Independence of the Seas - Breathtaking Cruise !
We have cruised many times before, but this time we were in for a very special treat – the world’s largest cruise ship to date.
The Independence of the Seas (Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines) is a beautiful floating hotel and has whopping tonnage of 160,000. This ship has wonderful spacious sun decks, including an area named “H20 Zone” especially designed for children – its a wonderland of waterpark and fountains. For those of us who are older, or who don’t have small children, the sundecks have been separated out, and you will also find a “normal” pool and also a completely separate and quieter “adult only” section. This has its own pool & sunbed area, not to mention two large ‘adult-only’ Jacuzzis – that can each seat 16 guests and literally hang out over the ocean on deck 11 of this towering ship!
The marvel of this ship as you stand on the quay-side (before you board!) and look up at it is something else, for this ship is like a small floating town and on it you will find an ice-skating rink, a climbing wall, theatres, a beautifully grand 3 storey restaurant with spiralling staircases, and cobbled “main street” with a coffee house, shops, Italian restaurant, ice cream parlour and a pub – there is even a barbers! Not to forget the gym and spa, plus the numerous different bars to choose from too.
Our trip was a 4 night cruise – sailing from Southampton to Cork in Ireland. Having been to Cork before, we weren’t at all worried about disembarking – but for those who wanted to sight-see, there were plenty of organised tours to choose from, or alternatively you could get off at your leisure and follow your nose! We couldn’t find anything to criticise about Royal Caribbean….the service we received on board was excellent – particularly in the restaurant, where our waitress Katarina spoilt us rotten! We decided to opt for the relatively new option of ‘my time dining’. This is literally as it sounds and means that you and your party can eat in the main dining room in the evenings at any time, instead of at the times stipulated by the traditional 1st and 2nd sittings (which are still an option to choose on Royal Caribbean’s ships if you prefer a set-time to eat.) The food was of an extremely high standard, with plenty of choices, and even a children’s menu and healthy-eating menu too.
We thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance of this ship. Its décor was amazing. With beautiful glass lifts taking you from the lower decks right to deck 14! The views from these lifts let you take in the sheer scale and elegance of this wonderful ship.
This time, I “got organised” as soon as we got onboard and I made a booking to treat myself at the spa during the cruise. I had a facial on day 3, and although it was expensive, it was certainly a treat, and I found it extremely relaxing.
I also found time to spend an hour pedalling in the gym – whilst our sons enjoyed the explorer club – the exercise equipment has all the latest technology, and who could argue that the 360 views from the windows in the gym aren’t good for your soul?
I certainly feel that Royal Caribbean have thought of everything to make your stay onboard a happy one - there's even an ice cream machine on the sun deck and you can help yourself to your heart's content ! (but not waist-line!)
I have cruised extensively in the last few years (you will find that it's dangerously addictive!, so give me a call or drop me a line if you’d like some advice or suggestions – whether it be a first time cruise you are considering or if its your 10th!
You will find that I am extremely competitive on cruise prices, and I will take care of all the finer details - making sure that you are happy with your cabin and its location, and that the ship I suggest is the right one for you!