Cruise Frog guide
Independence of the Seas
Independence of the Seas is a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship of the Freedom class, in service since 2008. She measures 155,889 gross tons and carries 3,634 guests with a crew of 1,365. She sails Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Bahamas itineraries.
About Independence of the Seas
Independence of the Seas, delivered in April 2008, is the third Freedom-class ship and was christened in Southampton by Elizabeth Hill, founder of a children's disability charity. An extensive dry dock in April 2018 added cabins, the first trampoline park at sea, laser tag, water slides and an escape room. Her sports deck also has a rock wall, a basketball court and a FlowRider. In 2026-27 she sails Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami in winter, then Bermuda and Canada and New England trips from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, in summer.
Ratings
- Cabins
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- Dining
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- Entertainment
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- Service
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- Pools & decks
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- Value
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Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews.
Deck plans
Where she sails
- CaribbeanEastern, Western and Southern Caribbean islands, sailing year-round from Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico
- Bermudaspring to autumn from New York, New Jersey and Boston
- Canada and New EnglandBoston to Quebec City, at its best in autumn
- Bahamasshort trips from Florida, often with a day on a line's private island
Home port: Miami, Florida.
Flying in for your cruise?
Independence of the Seas sails from Miami, Florida. The airport is Miami International (MIA), with 10 lounges to wait in before you board.
- American Airlines Flagship LoungeMIA Concourse D4.9 ★
- American Airlines Admirals Club (D15)MIA Concourse D4.7 ★
- LATAM VIP LoungeMIA Concourse J4.7 ★
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates Independence of the Seas?
Independence of the Seas is operated by Royal Caribbean International and belongs to its Freedom class.
How big is Independence of the Seas?
Independence of the Seas measures 155,889 gross tons and 339 metres in length, with 15 decks.
How crowded does Independence of the Seas feel?
Independence of the Seas has a passenger space ratio of 42.9: 155,889 gross tons for 3,634 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Independence of the Seas feels comfortable for her size.
How many passengers does Independence of the Seas carry?
Independence of the Seas carries 3,634 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 1,365 (about 2.7 guests per crew member).
When did Independence of the Seas enter service?
Independence of the Seas entered service in 2008 and was last refurbished in 2018.
Where does Independence of the Seas sail?
Independence of the Seas sails Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England and Bahamas itineraries. Her home port is Miami, Florida.
Which airport should I fly into for Independence of the Seas?
Independence of the Seas sails from Miami, Florida. Fly into Miami International (MIA), which has 10 airport lounges listed on Lounge Frog.
Where can I find the deck plans for Independence of the Seas?
Royal Caribbean International publishes the deck plans for Independence of the Seas; this page links to Deck plans.
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