Royal Caribbean: Independence of the Seas
Cruise Review – 4-night Bahamas & Perfect Day
Fun Fam Travels
I recently took a fabulous 4-night cruise on Royal Caribbean‘s Independence of the Seas (“Indy”) and I’m excited to share the details with you all (though a little late). This one wasn’t a family trip though. I took my longtime BEST friend – a “cruise virgin” if you will. It’s taken me a while to convince her to take a cruise, for various reasons, but I think I converted another one!
We booked the 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day itinerary out of Port Canaveral (Orlando) to give her a little taste of cruising without doing the full week. I was a little nervous with the massive hurricane “Lee” out at sea. Thankfully, it veered North, and we were able to sail without issue. I have mainly been a fan of Royal’s Oasis class ships. They are HUGE. They are AMAZING. So, I was also a little nervous that I would not be as excited to be on this “smaller” ship. It turns out I had nothing to worry about – it was great! (And it’s not small at all!) I’m going to review the top 7 things people generally ask about – so here they are:
Embarkation
The embarkation process for Indy was quick and seamless. We were dropped off at the port a little before our arrival time of 1030. The baggage porters were ready to take everything but our carry-on bags. The porters work hard and lift those heavy bags all day so make sure to tip them!
We joined the line to enter Cruise Terminal 1. This is the first time I have waited to enter the terminal, however, we did get there a bit early, so they had not opened the doors yet. We waited only about 10 minutes before we were allowed in. There are always staff directing people where to go and are happy to answer questions. After entering, you will get in the security line where your bags are scanned and you walk through the metal detectors. After that, you head upstairs where more staff is there to help finish the check-in process for you (checking your documents, your health questionnaire, and making sure you have a good photo on file). Since we had arrived early, they had us sit in the section of seating for our arrival time to wait to board. The staff are really great at keeping everyone in the loop of what is going on.
Once we got on the ship, we headed straight to our muster station where a staff member will scan your set sail pass and make sure you’ve completed the safety drill on the RC app. After that – you are free to explore and have fun! This is a good time to walk around the main areas to get a feel for the ship’s layout. Remember, the ship will not leave until everyone has completed their safety drill so do that first!
Stateroom
There are many types of staterooms on this ship, however, one of my favorites is always the Oceanview Balcony. There is just something magical about sitting outside staring into the sea. It’s your own little quiet paradise when you need it. Staterooms are often not ready until 1 pm or slightly later because they are still being cleaned and stocked from the prior cruise that ended just a few hours ago! Your luggage will arrive at your stateroom anytime between 1 and 5pm so make sure you bring a small bag to carry any essentials you may need for those few hours (swimsuit, sunscreen, meds, etc.)
I highly suggest unpacking EVERYTHING once your luggage is delivered. You will have everything you need ready to go and those bulky bags will store nicely right under the bed(s). We had RC split our king into two beds so we’d each have our own space. This particular cabin did have a pull-out couch; however, I like to keep that for seating.
Many people think ship cabins are tiny, but there is plenty of space to move about and store your belongings. We utilized the closet, drawers, and cabinets to maximize space – as well as used some space-saving items (like magnetic hooks for the walls). Keep in mind there are no outlets near the bed OR in the bathroom, so you will need to plug in devices by the vanity. The phone is also located on the vanity (or at least in our stateroom) so if you order room service, be prepared to jump out of bed to answer when they call to let you know your food is on the way up!
While there was nothing overly ornate about this stateroom, it was nice, and the beds were comfortable too! Our stateroom attendant “Jack” was very helpful. The stateroom attendants are there to make your stay great so don’t forget to introduce yourself and ask for what you need!
For helpful cruise products to make your cruise fantastic, check out our list below! –>
Ship
Independence is such a lovely ship. Once I arrived in the Port Canaveral area, I had several people tell me how great the ship was, which was nice to hear on my way to board. The staff were all wonderful – always smiling and trying to make the experience a great one. If I could find one downside – they could use a little steam cleaning on the stairs in the middle of the ship between decks 3, 4, and 5. That’s pretty minor though and hopefully will be gone if you go on this ship. I’ll give the highlights of the ship’s main areas from the top deck down.
