It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 10 years since Royal Caribbean introduced Independence of the Seas, but this week, the line announced that the ship — which first sailed in 2008 — will soon head for a dry dock during which she’ll receive what they’re calling a “bow-to-stern makeover.”
What Will Change
According to a Facebook posting on the line’s Crown & Anchor Society page, Independence will head into drydock next April. “During the revitalization,” the post continued, “the ship will receive several new features including a trampoline park, water slides, escape rooms and laser tag.”
Several of the about-to-be-incorporated changes were suggested by travel agents in the United Kingdom and Ireland who took part in a contest the cruise line held in conjunction with Travel Weekly UK.
About The Ship
One of three ships which comprise the Freedom class — which also includes sisters Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas — the Independence of the Seas already features such attractions as a water park and the lines wildly popular FlowRider surf simulator. At the time the Freedom class was introduced, the trio were the largest ships in the world… a title they held onto until Royal rolled out the Oasis of the Seas, the first in their Oasis class ships, in 2009. (For the record, the current record holder is Royal’s Harmony of the Seas, although she’ll have to make room in 2018 for Symphony of the Seas, which will carry a whopping 6,800 passengers!)