RC’s Independence Of the Seas – For the Brits
Brace yourself – here comes Royal Caribbean’s next big thing before it unleashes another next big thing. Independence of the Seas is the third of the company’s newest behemoths (including Freedom and Liberty), and even though it is but a copy of the other two ships, it’s still a luxurious treat, but especially for Brits. At present, the ship sails from South Hampton, and you’d be quite interested in how an American ship fares with the British. With the look of things, this can be the start of a nice, long relationship.
The ship has been tweaked to accommodate the British preference. The pool areas are all heated in anticipation of the region’s colder climates, for one thing. And the ship hasn’t overlooked another necessity – the afternoon cup of tea. Brits want it hot, and immediately – Independence’s solution? They provided kettles and sundries for tea making, all available at the cabins. This should be a sales pitch in itself, and a record initiative for the cruise line. The spa areas charge in dollars though; this can be either extra cheap, or reasonable at the very least, considering the exchange rate. There is also an onboard diving center, built for the purpose during the ship’s port stops; diving gear is available for sale as well for prices cheaper than those in the U.K., another plus.
The wow amenities are carried on into this ship as well, all intact: the ice rink, regulation-sized boxing ring, and the scalable wall are sure to please. These are all housed in the ‘get out there’ area reserved for those who are looking for active pursuits. There’s a miniature golf course, and the well-known FlowRider (which allows virtually anyone to surf a 40-foot wave in a few attempts), is a predictable passenger favorite. All these are set against a backdrop design reminiscent of 20’s European holidays.
The ship also pioneers a few amenities in the spa category, at least in the U.K.: the 17-cubicle spa (with three rooms for couples) offers two fifty-minute facials on ‘special’ rates. You can have the Elemis Oxydermy treatment for 169 dollars, and the Tri-Enzyme for 125 dollars; quite expensive, but well worth every cent. There’s also a hot stone massage which costs 159 dollars; another good deal considering the quality of the service. Below deck at the full-amenity gym, a Gravity class is offered for three sessions, all for thirty dollars; a physical instructor teaches you how to use your body weight for toning yourself up, using special equipment.
Since Royal Caribbean is deep into the family-fun factor, it also has a well-organized kid and youth program, divided into seven varied sections depending on age. Each group is given its own room, well-equipped with age-related amenities; toys for tykes, interactive classes for young children, and a lounge area with plenty of wholesome fare for teens. Independence is a welcome treat for Brits who want to want to know what the fuss is all about. Cruising has been mass-marketed in the States, and with the ship’s introduction into European shores, the British are sure to follow.
