Take A Peek At The New Look Independence Of The Seas

Not only is she the UK’s favourite cruise ship, but for me she feels like a second home as I have cruised on her around 8 times and would say I almost know her inside out, so I was a little worried that they would ruin her with even more gimmicks. I was privileged to be one of the first to see the changes on her pre-inaugural 2 night travel trade event last Sunday until Tuesday.

So what did I think? I was actually very impressed and it struck me how on the original design there was so much ‘dead’ space which they have now put to great use. So what has changed? I will start from the back and work forward. This will probably really only make sense to those that have cruised on ‘Indy’ before.

Deck 13 aft which had the Flowrider, miniature golf, sports court, rock climbing wall. All are still there except the golf. In addition some thrilling looking water slides have appeared (I didn’t try them it was too cold!). Also the new Skypad which is a huge dome housing inflatable bungee trampolines, with 3D eyeglasses that you can wear for an interactive simulator experience while you bounce. Where the Flowrider bar and sign up area used to be there is now a mini leisure park with hammocks, swing chairs and climbing apparatus.

Moving forward, up on deck 15, where the chapel used to be is now a fun escape type challenge room, the Observatorium, where you have 50 minutes to work out a code to get computer systems back up and running to get someone who is trapped in space, back to Earth. There is a $20 cover charge for this but it could be something fun to do is the weather isn’t great on a sea day.

Moving forward, deck 12 the children’s H2O zone is now the new Splashaway Bay, much enhanced with water slide and many more exciting water features than before including the huge drench bucket. The under used juice bar that was ther has now been replaced by Fish and Ships, self explanatory name. This was a huge hit while I was on board, but it is chargeable, although delicious.

The Royal Promenade is much the same although they have replaced the Cup Cake Cupboard with a pick and mix sweet shop and have changed the name of the pub from the Dog and Badger to the Ale and Anchor. Still looks the same though.

The next big newbie is the addition of Playmaker’s, a huge sports bar which replaces the photo centre (which has now gone completely digital and is on deck 3 outside Studio B) Playmaker’s has dozens of TV screens where all major sporting events will be shown. It also has pool tables and a few arcade type games. Also pub grub available (at a charge) Nacho’s, burgers etc.

Anyone remember the Labyrinth? The 2 deck nightclub accessed from Schooner Bar. It is no more, that’s not to say there is no more late night dancing, we were in Studio B with Mark Wright until the small hours! What is in it’s place??

Delicious freshly made Sushi and in the evening Teppinyaki show cooking. We didn’t get chance to try the evening, but next time I am on board that’s a definite!

Going back to Studio B area, On Air which used to be the mini sports bar and Karaoke Area, this is now the photo area and Studio B is as before but now also a late night venue and also houses the new Laser Tag, so a real multi use venue. We didn’t get chance to try the Laser Tag as there was filming going on. I heard from those that did try, that it was great fun.

So where is the mini golf now? At the very front of the ship above deck 12, they have made a fabulous new sun deck with lots of windbreaks, built around the golf. It’s really lovely up there although i think would be somewhat blowy on some days and I could not see any lift access, so could be a problem for the less mobile.

I think that is all the main features covered, they have also replaced the carpets and replaced furniture in the dining rooms and Windjammer cafe to give a more up to date feel. A few new staterooms have been added including Spacious Panoramic Ocean Views which we were not able to see as they were still making finishing touches. I think overall Royal Caribbean have done a great job of making this ship even better and I think she will be loved by the Brits for many years to come.

Until next time,

Dee x