Deck 15 is where you will find the Observatorium Puzzle Break Room, though you may hear it called the escape room.
Deck 14 you will find some of the suite or royalty lounges as well as Olive and Twist.
Deck 13 (forward) has one of my favorite and quiet sun spots – the Sun Deck! There were rarely people up there aside from those who were walking to get to the mini golf. The aft of the ship is where you will find the Sky Climber, water slides, Sports Court, rock climbing wall, and the Flowrider. Even if you don’t want to try the Flowrider yourself, it’s quite fun to watch others do it! There is a big yellow sphere up top which WAS the Sky Pad. Unfortunately, any ship with a sky pad (VR on trampolines) was closed and they now use the space for games and classes. It still shows up on the deck maps and ship tours so if you have kids that are looking forward to it, make sure they know it no longer exists.
Deck 12 has the Vitality at Sea Spa. Helpful hint, if you plan to get any spa services, book before the cruise because the prices are much cheaper! If you visit day 1 for a tour, you can enter for a chance to win a free spa service! You will also find the Sky Lounge and the kid’s areas like the daycare and arcade.
Deck 11 is the “lido” deck. The fun deck! There are two main pools, a few hot tubs, the adults-only Solarium pool as well as Splashaway Bay for the little ones. You will find the Windjammer buffet and the fitness center on either end of the deck. If you eat like I do you should just walk right out of the buffet and hop on the treadmill! There are two more Freestyle drink machines in the Windjammer buffet as well. Another fan favorite near Splashaway Bay…the free soft serve machine! I can’t even count the number of ice cream cones I ate. Ugh. Fish and Ships is an included food venue and a nice place to grab a bite while you are hanging at the pool. If you like movies, there is a screen right behind the pools and they will play a different movie each night. It never seemed to be crowded so there is plenty of seating. You can also enjoy Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Table if you purchase a specialty dining plan. I usually don’t get any specialty dining since there is plenty of included free food!
Decks 6-10 are staterooms.
Deck 5 is the very pretty Royal Promenade where much of the action is. My friend said it reminded her of a Vegas hotel with colored lights and music playing, and I have to agree. There’s shopping, some of the food venues (Cafe Promenade, Sorrentos, Ben & Jerry’s, Sugar Beach), as well as the Freestyle drink machines if you buy the drink package. It’s good people-watching while you grab a bite to eat. The Star Lounge is forward on the ship and you will find things like bingo and karaoke here (don’t miss this – it’s fun to watch)! The top level of the main dining room (MDR) is also on this deck.
Deck 4 you will find the Casino Royale, Royal Theater, a few of the bar/nightlife venues as well as another level of the MDR. Fair warning if you want to gamble – it’s very smoky in there! We had to walk through a few times to get to the Royal Theater and it’s thick! (*cough cough*) One of my favorite things to do after dinner each night was go outside and walk up to the helipad. It’s so quiet and peaceful up there and has a great view of the stars. FYI – there is always a channel on the TV that shows the helipad view, so behave! 😉
Deck 3 you will find Studio B where you can watch the ice show and even go ice skating (bring pants and socks!). The photo and art galleries are here, as well as the bottom level of the MDR which is where people with My Time Dining will go. If you need to make any reservations or have special dining requests, you will visit the desk at the entrance of the MDR. If you like art and free champagne, go to the art auction. It’s very fun but be warned…you may spend A LOT of money if you keep downing that champagne. A friend told me that, eh hem.
Deck 2 has the conference center and Loyalty Desk.
Deck 1 has the medical facility as well as the gangway to get on and off the ship. Thankfully, I have yet to visit the medical facility but from what I read, they are basically a mini ER and can even do minor surgeries!
Food
Food is why I cruise! Just kidding. Well, not really. I love having a lot of options at my fingertips and not having to cook. I’ll go over the included options on Indy since we did not opt to get the specialty dining package.
