Independence of the Seas has arrived at her new home in Southampton brimming with new experiences and boasting even more extraordinary features to delight kids and adults alike.
Following her huge multi-million pound makeover, guests will be welcomed onboard for her first new sailing on Tuesday (15 May) – a two-night cruise to Paris from Southampton.
Independence of the Seas
Independence of the Seas on her way into Southampton yesterday (12 May) Picture courtesy of Royal Caribbean
For the first time ever, guests can hop into the Sky Pad, an out-of-this-world new virtual reality bungee trampoline experience, and splash away their days at interactive aqua park, Splashaway Bay, which is bigger and better than ever before.
The reimagined ship also includes a host of other new features:The Perfect Storm, a duo of racing waterslides called Cyclone and TyphoonGlow-in-the-dark laser tag, an experience in Studio B unlike any other, where friends and family can team up to play “Battle for Planet Z”Puzzle Break, a new escape room experience where competitors can put their minds to the test, working together to find hidden clues and solve a series of high-tech riddles to unravel a mysteryNew lounges and Panoramic Oceanview staterooms. With wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling views, guests can soak up the feeling of standing on the bridge of the ship and watching the sunset over the coastline, all from the privacy of their own stateroomPlaymakers Sports Bar & Arcade, enabling sports fans to enjoy all the biggest live sporting events over ice-cold beers, wings, sliders and moreIzumi Hibachi & Sushi, an exotic Asian-inspired dining experience giving guests the chance to enjoy fresh sushi and experience skilled chefs cooking tableside on teppanyaki grillsFish & Ships, a poolside eatery where guests can grab quintessentially British seaside treatsSugar Beach candy shop
Independence of the Seas’ return to Southampton will not only add innovation but also investment to the area, as each ship visit is worth an estimated £2m to the local economy, totalling £44m for the year.
Ben Bouldin, managing director of Royal Caribbean International UK and Ireland, said: “Holiday time is precious, and travellers today have higher expectations and more options than ever before. We don’t just want to meet these expectations, but smash them and redefine how to holiday.”
During her first new cruise to Paris guests can dabble in modern art at the fabulous Musée d’Orsay, explore the Normandy coast, visit glorious Versailles or take in iconic sights such as the Paris Opera, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.
The 3,858-guest Independence of the Seas will then cover destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean until November 2018.