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There’s a firm NO to FOMO onboard Independence of the Seas®. Hang ten on the FlowRider® surf simulator. Go head to head in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag clash in Battle for Planet Z®. And score game-changing grub at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade. From next-level thrills to lowkey chill, celebrate each day at sea exactly how you want.
Independence of the Seas — March 8–15, 2026 7‑Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day Our 18th Cruise with Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean once again delivered a memorable vacation for us, but like any trip, there were highs and lows. This is a long, detailed review broken into sections for anyone who wants a realistic, experience‑based perspective — not the polished influencer version. Boarding (Miami Port) Miami remains, without question, the most chaotic port we’ve ever sailed from. Traffic is gridlocked, signage is unclear, and the overall flow is frustrating. - Our boarding time was 1:00 PM, but based on experience we arrived early. - We reached the port at 8:30 AM and still sat in traffic for 45 minutes just to reach the parking structure. - Nothing about this process seems close to improving anytime soon. Takeaway: Arrive early, pack patience, and expect delays. Disembarkation (Needs Serious Improvement) This was the worst disembarkation we’ve ever experienced with Royal. We were walk‑offs and instructed to be in the dining room between 7:30–8:30 AM. - The room was packed, and the only seats available were 50+ feet from where we had to leave our luggage. - When they released passengers, we had to fight through oncoming traffic to retrieve our bags. - It was chaotic, poorly managed, and stressful. Cruisers: Have your ID, passport, and SeaPass ready. Watching people dig through bags at the exit slows everything down and is completely avoidable. Parking Garage & Terminal Entrance Brand‑new structure, but extremely confusing. - Signage is not placed early enough to make decisions safely. - One wrong turn sent us right back out of the garage. - Thankfully, an attendant moved cones so we could re‑enter. Once you exit the garage, you enter a main causeway — which stays locked until Royal decides to open the doors. No seating, so be prepared to stand. Inside, customs is standard, but again: have your documents ready. Initial Onboard Entry & Muster Drill Royal’s new muster process is a huge improvement. - Report to your assembly station, get scanned, and receive a quick briefing. - Takes about 5 minutes. - The ship will not sail until everyone completes it — so don’t skip it. Staterooms Rooms were available between 12–1 PM, and luggage arrived around 2 PM — a big improvement from past cruises. If you arrive early, Windjammer and Deck 11 are easy places to relax until rooms open. Staff (Outstanding as Always) Royal Caribbean’s staff continues to be the heart of the experience. - We always take note of exceptional crew members and send a letter to Royal HQ afterward. - Getting to know your stateroom attendant or dining staff makes a huge difference. - In the Windjammer, picking a section and interacting with the same staff daily helped us find seating easily. These people work incredibly hard. A simple thank‑you or small gesture goes a long way. Passengers (The Surprising Low Point) After 18 cruises, I’ve learned something unexpected: Adults can be far worse than teenagers. Examples we witnessed daily: - Adults stumbling drunk across decks, falling asleep at tables, and slurring through conversations. - A man leaving a bathroom stall without washing his hands — and telling me to “mind my own business.” - A guest spilling bacon and grease all over the Windjammer floor, then walking away to get more food. - A well‑dressed group treating dining staff like personal servants. These behaviors were embarrassing, disrespectful, and honestly disheartening. A Moment That Restored My Faith A 12‑year‑old boy accidentally made a mess at the drink station while trying to make tea. He was visibly upset and asked me for help. After helping him find the hot water and tea bags, he said: “What about the mess I made? I need to clean this.” He asked a staff member for a towel, and the server kindly told him, “You go enjoy that tea — I’ll take care of this.” The boy insisted it was his responsibility. I knelt down and told him: “You owned up to your mistake. Most adults wouldn’t. That shows maturity.” He thanked both of us, almost in tears. That young man — and the parents who raised him — deserve tremendous credit. In a week full of disappointing adult behavior, he was the reminder that respect and responsibility still exist. Final Thoughts Royal Caribbean delivered another enjoyable cruise, supported by an exceptional staff and a well‑run ship. But Miami’s port operations and the behavior of some passengers were major drawbacks. Even so, one young boy’s integrity stood out more than all the negativity combined. If you’re sailing Independence of the Seas soon: - Prepare for Miami’s traffic and terminal chaos. - Treat the crew with respect — they earn it daily. - And remember that your behavior affects everyone around you.
