Last updated: 12 October 2026
Independence of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s biggest and most family-focused ships, and I was invited on board by Royal Caribbean UK to explore it from top to bottom during a turnaround day in Southampton. This Independence of the Seas review is my honest first look: what’s on board, where to eat, who the ship really suits, and plenty of photos inside Independence of the Seas.
Quick verdict
- Best for: families with kids of any age, and first-time cruisers who want lots to do on board
- Loved: the huge Splashaway Bay water park, the Perfect Storm waterslides and the buzzing Royal Promenade
- Loved: the choice of places to eat, from casual pizza to a proper steakhouse
- Not ideal if: you want a quiet, intimate cruise. This is a big, lively ship
- Good to know: the specialty restaurants cost extra, so budget for a few treat nights
Independence of the Seas review: first impressions
Approaching the cruise terminal, it’s the sheer size of the ship that gets you. Nothing prepares you for feeling dwarfed by something so huge. Inside, it really is a big floating hotel: it feels opulent, with lots of glass and a warm, rich colour palette.
Is Independence of the Seas good for families?
Yes, without a doubt. It’s one of the most family-friendly ships I’ve ever been on, with enough to keep kids of all ages busy from morning until night. The arcade games room alone is enormous.
The pool deck and Splashaway Bay
Up on the top deck, Splashaway Bay takes over the middle of the ship. It’s a kids’ water park with slides, hot tubs, big pools, small pools and a giant drench bucket, so there’s no shortage of splashing. Or sun loungers!
Perfect Storm waterslides
The Perfect Storm waterslides take up a huge section at the back of the ship. They’re bright, twisty and look epic both up close and from the dock.
Laser tag, Sky Pad and crazy golf
When I visited, there was also glow-in-the-dark laser tag in an inflatable maze (the perfect rainy-day activity, should you ever get one), Sky Pad, a bungee trampoline experience with a VR headset, and Independence Dunes, a huge crazy golf course.
Restaurants on Independence of the Seas
Like most Royal Caribbean ships, Independence of the Seas has a great choice of places to eat. We had lunch at Chops Grille, the steakhouse, and the other options included sushi at Izumi, burgers and shakes at Johnny Rockets, Sorrento’s for pizza and the Windjammer buffet. There’s also the main dining room and a string of cafés along the Royal Promenade.
The main dining room and buffet are included in your fare, while specialty restaurants like Chops Grille and Izumi cost extra. Check the current line-up on Royal Caribbean’s dining page before you sail.
Fitness, spa and wellness
A lot of the fitness options are outside. The climbing wall looked like a real challenge, and it sits right by a full-size basketball court. There’s also a full spa and wellness centre with treatments and chill-out areas for when you need a break from the action.
Inside Independence of the Seas: the Royal Promenade and entertainment
The Royal Promenade, the busy street running through the middle of the ship, was like nothing I’d seen at sea before. It’s lined with shops, boutiques and cafés, and it felt very cool (and very patriotic!).
Evening entertainment is one of the most important parts of a cruise for me, and there are plenty of bars and lounges for live music. The theatre was magnificent. My only regret was not staying on board long enough to see a show! There’s also a casino, if you’re so inclined.
Cabins
I didn’t get to see a cabin, as new guests were boarding that day. Royal Caribbean’s photos show well-appointed staterooms, and there’s a wide range, from inside cabins to balcony rooms and family suites.
Credit: Royal Caribbean UK
Where does Independence of the Seas sail?
Royal Caribbean moves its ships around, so check the latest Independence of the Seas itineraries for where it’s sailing now.
Final thoughts: is Independence of the Seas worth it?
If you’re cruising with kids, or you want a ship where you’ll never run out of things to do, Independence of the Seas is a brilliant choice. The water park, slides and promenade make it feel like a resort at sea. If you’d rather have a quieter, smaller-ship experience, it’s probably not for you.
Planning a cruise further afield? Read about my Panama Canal and Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Gem or my cruise to New England and Canada Fall Cruise on Norwegian Pearl.
Got a question about the ship? Ask me in the comments below!
Holy cow, it’s like a floating city! Seriously, as I looked at your pictures and read your descriptions, I would sometimes forget that this was a cruise ship, especially with the mini golf. I’ve actually only been on a cruise once, but loved it. I would definitely love to cruise with Independence of the Seas!
Author
Hi Rachelle, I know it’s soo huge!! You actually really do forget you’re at sea!
You all are looking gorgeous, and enjoying this beautiful places. We planning for some similar adventure next month too. I enjoy your blog and all girls are beautiful.
Author
Hi Chirag, thank you!! Have fun planning your trip!
My brother was supposed to book Royal Carribbean in this October but changed to other cruise instead. Royal Carribean always has good reputation and well-known for it world class cruise ship experience. I can totally understand after reading your post. Look at the pictures, guess you guys are having so much fun!!
Author
Yes, it really is! Hope he has a wonderful cruise either way!! 🙂
Fab pictures. The interior looks so grand and the water slides look so fun! Now I want to go on a cruise like this.
Author
Thanks Katie! Definitely look into it 🙂
Oh my gosh! This cruise ship is beautiful! I love the pool area with all the water slides. And I love how they have a variety of eating options. Looks like a great way to sail!
Author
Definitely! It’s amazing what they put on ships 🙂
My family has talked about doing an extended family cruise; this looks super fun and especially since there is something for everyone!
Author
Absolutely. No chance of getting bored! 🙂
I’m absolutely sold! My husband keeps saying he wants to do a cruise and this just sells it. It looks like SO MUCH fun!!!! I didn’t know they could have all of this stuff!!!
Author
Awesome news!!! It is so fun, definitely look into going soon 🙂
I have never been on Royal Caribbean before but I can’t wait to try it out. All these pictures makes me want to start planning a cruise. I am thinking about taking another cruise next year so i will check out their prices.
Author
Awesome, hope you get to try RCCL!
I’ve heard others rave about Royal Caribbean for those who had experienced the cruise. The service and activities offered were all great. I haven’t had the opportunity to do cruise yet, so this will definitely be a cool experience!
Author
Definitely, hope you get the chance to do a cruise at some point!
Royal Caribbean make such incredible ships. I always thought of cruising as a bit of a boring hotel on the sea, only just bearable in order to get to your next port, but that is soooo not the case these days!
Author
Hi Emily, Yes they are really are, it’s amazing what they can put on ships these days!
This looks incredible! I’ve always been skeptical about cruise ships but this looks like it would be a great time 🙂
Author
Definitely 🙂
Wow this ship looks like the epitome of luxury! It looks and sounds like you had the most incredible time indeed.
Author
Hi Elizabeth,
Yes it was awesome, we loved the interiors!
Oh my goodness. That looks crazy. I am so stuck on Disney, but my kids and husband a ready to move on. I am so sad. But this ship looks like the perfect replacement, even better. Your pictures are fantastic and you have totally sold me on this ship. I am now in search of…
Thank you.
Author
Oooh maybe you’ll have to branch out the one time. Thanks for your kind words!