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Independence of the Seas

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Independence of the Seas
Independence of the Seas near Hook of Holland, 2025
History
Bahamas
NameIndependence of the Seas
OwnerRoyal Caribbean Group
Operator Royal Caribbean International
Port of registryNassau, Bahamas
BuilderAker Finnyards Turku Shipyard, Finland
Cost~US$828 million [1]
Launched14 September 2007
ChristenedApril 30, 2008 [2]
Maiden voyageMay 2, 2008 [3]
In service2008–present
Identification
StatusIn service
General characteristics
Class & typeFreedom-class cruise ship
Tonnage155,889 GT[4]
Length338.72 m (1,111.3 ft)[4]
Beam
  • 38.6 m (127 ft) hull[4]
  • 56 m (184 ft) extreme width of superstructure
Height63.70 m (209 ft)
Draught9 m (30 ft)[4]
Decks15 (passenger); 4 (crew)
Propulsion
Speed
  • 21.6 knots (40.0 km/h; 24.9 mph)
  • 23 knots (43 km/h; 26 mph) (maximum)

Independence of the Seas is a Freedom-class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. The 15-deck ship was built in the Aker Finnyards Turku Shipyard, Finland. Originally built to be 154,407 GT,[5] she joined Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas as the largest cruise ships and passenger vessels when she debuted. She is currently 1,111.3 feet (338.72 m) long and 155,889 GT, with a capacity of 4,635 passengers and 1,365 crew.[4]

Independence of the Seas is the third of the Freedom-class vessels. In October 2009, Oasis of the Seas, the first ship in the Oasis class, displaced the Freedom class as the world's largest passenger ship.

Operational history

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The ship was christened on April 30, 2008, during a ceremony in Southampton by its godmother, Elizabeth Hill of Chesterfield, the founder of a children's disability charity.[6]

The ship underwent an extensive dry dock refurbishment in April 2018: additional cabins were added, as well as the first trampoline park at sea, laser tag, water slides and an escape room designed in collaboration with Puzzle Break.[7]

On May 22, 2014, the ship was arrested by port authorities in Ålesund, Norway for nonpayment of fees. The captain notified Royal Caribbean, which transferred NOK600,000 to cover port fees in less than an hour. The ship was then allowed to depart.[8]

On December 11, 2017, 332 people became sick with a gastrointestinal illness (believed to be norovirus-related) after the ship had departed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for a five-night Caribbean cruise.[9][10] Royal Caribbean initiated a deep-cleaning of the vessel after its return to port.[10]

In 2025, the ship changed its classification society from Det norske veritas to American Bureau of Shipping.[11]

Independence of the Seas has operated from ports in Europe and North America.

Facilities

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Pool Bar Area

Independence of the Seas facilities include an interactive water park, a dedicated water area for small children, and whirlpools which extend from the ship's sides. There is also a two-story theater, seating 1,200, an ice-skating rink and a complete conference center. On the Sports Deck, there is a rock climbing wall, the first ever trampolines at sea, a basketball/football court, water slides, and a FlowRider for surfing.[12]

This ship hosts the annual 70000 Tons of Metal music festival.[13]

References

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  1. ↑ Bill Ebersold (1 February 2008). "Cruise growth: driven by megaships & Europe". Marine Log. Retrieved 3 July 2010.
  2. ↑ "Woman names largest cruise ship". BBC News. 30 April 2008. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
  3. ↑ "Independence of the Seas will arrive two weeks early". TravelMole. Archived from the original on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Independence of the Seas (9349681)". ABS Record. American Bureau of Shipping. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
  5. ↑ "Independence of the Seas (26747)". Vessel Register for DNV. DNV. Retrieved 2008-04-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ↑ Jainchill, Johanna (April 21, 2008). "Royal Caribbean names godmother for Independence". Travel Weekly.com. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Puzzle Break on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2018-04-26.
  8. ↑ Kystverket tok arrest i gigantisk cruiseskip; Rederiet hadde ubetalte regninger på rundt 600.000 kroner, by Johann D Sunderg and Andre AAvik, 22 May 2014, E24 Næringsliv
  9. ↑ "More than 500 people fell sick aboard two Royal Caribbean cruises". NBC News. 2017-12-16. Retrieved 2017-12-16.
  10. 1 2 Rakow, Tim Swift, Erica (16 December 2017). "Royal Caribbean cruise ship returns to Florida after more than..." www.local10.com. Retrieved 2017-12-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. ↑ "Independence of the Seas (9349681)". Equasis. Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
  12. ↑ "Things to Do". Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean International. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  13. ↑ "70000TONS OF METAL - The World's Biggest Heavy Metal Cruise". 2014-02-13. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
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