Royal Caribbean International has announced that Independence of the Seas will receive a significant array of new attractions during a scheduled renovation in April 2018.
Among the upgrades are additional water slides and multiple escape rooms, plus the cruise line’s first onboard laser tag arena and a full top-deck trampoline park. While some ships in the fleet already feature water slides and a single escape room—Harmony of the Seas notably offers the Escape the Rubicon experience—Independence of the Seas will be unique in hosting two escape-room experiences. The new laser tag and trampoline park expand the active, family-focused offerings on board and will complement popular existing features such as the FlowRider surf simulator, rock-climbing wall and the H2O Zone water play area, all of which will remain in place.
Independence of the Seas accommodates approximately 4,370 guests and is a sister ship to Liberty of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas. At the time of the announcement, she was sailing Mediterranean itineraries ranging from eight to 14 nights. The ship is scheduled to return to Fort Lauderdale on November 13 and will operate four- and five-night Caribbean cruises during the winter season.
The concept for these new onboard additions came from travel agents in the United Kingdom and Ireland as part of a contest run with Travel Weekly U.K., helping shape the choice of attractions added during the refit.