Independence of the Seas

Independence of the Seas is a Freedom-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. She was delivered and started work out of Southampton in April 2008. The ship carries 4,635 passengers and has a capacity placing her among the large ships. Built at the Aker Finnyards Turku Shipyard in Finland, Independence of the Seas is the third of the Freedom-class vessels. She was christened on April 30, 2008, during a ceremony in Southampton by Elizabeth Hill of Chesterfield, the founder of a children's disability charity.

At her heart is a 136-metre Royal Promenade, the ship's main thoroughfare connecting restaurants, bars, arcades and shops. There is a two-story theater seating 1,200, an ice-skating rink and a complete conference center. The dining lineup includes multiple restaurants and a broad selection of bars and casual eateries, with Giovanni's Table (an Italian trattoria) added during a 2013 drydock upgrade.

Sports and activities define the onboard experience. The ship features an interactive water park, a dedicated water area for small children, and on the Sports Deck a rock climbing wall, the first ever trampolines at sea, a basketball and football court, water slides, and a FlowRider for surfing. During an extensive dry dock refurbishment in April 2018, the ship gained laser tag, additional water slides and other new facilities. The ship hosts the annual 70000 Tons of Metal music festival.

Cabins range from interior rooms through oceanview and balcony staterooms to suites, with 1,918 staterooms in total including 127 suites and 724 with balconies. Whirlpools extend from the ship's sides, offering a distinctive touch to the spa and relaxation areas.

Independence of the Seas suits families, active holidaymakers and first-time cruisers who want a big ship with plenty of things to do both above and below deck.