Royal Caribbeans Independence of the Seas has just pulled into Southampton to start her European season and she has had a makeover.
The huge makeover has seen one of the UK’s best-loved ships fitted with a loads of new features including virtual reality trampolines, a kids’ water park, an escape room, laser tag and a number of new eating and drinking venues.
She will start her season here with a few short cruises. Then she will be in the Fjords and after that Northern Europe and Canaries around Sept/Oct time.
Along with the resident Johnny Rockets there are some new features which are aimed towards the family market. After all she is a family ship –
Skypad – A virtual reality trampoline
Playmakers sports bar – It will have a number of big screen TVs showing whatever major sports games are playing around the world, depending where the ship is based, and will serve a wide variety of craft beers, cocktails and snack foods. So remember its the World Cup this year so you long suffering England fans can watch the penalty shoot outs with a cocktail in hand.
Splash way Bay -A childrens water park
The Perfect storm – Two water slides where you can race you kids
Fish & Ships – A new snack bar offering traditional seaside food
Sugar Beach Ice cream shop – Pretty self explanatory I think
Laser tag – a glow-in-the-dark arena housed in the Studio B ice rink
There are new staterooms on Independence too. Featuring floor to ceiling glass windows, a separate living area and a rotating TV suspended on a stand in the centre of the room. These are located deck 12 forward circling the Spa. Below is a standard balcony room.
So you can see there is a lot to do and eat on board. Also if you are feeling energetic after that Ice cream and fish n chips remember there is the Flo Rider too, a surfing machine!