We booked a junior suite and got a Royal Up to a Grand Suite 1 bedroom. Loved the room so much that we booked the Grand Suite 1 bdrm for our March cruise. The staff onboard this ship was the all around best staff I have encountered onboard a ship. From the room attendant to the servers and bartenders to the shops staff… all were excellent and we tipped them accordingly above the normal gratuities, as they all deserved it. Highly recommend this ship… we had sailed the Oasis and Quantum class before and loved the ship size. While this ship is smaller, it is still a large ship and never felt crowded… only negative I can give is the lack of elevators on this ship… we took the stairs a lot… elevator wait times were longer than the average.. but if that’s my only complaint.. well it’s not that big of a deal!!
AWARD-WINNING AWE-INSPIRING ACCOMMODATION
Redefining the cruising experience one room at a time. Our staterooms are an alluring escape from the non-stop action that our cruise ships are known for. From our spectacular views to our deluxe amenities, a stay with us is like nothing else at sea.
TASTE THE BOLD
Savour every bite of batter fried goodness poolside at the new Fish & Ships℠ seafood spot. Take your taste buds on a trip to the Far East at Izumi, where fresh Asian-inspired flavours are literally on a roll. Or indulge in prime cuts of meat and steakhouse classics at Chops Grille℠. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find plenty of delicious ways to fuel up between adventures onboard.
FISH & SHIPS℠
Order up batter-fried favourites at Fish & Ships℠ – the new seafood spot that’s just within splashing distance of the pool.
IZUMI
Say “Konnichiwa” to a reimagined favourite. Sushi, sashimi and more, all made to order with intense flavours, the best ingredients and impeccable presentation. Now that's fresh.
CHOP'S GRILLE℠
For more than a decade, the chefs of Chops Grille℠ have proudly presented quality, hand-cut prime steaks at this hallmark Royal Caribbean restaurant.
GO ON A WINNING STREAK OR LOAD UP ON EPIC SWEETS
You’ll find endless new surprises onboard just waiting to thrill you – whatever your age. At Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade, both kids and adults will have a blast making their own legendary plays at the arcade – all while tucking in to match-day favourites like wings, popcorn shrimp and burgers. Just make sure to save room dessert at Sugar Beach℠, where over-the-top ice cream creations and sugar-coated surprises will make even the most seasoned sweet tooths feel like kids again.
PLAYMAKERS℠ SPORTS BAR & ARCADE
It’s always game on at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade, where you can catch your home team live on 50 screens or face off against your friends. With a menu of game day favourites and icy-cold draughts on tap, anything you order is a winner. Like the signature Playmakers Burger, the buffalo wings or the four-scoop Touchdown Sundae.
SUGAR BEACH℠
Treat your sweet tooth to every sweet under the sun – plus a few sugar-coated surprises. Sugar Beach℠ is stocked to maximum candy capacity with all your favourite confections.
Enrichment programs or classes cover a wide range of topics, from wine tasting to arts and crafts.
MAXED OUT ON THRILLS
Forget everything you thought you knew about cruising and get ready for next level thrills at every turn.
THE PERFECT STORM℠
Grab a buddy and plunge through three storeys of twisting, turning thrills to the bottom of the dual racer slides Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠. The conditions are just right – for The Perfect Storm℠.
Treat yourself to some TLC onboard Independence of the Seas®, with an incredible selection of health and wellness options, from luxurious spa treatments to high energy workouts.
With a wealth of amazing features especially for kids and teens, plus fantastic entertainment and activities that families can enjoy together, it’s easy to see why Independence of the Seas® was voted the best cruise ship for families in the Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards in 2015.
SPLASHAWAY BAY℠
The fun comes in gallons. This bigger, better kids' aqua park features slides, water cannons, waterfalls and more. And when the drench bucket gets full, everyone gets wet.
