Independence of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International

• Internet Access
  There is wireless internet access in selected areas onboard. Wi-Fi service provides internet access 24 hours a day through guests' own Internet Service Provider. The service is available fleetwide at a nominal charge. More information available onboard.

• Medical Emergencies
  Should a guest become sick or injured while onboard, they should visit the medical facility immediately. The doctor will diagnose the illness/injury and advise accordingly.

• Pregnancy Policy
  Royal Caribbean International cannot accept guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the beginning of, or at any time during the cruise or cruisetour. A physician's "Fit to Travel" note is required prior to sailing, stating how far along (in weeks) the pregnancy will be at the beginning of the cruise and confirming that the guest is in good health and not experiencing a high-risk pregnancy. The "Fit to Travel" note should be faxed to the Access Department at 1-954-628-9622. Guests should contact Royal Caribbean at 1-866-592-7225 or at special_needs@rccl.com if they have already booked a cruise or cruisetour and do not meet this requirement.

• Smoking Policy
  For the comfort and enjoyment of all guests, Royal Caribbean ships are designated as non-smoking. However, there are certain public and private areas where smoking is allowed.

  Smoking in public areas is only permitted in designated smoking sections, which vary by ship. Generally, smoking is permitted outdoors on only one side of the ship, and on all private oceanfront balconies, including Loft Suite balconies. To assist in locating areas where smoking is permitted,you will find visible signage posted within all smoking areas and ashtrays that are provided for your use.

  For safety reasons smoking is NOT permitted inside any stateroom or on private balconies that overlook The Boardwalk or Central Park. Smoking is NOT permitted in any dining venues, food outlet, theater, hallway, corridor, Central Park, The Boardwalk or the Jogging Track.

  Pipe or cigar smoking is only permitted within the Cigar Lounge on applicable ships.

• Special Dietary Needs - Advance Notice Required
  Royal Caribbean will make every effort to accommodate guests' dietary requirements whenever possible. They can accommodate dietary needs such as:
  • Food allergies
  • Gluten-free
  • Kosher
  • Low-fat
  • Low-sodium

  Vegetarian Meals (including Indian-style vegetarian) are available on all menus in the Dining Room and Windjammer Cafe every day. Guests do not need to make a special request for these meals.

  Lactose-free/soy milk, Ensure, and kosher meals are available at no extra charge. Guests will need to notify RCCL at least 45 days prior to sailing (90 days for European/South American Itineraries).

  Kosher for Passover meal requests MUST be received 90 days in advance in order to be accommodated.

  Guests should contact their travel agent and request that special meal requests be noted in their reservation details. Special meal requests that are received less than 45 days prior to sailing (90 days for European/South American itineraries) are dependent on the ship's product availability. Royal Caribbean will try to accommodate requests to the best of their ability.

  Please note: Baby food is available via the Gifts and Gear page via the Babies To Go program and infant formula is not provided on board.

  Guests may not bring on board any food items other than baby food and/or dry, nonperishable snack items (cookies, crackers, chips, energy bars, etc).

• Wheelchair Access & Special Needs
  While guests are not required to provide information about the extent of their disability, the more information they can share with Royal Caribbean about specific needs, they better they will be able to accommodate those needs.

  Guests are encouraged to notify Royal Caribbean of special needs at the time of booking, in order to guarantee availability of specific equipment or services. Please provide:

  • 60 days advance notice if you need sign language interpreting services during your cruise.
  • 30 days advance notice if you need special equipment or services (see list below) to accommodate your disability during the cruise.
  • If Royal Caribbean does not receive enough advance notice, they will make reasonable efforts to provide requested equipment and/or services within the timeframe allotted.

  Guests must provide 72 hours advance notice if they are traveling with a group of 10 or more passengers with disabilities.

  Equipment and Services Requiring Advance Notice:

  • 60 days prior to sailing
  • Sign language interpreting services
  • 30 days prior to sailing
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Commode chair
  • Shower stool
  • Transfer bench
  • Service animal relief area
  • Large print materials
  • TTY
  • Visual-tactile alert system
  • Assistive listening device
  • Medical refrigerator
  • Sharp's container
  • Distilled water
  • Extension cord
  • Oxygen supply delivery
  • Dialysis supply delivery

• Library
• Multi-Level Atrium
• Conference Center
• Internet Café
• Chapel / Wedding Chapel
• Art Gallery
• Bars/Lounges