- Main Dining Room (MDR) – The MDR serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The most popular time to go to the MDR is for dinner so that is what I will focus on. Each night there are different themes (ie. French, Caribbean, etc.) and the food will revolve around these themes. You can choose an appetizer, main entree, and dessert. Keep in mind you can order more than one app, entree, or dessert and I almost always order two apps because they are meant for 1, and, well, I like food! There are generally 6 or 7 choices for each category as well as a few premium up-charge menu items listed at the bottom of the menu. I enjoyed everything I ate. My friend thought it was okay but wasn’t necessarily wowed. Remember that these chefs are cooking for thousands of people so set your expectations based on that. They do a great job and the service is truly excellent!
- Windjammer Buffet – Cruises are known for buffets and there’s good reason why. So many delicious options each day! There is something for everyone…even healthy options, I promise. I can never decide! Many people don’t know this, but the Windjammer serves the same things for dinner as the MDR, though you are picking and choosing and not being “served”. It gets really busy at peak times so you will end up walking around to find a table and you may have to share if it’s a large one. Avoid peak times if this bothers you. I also suggest avoiding lunch here on embarkation day because this is where many people head first! Try one of the next two options for a quick, delicious bite.
- Sorrentos – Pizza! Who doesn’t love it?! Sorrentos on the Royal Promenade level is open all day and into late night. It’s great for a quick bite or late-night snack. It’s quite tasty and a popular choice on the ship.
- Cafe Promenade – Another great option on the Royal Promenade level, this cafe is open 24 hours a day! They serve a variety of snack-sized sandwiches, desserts, and coffee that will satisfy your cravings. The options will vary each day so if see something you like, grab it while you can!
- Fish & Ships – This grab-and-go option is located on the pool deck (deck 11). This was my go-to for sea days when I didn’t want to leave the pool area or give up my chair. Most of the items are complimentary, however, they do have a few up-charge items which are listed on the menu. Things like fried shrimp, chicken, and fish are free and served with “chips” (ie. fries). While I enjoyed the food here, I would say it was my least favorite. Many of the other RC ships have El Loco Fresh on the pool deck I have to say I enjoy that much more. Just my preference.
- Room service – Another unknown fact to many cruisers is that continental breakfast room service is free! You will find room service menus in your room (sometimes in the drawers). I used this service on port days when we were getting off the ship early so we could avoid wasting time at the buffet. For breakfast just fill out the menu and put it on the outside door handle by 3 a.m. the previous night and it will be delivered during the time frame you request. They will call your room to let you know it’s coming up, so don’t have the ringer on too loud, lol. If you’d like a hot breakfast, lunch, or dinner they do have prices listed.
Activities & Entertainment
I always chuckle when people tell me they don’t want to cruise because they think it will be boring or it’s for
“old people”. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The fact is, there is so much to do, you likely won’t be able to do it all! Each day you will get a QR code to scan which will load the “Cruise Compass” on your phone. This is RC’s daily rundown of activities, times, locations, themes for the day, any port info, hours of restaurants and pools, etc. I highly suggest you look at this each morning and pick what you want to do for the day. The most popular, of course, is the shows.
Currently, Indy has an ice-skating show in Studio B called “Freeze Frame”, which takes you through the last several decades. I liked the music and skating, though one of the guys was having a rough night and kept falling with every jump. Ouch. The costumes were a little gaudy, but this seems to be a trend in ice skating shows anyway. Overall, this was a show I’d still recommend.
The Broadway musical on Indy currently is “Grease”. This is such a classic that it’s a must-see on the ship. If you have to pick only one show, make it this one. The acting and singing were great!
Indy also has a comedy show which is a combo of silly acts that will make you laugh. All of the shows are family-friendly with the exception of a sexual innuendo or two during Grease and the comedy show.
While some ships require you to book shows in advance on the RC app, there is no need to do this on Indy for this itinerary. You just show up. I’d recommend getting there at least 10 minutes early to get good seats.
