I wasn't disappointed.
The ship is amazing.
Absolutely huge.
I know that a large ship isn't for everyone but for families, or someone like me who gets bored easy it was unbelievable.
I could go on and on here about the Royal Promenade, the numbers of bars, restaurants or nightclubs available. The entertainments and activates offered onboard, but I've tried writing this blog a couple of times now and it always ends up feeling a little hollow. You can get a brochure and fine out about the gross tonnage of the ship or the exact amount of bathrooms it has, instead what I have decided to do is upload all the pictures and let you try and see exactly what kept me amazed.
This wont be easy.
To start with words or pictures will never do this lady proud. You really do need to be there. See it in 360 degrees, experience it for yourself. Plus I had lost my camera so had to borrow a friends so some of these pictures could be politely described as awful.
My best advice really would be to book yourself on board; you will have a great time!
By the way, try and ignore the date stamp on the pictures saying 2007, I forgot to set the date and time before I started snapping, (again sorry about the new camera).
So here goes...........................
Not the most interesting pictures I took I'll admit, but I really did want to give you an idea of the sheer size of the ship from the outside. It really does feel like you’re on a floating city once you’re onboard.
An ice rink at sea. Nuff said.
A random corridor. I think this was the bit where I got lost and started taking lots of random pictures as a point of reference. I did try leaving a trail of breadcrumbs but they kept getting cleaned up behind me.
The Boleros Lounge. There is one on either side of the deck with a corridor inbetween. At night the floor your looking at is used as a dance floor. Not even one of the main bars, just a nice respite between bars if you fancy a bit of a dance.
The casino. Not exactly a unique feature to the Independence I'll admit, but what ships complete without one?
The glass staircase inside Labyrinth. No, I didn't shatter it walking down, it was designed like this. Just one of the small features that really highlight the attention to detail Royal Caribbean showed when putting her together.
An inside shot of Labyrinth to show you the gothic/medieval theme.
A shot of the far end of the royal promenade. I'm trying to give you an idea here how big the ship felt from the inside.
This is a picture of some of the staterooms with windows overlooking the Royal promenade. Here you can either while away your time people watching or enjoy the processions that Royal Caribbean put on every few days.
The Alhambra theatre. Truly huge inside with another tier of seats just above my head. Sadly I didn't have enough time to view any of the shows, so I will have to take our reps word for it that "they're alright I supose'.
No I'm only joking I'm sure there spectacular, but I would love for anyone who has experienced them first hand to leave a quick comment here and let us all know what they thought.
I love this. All the lifts have these and they're changed every day at midnight so you don't forget what day it is. How's that for attention to detail?
The full, albeit blurry, view of the Royal promenade. You really do need to be there yourself to really appreciate the true scope of it though.
The Pyramid lounge. A smaller more intimate theatre for those who don't fancy the Alhambra for any reason.
One of the many restaurants dotted around the ship with no cover charge. Open till late in the evening to cater for anyone coming out of the nightclubs.
The Dog and Badger. The American idea of a 'traditional Irish pub'. Still as long as the lagers cold and the kids are having a good time in the kids clubs, right?
Live musicians above the promenade playing a selection of classic and modern songs for the enjoyment of those below. Trust me it beats piped in muzac hands down!
The Clean Shave. A traditional 19th century mens barbers where the gents can go and be shaved each morning with a cutthroat razor. Probably best avoided during choppy waters.
Completely random. Royal Caribbean think they make the ship look more 'funky'. You'll find objects like this dotted all over the ship. Answers on a post card to the usual address if you agree with them or not.
The Viking crown lounge. With 360degree windows you get some amazing views. Trust me.
The H2O Zone. Only kids allowed, sorry folks i Know it looks fun, but it's for the wee ones only.
Another touch of attention to detail here. All the glass behind the fences leans inwards so even if a child were to climb it they can only fall backwards, not out to sea.
Mini golf at sea.Even of you don't fancy it you have to love the idea.
Again, another activity I didn't have time to have a go at, but at 220feet above sea level if you can make it to the top you'll get a great view.
Johhny Rockets, one of the cafes you have to pay a small cover charge for, but how cool's this? The waitress will bring you a bowl of curly fries with your menus, for you to munch on whilst your deciding what to eat!
An inside stateroom, set up as a twin. Not huge I'll grant you but bear in mind I'm halfway into the room to take the picture, and after everything you've seen here how much time are you going to be spending in your room?
An Ocean view stateroom.
A balcony stateroom. The doors to the balcony were locked so I didn't get a chance to photograph that for you, sorry.
Still not sure about these. Whats everyone else think?
The main dining room really was stupendous. Really luxurious and tasteful, with no pink dogs in sight.
My free lunch, provided for by Royal Caribbean. New York strip steak in a peppercorn sauce with mascapone mash. Mwah! Absolutely delicious, and to give you an idea of the level of service to expect whilst your onboard, when one of the people I was visiting the ship with couldn't decide between the steak and the fish they brought her both!
So that was my day of adventure aboard the Independence of the Seas and I can't wait to get back on her. If any of you have any questions about her you can ask them below, or if this has made up your mind and you want to book yourself a cabin onboard, you know how to reach me.
Happy Cruising.
Thanks James, your photos are great. Give a much better idea than those I've seen on websites. I can't believe that mini golf photo is on a ship. It certainly looks ginormous.
ReplyDeleteWhat was the pink bum & legs?