• Television / Radio
• In-Stateroom Movies
• Private Safe
• Direct Dial Phone
• Hair Dryer
• Minibar and/or Refrigerator
• Showers and Bath Tubs
• Sitting Area
• Suites

• Live Bands
• Wine Tasting Seminars
• Show Lounge
• Casino
• Disco
• Card Room
• Game Arcade
• Art Auctions

• Traditional Assigned Seating
• Dining Style: Flexible Dining Options
• Alternative Specialty Restaurants
• 24-hour Room Service
• Dining Style: Open Seating
• Café/Coffee Bar
• Dining Style: Formal Nights and Casual Evenings

• Elevators
• ATM
• Beauty Salon
• Duty-free Shops
• Photo Processing Shop
• Concierge Desk
• Infirmary / Medical Center
  Each Royal Caribbean is equipped with a medical facility. At least one licensed physician and two nurses are normally in attendance on all Royal Caribbean cruises. Guests will be charged for medical services and medications are available onboard for a fee. The types of medications kept onboard are limited and guests must bring an adequate supply of any specific medications they need. Royal Caribbean is not responsible for the diagnosis, treatment or services furnished by shipboard medical personnel.
• Safe Deposit Boxes
• Dry Cleaning/Laundry
• Business Services

• Outdoor Swiming Pool(s)
• Full Service Spa
• Steam Room
• Whirlpools
• Fitness Instruction and/or Group Fitness Classes
• Weight Machines
• Free Weights
• Cardio Equipment
• Volleyball
• Shuffleboard
• Ping Pong
• Tennis / Paddle Tennis
• Fitness Center
• Watersports
• Scuba Instructions
• Basketball
• Yoga Classes
• Rock-Climbing Wall
• Ice Skating Rink
• Flowrider Wave Pool
• Jogging Track
• Mini-Golf

• Youth Programs
• Dedicated Children's Center
• Outdoor Children's Play Area
• Dedicated Teen Center
• Teen Programs
• Children's Pool
• Youth Counselor Staff
• Babysitters Available

• Main Dining Room
  The elegant dining room features world-class food and décor, with mouthwatering cuisine, an attentive waitstaff and dining options to suit your every need. You'll choose from a variety of options for each course, from appetizers to entrees to heavenly desserts.
   
• Portofino
  Enjoy a delicious Italian meal in an intimate and romantic setting. From the first bite of the antipasto to the last spoonful of tiramisu, dining in the elegant atmosphere of Portofino is an evening to remember.
   
• Café Promenade
  Need a quick bite or a late night snack? Grab a sandwich, a slice of pizza or a cup of cappuccino at the casual sidewalk café on the Royal Promenade.
   

• Alhambra Theatre
  World-class performers from all over the globe star in awe-inspiring original shows by Royal Caribbean Productions. It could be a contemporary stage production or a Las Vegas-inspired floorshow, a headline musical act or a live comedy show. No matter which show is on stage, it's sure to leave you cheering.
   
• Vintages
  Experience Vintages, a wine bar at sea. Together with Robert Mondavi, Beringer® Blass Wine Estates and Niebaum-Coppola, Royal Caribbean has created a first-rate wine bar everyone can enjoy. The menu includes a range of options from some of the best wine-producing regions in the world - order an old favorite or find a new one with the sampling menus. You can also take part in wine tastings and classes.
   
• Studio B
  You won't believe your eyes when you step into Studio B. It's where you'll find the onboard ice-skating rink, not to mention professional ice shows, which are a "must-see." When the professionals aren't practicing or putting on one of their remarkable shows, guests are welcome to use the rink at no charge.
   
• Dog & Badger Pub
  Share a pint and a laugh at this traditional English pub. A long list of imported beers and ales offer a great way to unwind after a busy day onshore and onboard.
   
• Schooner Bar
  There's nothing quite like relaxing in a nautical-themed bar when you're at sea, especially if you're in the Schooner Bar, a Royal Caribbean signature bar and guest favorite. In the evening, you may find a crowd gathered around the piano singing along with any one of the talented piano players featured.
   
• Viking Crown Lounge®
  Perched high above the ocean, this Royal Caribbean signature lounge offers comfortable seating, spectacular vistas by day and a lively dance club at night.
   

• Day Spa
  Indulgence begins right here. From the moment you enter the luxurious spa, your personal needs and preferences will become the centerpiece, and your treatment will be designed to ensure the most enjoyable and beneficial result.
   
