating rink, and golf simulators.

This ship has the same layout and facilities as Freedom of the Seas.

Belitz Guide © Apa Publications 2008