Independence of the Seas Photo Tour and Commentary

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OVERVIEW

Overview....................................................Page One

Pools, Spa and Open Decks..........................Page Two

Shops, Children, and Other Public Areas.......Page Three

Entertainment...............................................Page Four

Bars and Lounges.........................................Page Five

Dining.........................................................Page Six

Accommodations.........................................Page Seven

Pools, Spa, Sports and Open
Decks is next.

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE THE TOUR

Independence of the Seas is the third of Royal
Caribbean’s Freedom-class ships. (See also Freedom
of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas,) Although no
longer the largest passenger ship in the world, she has
the distinction of being the largest ship ever to do a
transatlantic crossing with paying passengers aboard.

Independence uses her large size not just to carry
more passengers but to provide a greater variety of
features and amenities. This enables her to provide a
greater mix of experiences for passengers and to
satisfy a larger spectrum of cruisers. For example, on
her open decks, the ship has an adults-only area for
those who simply want to relax, a traditional cruise
ship swimming pool area, a 5,380 square foot water
park for children, and for the adventurous, a rock
climbing wall and a surfing simulator. Along the way,
there is also a jogging trail, a full size basketball court,
a miniature golf course and, of course, deck chairs. In
short, there is something for everyone.

Beyond the facilities, the ship presents a plethora of
activities and entertainment. In addition to the cruise
ship staples, there are dancing waiters and colorful
parades. “This being our new flagship, we try and add
a little bit extra to it . . . . You can do as little or as
much as you like but if you did want to do something
from when you wake up until you go to sleep, there it
is,” comments Cruise Director Allan Brooks.
The activities continue even when the ship is in port.
“The ship has become a destination in itself. A lot of
people have been to the ports several times, they have
done the tours and been to the beaches, they have had
the experience. So, on any given port day, there will
be from 800 to 1,200 people on the ship who do not
get off at all,” explains Brooks.

Royal Caribbean was so satisfied with the first two
ships of the class that there is little difference between
Independence and her two earlier sisters. This does
not mean, however, that if one were suddenly
transported to the Royal Promenade on one of the
ships, one could not tell which ship it was.
Independence is slightly more subdued than her
sisters. For example, there is no giant figure diving
down from the ceiling of the Royal Promenade and no
jet planes in the Forward Centrum.

There are sections of the ship that dazzle the eye.
Other sections are more restrained with contemporary
sophistication. Throughout, good quality materials
have been used. Lighting is used effectively and an $8
million dollar art collection enhances the décor.
While her sisters do mostly seven-day cruises,
Independence does predominantly 14 day cruises.
This requires her to have a greater number of
production shows and ice shows than her sisters as
well as more menu variations. It also attracts
passengers who have more leisure time to devote to
cruising.

Independence spent a large part of 2008, her first year
in service operating out of Southampton, England. On
these voyages, most of her passengers were British.
In 2009, she will return to England, staying until late
November. “It has done very well and there is a lot of
excitement about it,” notes Hotel Director Darren
Budden.

“The core product is the same Royal Caribbean
product with a few little tweaks, here and there to
customize it [for the British market]” Budden
elaborates. “They have likes and dislikes that we cater
to because they are our primary audience.”
Still, it may seem surprising that a ship that is so
essentially American in nature would do well in
Britain. “The reason I can absolutely understand it
working is in some respects we bring a little bit of Las
Vegas to the UK. Our product is different. Our
product is about options, it is about wide-open spaces,
it is about action and fun. It is very different, almost
brash American, which [British] people really enjoy
because they don’t really have other products that are
like that. There are a lot of people over there who
want the entertainment and action that comes with the
ship that is designed like Independence of the Seas,”
says Budden.

Independence is now based in England year-round,
sailing to the Mediterraean, the Canary Islands, the
British Isles and to Norther Europe. “To a certain
degree, I think the Independence is embraced as a UK
ship because we home base out of Southampton. We
also cater a little better to the British because we
understand them a little better because we spend more
time with them.”

Independence
of the Seas

INDEPENDENCE OF
THE SEAS
PHOTO TOUR
AND
COMMENTARY

INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS TOUR

INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS TOUR 2

INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS TOUR 3

INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS TOUR 4

INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS TOUR 5

INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS TOUR 6

INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS TOUR 7

The Royal Promenade is the heart of
the ship. It is part shopping mall, dining
venue, and part entertainment feature. At
either end it is bounded by multi-story atria
called "centrums." Above: The Royal
Promenade from the aft or main centrum.
Below: As seen from the forward centrum.

Captain Arnolf F. Remo

Hotel Director Darren Budden

Cruise Director Allan Brooks

The stairs at the forward end of the
Royal Promenade.

The art collection on Independence
was built around the theme "the
Contemporary Spririt of the Old
Masters" and includes works by
contemporary artists that drew
inspriation from the art of the past.
Larry Kirkland's "Kylix" (left)
dominates the Main Centrum and is
based on the design of an ancient
Greek drinking cup.
"After Magritte" (right) by Devorah
Sperber utilizes 20,800 spools of
thread to make a mosaic inspired by
the Belgian surrelaist Rene Magritte.
Displayed in a corridors linking the
staterooms is a work showing
portraits of past masters (middle left).
A glass mosaic "Tigers in the Jungle"
(middle right) recalls the work of
post-impressionist Henri Rousseau.
Hanging in the Forward Centrum is
Brad Howe's "Constellations In the
Sea," (below left) shows the influence
of sculptor Alexander Calder.
Morten Slettemeas' "Untitled"
(below) draw upon expressionist
works.

"Tequuila Sunrise", a work by Peter
Zsiba and Maura Smolover, is
featured in the Boleros Lounge.

Above left: The Shore Excusions Desk.
Above right: Immediately next door is Guest
Relations..
Left and right: Guests can book future cruises
and inquire about Royal Caribbean's Crown and
Anchor Loyalty Program in Adventures.
Below left: The Business Services office.

Above: A 2008 model Morgan
Roadster V6 is parked in the Royal
Promenade
Below: A pair of Teddy Bears prpare
to take the car for a spin.

Above: Looking up the Forward
Centrum.
Below: Looking down the Aft
Centrum.

A bit of whimsy, a larger than life dog
looks down from a balcony int the Aft
Centrum.

Cruise ship photo tour - Independence of the Seas - Royal Caribbean - page 1