It's some artwork they have scattered all over the ship. It's the back end of a giant pink dog. I still can't decide if I liked it or not. What do you think of them?
ReplyDeleteWell it's certainly different. Mind you if you were a bit squiffy you might think you'd been seeing things. Makes a change from seeing pink elephants!
ReplyDeleteI've never fancied a large ship but I just might consider it. As I said your photos give a better perspective on the ship than what I've seen in brochures and on websites. Looks good for grandchildren!
we went on the indy last year and we loved it, so many things to do you never get bored!Cant believe ther is so much on one ship. Thinking of going again next year. I love the pink dogs,it just adds to the quirkiness of the ship!!!
ReplyDeleteTake it from a cruiser who knows...... we've been on this 3 times already We're amazed and totally blown away everytime by the ship,so many things to do for every age group - truly amazing. We started on an inside cabin, then oceanview, balcony and this time we're in a suite..
ReplyDeletedo you have to pay for any food on board or is it all inclusive ? never been on a cruise yet but thinking about it !!
ReplyDeleteAlmost all the food is inclusive, there are one or two speciality restaurants, like Johnny Rockets, that have a small cover charge, but mostly it's free
ReplyDeletegoing on the independance in november with our grandson ,your photos are lovely,really looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteThinking about booking this cruise on the 1st September. Can anyone tell me how much drinks are as I have heard quite expensive? For example how much in sterling for a glass of wine and a pint of beer?
ReplyDeletePrices for drinks can be quite expensive when you factor in the 15% service charge. Drinks packages can be bought onboard though. Have a look at the Q&A section of our forum at www.cruises.co.uk
ReplyDeleteAs 50+ we were on the Ind of the S last year and as first timers we were not disappointed! Didn't manage to try all of the places on board in the 16 days so maybe next time. Fantastic luxury, plenty room in a stateroom (we had ocean view).We slept like logs every night and found ourselves only once making the table service for breakfast (even then it was only because we were going on an early trip!)Service everywhere excellent and friendly too.Drinks were the only bug bear - i wasn't prepared for the costs and didn't know about the package you could pre order. Entertainment - very much enjoyed the spectacular ice show we attended one night before dinner (book early) and all the other shows too. Dining - think Titanic splendour with ref. to the dining rooms with the crystal chandeliers and lovely white linen and the sun setting as you look through the windows over the ocean.Breathtaking Mini golf on the 15 (or was it 17th floor)addictive. - we'll be back!Photos- unfortunately James, these do not do the floating palace justice but its not your fault. 4000 people on one ship seemed like 400 so those that fear claustrophobia need not worry. Ann & Scott
ReplyDeleteHi James,and everyone else who is thinking of
ReplyDeletecruising on this magnificent ship there is only
one word to describe this ship and that is a
huge "WOW", my husband and i sailed on her
in September last year and have now booked
again for this September we cant wait, anyone
booking a cruise on the Indy will not be
disappointed the pic's are good but don't do
it justice you have to be there to believe it.
FOUND YOUR COMMENTS INTERESTING AS I WENT ON IND AND FOUND IT SO BUSY IT RUINED MY TRIP.
ReplyDeleteI JOINED THE SHIP IN MALAGA NOT KNOWING IT WAS SPANISH HALF TERM SO CHILDREN WENT CHEAP.YOU COULD NOT GET A QUIET CUP OF COFFEE.FOOD WAS BEING LEFT ALL OVER THE PLACE.IF I HAD NOT BEEN ON A CRUISE BEFORE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MY LAST.I SPOKE TO MANY WHO FELT THE SAME.HAD A HARD TIME CONVINCING THAT IT COULD BE ENJOYABLE.MAEVE.
How many people did you travel with? The Indy is definetley a ship for familys.
ReplyDeleteMy husband worked for RCCL many moons ago and had told me then that we will only cruise with RCCL once we have had children and he was absolutely right in saying that, everything is geared towards family, we go every 2 years with RCCL with kids, siblings, parent and granparents in tow and we always have a wonderful time. The kids love the clubs, H20 and theatre, the elders prefer walking around taking in the sights, husbands love the windjammer. If the only bug bear is the cost of drinks i found they were the same price as any luxury hotel i've stayed in. You save so much in dining and soft drinks that its actually a cost you dont mind swallowing (quite literally).
ReplyDeleteI returned from a cruise on the Independance 2 weeks ago and can only say it was fabulous. The only thing I did not like was the way they told you what gratuities you should pay. I think that is something you should decide yourself.
ReplyDeletejust got back from med cruise on I OF THE SEAS ABSOLUTELY HATED IT SORRY BUT NOT FOR ME MY FIRST AND LAST CRUISE CAN'T PLEASE EVERYBODY.
ReplyDeleteI am sailing on the Independance next week which I must admit leaves me cold. We planned this cruise with two friends who wanted a dream wedding at sea. After two hours talking to the wedding planner she dropped the bombshell that a. the service could not be carried out at sea and b . it was not a legal ceremony. As 10 of us had already bookrd the cruise we had to go on it and our friends are getting married in a registry office in Southampton before boarding the ship. This has not only spoiled their dream wedding but also the whole point of the cruise which will have a cloud over the whole holiday. Please inform any of your future customers who are looking for a wedding at sea and refer them to good old P&O who will treat them like royalty.
ReplyDeleteWow!! I wanted to go on this ship BEFORE I saw the photos!! Now I DEFINITELY NEED to go on it!!! It looks AMAZING!!!!!
ReplyDelete