The Independence of the Seas is resuming service today after a drydock in Spain. Resuming its program of short cruises to the Bahamas, the Royal Caribbean International vessel is departing Port Canaveral on a three-night cruise.
In addition to Nassau, the itinerary includes a ten-hour visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay before returning to Florida.
As part of its recent shipyard visit, the Independence underwent technical maintenance, as well as class work, hotel upkeep and minor upgrades.
The drydock follows the ship’s most recent major revitalization, which took place in 2018. At the time, the Freedom-Class vessel received several new features, including the Sky Pad, a virtual reality bungee trampoline experience.
The Independence of the Seas also saw the installation of Perfect Storm, a duo of racing waterslides called Cyclone and Typhoon, as well as new F&B venues, such as the Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade and Fish & Ships, a poolside eatery where guests can grab British fare.
As the third ship in Royal Caribbean’s Freedom Class, the 160,000-ton cruise ship originally entered service in 2008.
One of the largest cruise ships in the world at the time, the Independence offers several unique features, including the FlowRider surf simulator and the Royal Promenade – an entertainment boulevard stretching the length of the ship with shops, restaurants, bars and lounges.
One of four Royal Caribbean ships currently based in Port Canaveral, the Independence of the Seas continues to sail from the port through October.
The 3,600-guest vessel departs from the Central Florida homeport on Fridays and Mondays for three- and four-night cruises to popular destinations in the Bahamas, including Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
After repositioning to Miami, the Independence is set to off four- to seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas during the 2023-2024 winter season.