Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas, debuted in the U.S. yesterday at Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Touted as one of the world’s largest cruise ships, it will be Royal Caribbean’s first Freedom-class ship to sail from Port Everglades.
When it comes to onboard activities, Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas offers an unbelievable array of choices. For those who love to go wild on vacation, you can hang-10 on the popular FlowRider, take your frustrations out in the boxing ring, putter around on the nine-hole miniature golf course, or cool off at the ice-skating rink. For travelers who want to just sail away from it all, the ship offers plenty of soothing distractions such as whirlpools, a day spa, solarium with an indoor/outdoor pool, and a library. Plus, children will love the fun designed just for them with the H20 Zone interactive water park and the Adventure Ocean Youth Program.
Hungry? The three-deck-high main dining room serves your favorite dishes from around the world. Cruisers can also enjoy casual eateries like the buffet at Windjammer Café, Johnny Rockets50s-style diner, Sorrento’s pizza parlor & Ben & Jerry’s. Independence of the Seas also has two specialty restaurants: Portofino Italian Restaurant & Chops Grille. After dinner, you can burn off those calories with scores of entertainment options. Drop off the kids for evening activities at the Adventure Ocean club, & press your luck at the Casino, perform like an “American Idol” during karaoke classic at the On Air Club, or dance the night away in the castle-themed nightclub, The Crypt. Want fun for the whole family? Shoot for the high score in the arcade, watch a movie together in the theater, or take the whole bunch to see the ice skating show or headline performance at the Broadway-style venue Arcadia Theatre.
Independence will sail from Ft. Lauderdale & alternate between eight-night Eastern Caribbean & six-night Western Caribbean itineraries. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary will call at San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Phillipsburg, St. Maarten and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination in Haiti. The Western Caribbean itinerary will call at Belize City, Belize; & Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico.