• FlowRider
  The FlowRider surf simulator attracts hundreds of eager surfers and oglers to the aft sports court each day. Even guests who never thought they'd try something like this are giving it a go. You don’t need lessons to try out the FlowRider surf simulator, but personal one-on-one sessions with instructors are a great way to get more time on the water so you can master the basics, perfect your form or pick up a few fun tricks.
   
• Solarium
  The adults-only Solarium pool is an oasis for guests, complete with towering palm trees, hammocks and cantilevered whirlpools that extend 12-ft. beyond the sides of the ship. The whirlpools' wide panels of glass allow a breathtaking view from the horizon to the ocean below.
   
• royalcaribbean onlineSM
  It's high tech on the high seas. With royalcaribbean online you can access the Internet, send e-mails or share digital images from your cruise vacation.
   
• Boxing Ring
  Guests can indulge their inner "Rocky" with a variety of boxing-related activities, including one-on-one training sessions with an experienced instructor in a full-size 20' by 20' Everlast boxing ring.
   
• A Clean Shave
  Whether it's a full shave or a beard trim, a haircut or a deep-cleansing treatment, now there's a place where the gents can indulge and pamper themselves, too.
   

• Royal Babies (6-18 months)
  Set aside some special family time onboard and join in the fun of our Royal Babies interactive classes held in one of the onboard lounges. These enriching activities have been developed by early childhood experts at Fisher-Price and are hosted by trained youth staff.

  Note: a parent or caregiver MUST accompany children 6 to 36 months of age during all activity sessions.

   
• Royal Tots (18-36 months)
  Join your child in the fun of Royal Tots, interactive playgroup sessions developed by early childhood experts at Fisher-Price. Each 45-minute session, held in one of the onboard lounges, offers activities that expose children to new experiences and teach you how to make playtime learning time as well. Plus, your little one will be all smiles and giggles as they make new discoveries, sing, sway and play with great toys they're sure to love.

  Note: a parent or caregiver MUST accompany children 6 to 36 months of age during all playgroup sessions.

   
• Aquanauts (3-5 years)
  Your Aquanauts' time onboard will not only be fun, it will be educational too! They'll get to learn about local customs, do cool science experiments and make great new friends. To participate, children must be fully potty-trained* and 3 years of age as of the first day of the cruise. You can rest assured your little ones are in good hands - every member of the Adventure Ocean® youth staff holds a college degree in education, recreation or a related field and has experience working with children ages 3-17.

  Note: no diapers or pull-ups, please.

   
• Explorers (6-8 years)
  One thing you won't have to worry about during your cruise adventure is a bored Explorer! All kinds of exciting activities await your 6-to-8-year-olds, like hands-on science experiments, scavenger hunts, theater games, and more. You can feel confident leaving your children with the Adventure Ocean staff because every member holds a college degree in education, recreation or a related field and has experience working with children ages 3-17.
   
• Voyagers (9-11 years)
  The Voyagers program is all about kids having a great time, learning new things and making new friends from all over the world. And you can be confident that your children are in very capable hands - every member of the Adventure Ocean staff holds a college degree in education, recreation or a related field and has experience working with kids ages 3-17.
   
• Young Teens (12-14 years)
  The best thing about the Teen program is that it's not structured. Guests 12- to 14-years-old guests can come join activities and games when they want to, or just chill with friends in the teen-only lounge. And parents don't have to worry, because every member of the teen staff holds a college degree in education, recreation or a related field and has experience working with youth ages 3-17.

  Activities include:

  • Theme nights
  • Improv games
  • Surf sessions on the FlowRider® wave pool
  • Scratch DJ Academy
  • Mocktail competition
  • Dodgeball
  • Open Mic and Talent Show
  • Ice-skating
  • Teen BBQ
  • Dive-In Movie and pool party
  • Unplugged jam sessions
   
• Teens (15-17 years)
  The teen program isn't some structured set of classes or rules. Teens have the freedom to choose their activities. They can join events all day, or come and go as they please. There are great laid-back hangouts where they can just chill with new friends. Or dance, listen to music and hang out at the Teens-only disco.

  Activities include:

  • Theme nights
  • Battle of the Sexes
  • Surf sessions on the FlowRider® wave pool
  • Scratch DJ Academy
  • Dodgeball
  • Teen Casino
  • Open Mic night
  • Ice-skating
  • Dive-In Movie and pool party
  • Unplugged jam sessions
  • Karaoke
   

The following special offers apply to select sailings aboard this ship. To see more information click the details link for any promotion.

• Complimentary Dinner For Two PLUS Complimentary Spa Treatment Details >>