Having been on the Independence of the Seas a year previous, I was intrigued to see what they had done with the ‘Amplified’ version.
Virtually all the public areas look like a new ship, I was really impressed, and even when I dropped my things off in my state room, I had forgot how large the balconies are on this ship, virtually twice the size of some newer ships.
It’s when you get on top deck, though, when you see all the great improvements, the Crazy Golf is fantastic, as is the children’s water park ‘Splash-away-bay’ with water slides massive buckets of water being cascaded over obstacles, it’s a child’s dream destination, and right next to it ‘Fish & Ships’ yes the ship’s very own ‘Chippy’!
Naturally there is the Flowrider, and the sports court, but now there are also really adrenaline pumping water slides that go over the side of the ship, and one of the most unique features I have ever seen, it’s Sky-pad, a trampoline park, but you wear virtual reality glasses, and it takes you all over the place!
The Escape room is another unique experience, it is similar to the ‘Crystal Maze’ TV show, and very realistic, it really had us going, and its great fun for a group of friends or family to do together.
Another spot I loved was the new ‘Playmaker’s’ sports bar, which is a great addition, and to be honest, all resort type ships like this really need them. It has over 30 screens showing all the latest sports news, a great selection of beers, and some really tasty bar food. This was one of the ‘Hub’ places to meet when I was on-board, and always busy.
After saying that about the new features, some of the old favourites are still really great, I love the Schooners bar, with its nightly sing-a-long, and Bolero’s with the Latin music, obviously there is all the action going on along the Royal Promenade, with the Pub, wine bar, and the brand new sweet show ‘Sugar Beach’
For me what I got from my return visit to the new ‘Amplified’ Independence of the Seas was the comfort of the good things I loved, along with the new things that wowed. If you like the big all singing dancing holiday resorts, this is really the ship for you. Families will love her, but then so will couple, and groups of friends. If you’re out for a good time, you should be looking for a holiday on the Independence of the Seas!
- May 2018