As far as other activities and entertainment, the possibilities are abundant! Here is a rundown of your options:
**Starred options may have an extra cost**
- Ice Skating (bring pants/socks)
- Rock Climbing
- Water slides
- Flow Rider
- Splashaway Bay (for little kids)
- Mini Golf
- Laser Tag
- Pools/hot tubs
- Adventure Ocean (childcare/activities for kids)**
- Karaoke
- Bars and Lounges
- Fuel Teen Club
- Port shopping talks
- Spa services**
- Shopping**
- Special interest groups (LGBTQ, singles, solo travelers, bridge, etc.)
- Observatorium Puzzle Break Room
- Art Auctions
- Trivia Contests
- Wine Tasting**
- Musical performers
- Dance lessons
- Contests
- Game shows
- Library
- Bingo**
- Movies
- Arts and Crafts
- Fitness center and classes
- Basketball and other court sports
- Arcade**
- Casino**
- Food, food, everywhere food!
Ports
Nassau, Bahamas is one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean. It offers a diverse range of experiences for cruise passengers and is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Since I have spent some time here previously, we decided we’d spend our day at one of the most famous attractions – Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. You can take a taxi or water taxi from the port to reach Atlantis, where you can enjoy the sprawling water park, aquarium, casino, and beautiful beaches. Day passes to Atlantis can be purchased through RC excursions or you can purchase directly through the resort website. Though a day pass is not exactly cheap, especially if you are traveling with a family, it is worth the cost. You could spend an entire week here exploring what Atlantis has to offer, and the famous beaches are picture-perfect!
Here’s an overview of other things you can expect when visiting Nassau:
- Prince George Wharf: This is the main cruise ship port in Nassau, where most cruise ships dock. From here, you can easily access downtown Nassau and its attractions.
- Downtown Nassau: Just a short walk from the port, downtown Nassau offers a mix of shopping, dining, and historical sites. You can explore colorful streets, visit local markets like the Straw Market for souvenirs, or sample Bahamian cuisine at one of the many restaurants.
- Beaches: Nassau is home to some stunning beaches, including Cable Beach and Junkanoo Beach. Many cruise passengers choose to spend their day relaxing on the soft sands and swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
- Historical Sites: Nassau has a rich history, and there are several historical sites worth visiting. These include Fort Charlotte, built in the late 18th century, and the Queen’s Staircase, a staircase carved out of limestone rock.
- Excursions and Activities: Cruise passengers can also choose from a variety of excursions and activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphin encounters, and sailing tours. These can be booked through the cruise line or independently.
- Local Culture: Nassau is known for its vibrant culture, influenced by African, British, and Caribbean traditions. You can experience this culture through music, dance, art, and local festivals.
You may hear some frequent cruise passengers say it’s not worth it to get off the ship in Nassau, but there is plenty to see and do. While there have been occasional travel warnings, you just need to use caution when traveling alone or at night and stick to more populated or tourist areas. This is true for many travel destinations.
CocoCay, also known as Perfect Day at CocoCay, is a private island owned by RC, located in the Bahamas. It’s one of the cruise line’s top destinations and offers a range of activities and amenities for cruise passengers. Here’s what you can expect when visiting CocoCay:
- Beaches: CocoCay boasts pristine beaches with soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Chill Island Beach, Breezy Bay Beach, South Beach, and Lagoon Beach are the four main beach areas. We prefer hopping to each of these areas during our stop as the loungers and umbrellas are free. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim, or enjoy water sports like snorkeling and kayaking.
- Thrill Waterpark: This waterpark features thrilling slides, including the tallest waterslide in North America, the Daredevil’s Peak. Other attractions include wave pools, a lazy river, and various water slides suitable for all ages. This is an extra cost and parents, if you plan to go into the water park to watch your kids, you also need to purchase a pass.
- Zip Line: The island features a fun zip line experience that allows guests to soar above the island and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and beaches.
- Oasis Lagoon: This is the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, offering a relaxing oasis with swim-up bars, loungers, and cabanas available for rent.
- Dining Options: CocoCay offers a variety of free dining options, including the Snack Shack and Chill Grill buffet. There are some specialty dining experiences available for an additional fee. PS – Don’t forget to ask for the “secret” sandwich at the Snack Shack!
