Independence Of The Seas was the first cruise ship that I ever travelled on back in 2010, so it means quite a lot to me. Personally I have only done two short cruises on the Independence, from Southampton to Cork in Ireland. It was a lovely experience, and it also managed to persuade us to take more cruises, especially with Royal Caribbean.
 |
| Independence - Credit to Wikipedia |
When I heard that Independence Of The Seas was leaving Southampton a few years ago, to be replaced by Anthem Of The Seas, I was really quite sad. The Independence is an amazing ship but I agree with Royal Caribbean's decision too change up the ships that we have here in Southampton. However, Anthem left after its summer season here and hasn't returned since, in place Royal Caribbean decided to send back Independence Of The Seas for its summer itinerary. If i'm not mistaken Anthem could not be filled up when it was here, but I don't hugely believe this is true as there is a rumour that a Quantum class ship could be returning in 2020.
Over the past couple of weeks the IOTS has been spending its last few weeks in the Caribbean, in dry dock undergoing a refurbishment. Hearing from people who have been on the IOTS recently, I do believe that this was a well needed refurbishment - the first one for Independence if I'm not mistaken. I also believe that she is the last Freedom class ships to get the refurbishment, as Freedom and Liberty have already undertaken their refurbs.
What Got Added In The Refurbishment?
New Staterooms - There have been a variety of new cabins added, from regular cabins to all new panoramic staterooms which give a great view out from the very front of the ship - something which I feel would definitely rival a balcony cabin.
Splashaway Bay - Essentially the H20 Zone has been refurbished, with new features added and its been renamed to the Splashaway Bay.
Water Slides - Water slides have been added at the rear of the ship by the flowrider, these are a great addition too the pools, splashaway bay and FlowRider on the top deck of the ship.
Escape Room - An escape room has been added aboard IOTS, I think that this has featured on a couple of other ships before, but I could be wrong and this could be a first at sea.
Laser Tag - Laser tag has been added aboard, this is another one which I'm not sure whether is a first at sea or has been added to previous ships also.
Places to eat - Along with the return of a lot of famous favoruites from the Royal Caribbean fleet, there are also some new and exciting places to eat aboard IOTS. These places include 'Fish and Ships', Izumi and the 'Sugar Beach Candy and Ice Cream Store'.
Independence has been pushed back arrival in Southampton too the 12th May at 6:30PM (at the time of writing this), and she will not be arriving at her usual birth, as Explorer of the seas will be docking there on the 13th May, which will be her second week of sailings from Southampton this season. This will also be a rare experience too experience both RCI ships in Southampton at the same time, something which has only been seen a few times before.
We look forward too seeing the upcoming images of Independence when she arrives in Southampton, in particular I cannot wait too see the panoramic staterooms at the front of the ship!
What are you looking forward to the most?
Jack
What Got Added In The Refurbishment?
New Staterooms - There have been a variety of new cabins added, from regular cabins to all new panoramic staterooms which give a great view out from the very front of the ship - something which I feel would definitely rival a balcony cabin.
Splashaway Bay - Essentially the H20 Zone has been refurbished, with new features added and its been renamed to the Splashaway Bay.
Water Slides - Water slides have been added at the rear of the ship by the flowrider, these are a great addition too the pools, splashaway bay and FlowRider on the top deck of the ship.
Escape Room - An escape room has been added aboard IOTS, I think that this has featured on a couple of other ships before, but I could be wrong and this could be a first at sea.
Laser Tag - Laser tag has been added aboard, this is another one which I'm not sure whether is a first at sea or has been added to previous ships also.
Places to eat - Along with the return of a lot of famous favoruites from the Royal Caribbean fleet, there are also some new and exciting places to eat aboard IOTS. These places include 'Fish and Ships', Izumi and the 'Sugar Beach Candy and Ice Cream Store'.
Independence has been pushed back arrival in Southampton too the 12th May at 6:30PM (at the time of writing this), and she will not be arriving at her usual birth, as Explorer of the seas will be docking there on the 13th May, which will be her second week of sailings from Southampton this season. This will also be a rare experience too experience both RCI ships in Southampton at the same time, something which has only been seen a few times before.
We look forward too seeing the upcoming images of Independence when she arrives in Southampton, in particular I cannot wait too see the panoramic staterooms at the front of the ship!
What are you looking forward to the most?
Jack
Comments
Post a Comment