Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas emerged from drydock this week following a multi-million dollar makeover. The ship, which now calls Southampton, England home, arrived with all new experiences and features following a slew of family-friendly upgrades.
One of the most exciting additions to the ship is the one-of-a-kind virtual reality experience, Sky Pad. This new out-of-this-world VR adventure takes passengers on a virtual bungee/trampoline that’s guaranteed to be something cruisers have never experienced before!
Check out the video to see what Royal Caribbean’s Sky Pad VR experience is all about!
BONUS! Click here to watch the Sky Pad get lifted and installed on the ship!
In addition to Sky Pad, Independence of the Seas now features an expanded interactive aqua park, Splashaway Bay, that includes the duo racing slide The Perfect Storm where adventure seekers can choose either Cyclone or Twister and see who splashes down first!
The reimagined Independence of the Seas also has these features:
- Glow-in-the-dark laser tag, an experience in Studio B unlike any other, where friends and family can team up to play “Battle for Planet Z”.
- Puzzle Break, a new escape room experience where competitors can put their minds to the test, working together to find hidden clues and solve a series of high-tech riddles to unravel a mystery. With only 60 minutes of play, the excitement builds with each tick of the clock.
- New lounges and Panoramic Oceanview staterooms with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling views, guests can soak up the feeling of standing on the bridge of the ship and watching the sunset over the coastline, all from the privacy of their own stateroom.
- Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, enables sports fans to enjoy all the biggest live sporting events over ice-cold beers, wings, sliders and more.
- Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, the exotic Asian-inspired dining experience gives guests the chance to enjoy fresh sushi and experience skilled chefs cooking tableside on teppanyaki grills.
- Fish & Ships, a poolside eatery where guests can grab quintessentially British seaside treats.
- Sugar Beach candy shop, a wondrous world of delicious delights, along with a few exciting surprises.
Independence of the Seas will sail across Europe and the Med until November 2018 when she returns to the Sunshine State to sail the Caribbean during the busy winter season from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
First launched in 2008, the Freedom-class cruise ship carries a max of 4,370 passengers in 1,929 staterooms.
Be sure to check out my Independence of the Seas review and share your thoughts if you’ve had the pleasure of sailing on her in the comments below.