Independence of the Seas pre-inaugural, Southampton
THERE’S a lot to make you say “WOW!” when you see Independence of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world.
But there are a few things that go beyond that to produce the ultimate accolade – a nod of your head in quiet, very British, appreciation.
Unusually for American-run cruise lines, Royal Caribbean have put a kettle with tea and coffee in every cabin.
With the weather in mind, the swimming pools are the first in their 21-ship fleet to be heated.
And in the cabins there are plenty of shelves, drawers and coat hangers – I counted 25 in mine.
The other week, on a ship that charges three times as much, there were only six!
It’s things like that – seeming insignificant at first, but vital once you’re onboard – which can affect your whole cruise.
Independence of the Seas really is a sensational ship.
There are whirlpools hanging out over the side, a surfing simulator, a nine-hole miniature golf course, the ubiquitous rock climbing wall and a sports court.
The open decks – with soft-on-the-feet covering – have acres of sunbathing space including a secluded St Tropez deck which, although Royal Caribbean won’t admit it, is where you're meant to go if you like tanning topless.
There is a fabulous “H20Zone” specially for families including (clever, this) pools with transparent sides so you can keep an eye on your kids when they're underwater.
The main pool area has bars, snacks and juices, and a stage for the daytime entertainment. And there is a quieter pool area for adults who want to get away from it all.
Inside the ship the broad Royal Promenade, running almost the length of the ship, has a champagne bar at one end, a café at the other, a wine bar and an ice cream parlour.
There’s even a British-style boozer, cleverly located between shops selling clothes and jewellery, which should keep both sexes happy.
The Royal Promenade’s lighting changes according to the time of day. At night it becomes the social centre of the ship with street performers and, a couple of times a week, a character parade which is similar to those at Disneyland.
For entertainment, there is a 1,350-seat theatre with a different, lavish stage production every night, an ice rink which passengers can use between shows, even a karaoke stage where you can stand up for your “15 minutes of fame ... or shame”.
For relaxation there is an enormous spa, and for fitness fans the gym has a bewildering array of equipment including a boxing ring. Nobody gets hurt – you wear oversized gloves and it’s more fun than physical.
Children have their own part of the ship, with staff who will look after the youngsters while parents are ashore. In the evenings the kids can stay there, supervised, while parents are out and about on the ship, or there is an evening baby-sitting service in the cabins for £5 per hour.
The teens area is particularly cool. It has a soft drinks bar – with a proper bartender – and disco, and is next door to a huge video arcade and the Johnny Rockets burger bar.
It means a lad can buy a girl a drink, ask her for a dance and take her for a meal – all without venturing into “parent country”.
The main restaurant is on three levels, with a sweeping staircase to make a grand entrance. All the food here is included in the fare.
I had a fabulous meal in Portofino, the ship’s Italian restaurant. A glass wall overlooking the ocean gives you great views, the elite of the ship’s waiters means faultless service – and the food (I had a fillet steak, well-done) is exceptional.
It costs an extra $20 – about a tenner in real money – to dine here. Not bad for five fabulous courses, in a setting as stylish as anything in Venice.
But if, even with all this, you really can’t relax without staying in touch, there’s good news for you too.
Mobile phones work even when you're miles from land, and most of the ship is wi-fi enabled.
Which is how you’re reading this. And with that, I’m off to the champagne bar...