- Activities and Entertainment: In addition to water activities, CocoCay offers land-based activities such as beach volleyball, basketball, and a helium balloon ride providing aerial views of the island. The balloon ride is also an extra cost and will only go up if the weather conditions are just right.
- Coco Beach Club: This exclusive area offers luxury cabanas, an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, and an upscale dining venue serving gourmet cuisine. It is an extra fee and geared towards adults.
- Hideaway Beach: This brand-new section of CocoCay is the first adults-only escape on the island. It opened in January of 2024. For an additional fee, adults can sit on a private beach, swim in the two pools, and get food and drinks while listening to live music – with no kids in sight!
CocoCay Tips
- There are sand wheelchairs and strollers available to use on the island for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
- There are life vests for children and adults available near the pool and beaches. There are also a few water wings.
- You can bring pool towels off the ship, or get them right on the island at one of the towel stands.
- There is a tram that will drive you around the island if you prefer not to walk a long distance.
- There is a small shopping village to grab a few souvenirs, clothing, or beach items.
- RC photographers will be on the island early in the day and those photos will be available to purchase on the ship or choose as part of your photography package.
- Loungers and umbrellas are free and plentiful around the island.
- Your drink package works on the island as well!
Overall, CocoCay is a paradise island destination that offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply want to soak up the sun in a stunning tropical setting. It’s a highlight for many cruise passengers sailing with Royal.
Disembarkation
Disembarking from a Royal Caribbean ship typically involves a few easy steps, and the process can vary slightly depending on the specific ship and itinerary. Here’s a general overview of how disembarkation usually works:
- Information Sessions: Throughout your cruise, RC will provide information about the disembarkation process. This could be through announcements, the information TV channel, or the cruise compass. You will get your luggage tags delivered to you the day before disembarkation.
- Luggage Handling: Royal Caribbean typically offers two options for handling your luggage on the final morning of the cruise:
- Self-Assist Disembarkation: If you opt for self-assist, you’ll keep your luggage with you and carry it off the ship yourself. This option allows you to disembark earlier but requires you to manage your luggage. Keep in mind the elevators will be busy so you may end up hauling your luggage down the stairs. We tend to use this option though because we find it difficult to pack all our things the night before when we are still having fun!
- Traditional Disembarkation: If you prefer not to handle your luggage, you can leave it outside your stateroom the night before disembarkation. Crew members will collect it and transport it to the terminal for you to collect. Make sure you keep anything of value, travel documents, and any other essentials in a small bag you can carry off the ship with you in the morning.
- Customs Declaration: Before disembarking, you may need to fill out any necessary customs declaration forms. These forms typically ask about items you’re bringing off the ship and any purchases made during your cruise. We did not have to fill out customs forms for this cruise so this may vary for different cruises and cruise lines.
- Disembarkation Groups: Royal Caribbean usually assigns disembarkation times and groups based on factors like stateroom location, loyalty status, and travel arrangements. You’ll receive information about your assigned disembarkation time and meeting location.
- Disembarkation Process: On the morning of disembarkation, you’ll gather at the designated meeting location at the assigned time. Crew members will guide you through the disembarkation process, which may involve walking off the ship or using gangways or ramps. Generally speaking, you must be out of your room by 8 am and off the ship by 9 am.
- Customs: After leaving the ship, you’ll proceed through customs, where officials will check your identification and customs declaration form.
- Ground Transportation: Once you’ve cleared customs, you’ll proceed to ground transportation, where you can find taxis, shuttles, or other transportation options to your next destination.
It’s important to follow the instructions provided by the cruise line and pay attention to any announcements or updates regarding disembarkation. By following the process outlined by Royal Caribbean, you can ensure a smooth and efficient disembarkation experience.
Final Thoughts
Our cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas was truly a great one. The itinerary and length of the cruise are perfect for those who are new to cruising and want a taste of the cruising life before embarking on those week-long cruises. It’s also great for the seasoned cruiser too! Overall, Independence of the Seas offers a fantastic cruise experience for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, adventure, and entertainment on the high seas. Whether you’re looking to unwind by the pool, try new activities, or explore exciting destinations, this ship has something for everyone.
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