Independence Of The Seas

The ship's main pool is port side of deck 11 opposite the sports pool and is adjoined by two whirlpools aft of the pool and a whirlpool in-between both pools at the front. The pool is also flanked by the new outdoor movie screen (installed in May 2013) featuring movies and entertainment including sporting events during the day and night as well as Nintento Wii™ competitions.

Served by the pool bar, the pool ranges from 1.62m (5ft 4”) to 1.7m (5ft 6”) deep.

The Sports Pool is the starboard pool midship of deck 11 which hosts a variety of water sports, from pool volleyball and floating golf to pole jousting. And when the sports pool isn’t being used for organized activities guests can use it to swim laps.

The pool is 1.62m (5ft 4”) to 1.7m (5ft 6”) deep and opens from 6.00am to 9.00am for lap swimming. Served by the pool bar forward of the pool and a whirlpool centre forward of both the sports pool and main pool, entertainment is provided from the stage that lies forward of the pool such as music from the ships Calypso band.

The ship's indoor golf simulator, located on deck 13, has a number of virtual reality golf courses to select from. Golf clubs are provided and to use the facilities, guests need to book sessions at the rock climbing wall which are around $25 for 1 hour for up to four people which is charged to guests Seapass accounts.

The ship's 24 hour outdoor 9-hole miniature golf course is located port side of deck 13. Putters, golf balls, score cards and pencils are provided at the course.

An outdoor full-size court for sports can be found by the rock climbing wall high up on deck 13 of Freedom of the Seas where guests can enjoy a game of basketball, volley ball and a number of other court sports. During the day a number of organised competitions are scheduled.

Aft of decks 12 & 14 is the location of the ships table tennis tables which are open 24 hours, with equipment provided.

Forward of deck 13 and 200ft above the sea is Independence’s outdoor 43 feet tall by 44 feet wide Rock Climbing Wall featuring eleven routes up and a central spire to swing around with challenges for all levels of experience. All of the equipment, including shoes, helmets and harnesses are provided with guests just needing to ensure they have a pair of socks with them.

Guests must be 6 years of age and 6-12 years olds must have adult supervision at all times. Full length trousers must be worn and sessions last 30 minutes and are based on a first come first served basis.

Guests wishing to partake in a traditional game of shuffleboard can do so on deck 4 of the ship.

Deck 2 is home to the Studio B which features the ships Ice Rink where guests can either take to the ice or watch a professional ice skating show. 6-12 years olds must have adult supervision and anyone under 6 must have an adult on the ice with them. Anyone ages 13 and above may be on the ice on their own.

Waivers must be signed to use the ice rink and must be filled out by parent or legal guardian for those under the age of 18. Ice skating sessions last for 45 minutes and are operated on a first come first served basis.

Limited seating is available for all shows and as such reservations are recommended.

FlowRider®, aft of deck 13 is the ships surf simulator where guests can try out boogie boarding or surfing. The FlowRider sends a wave-like water flow of 34,000 gallons per minute up a sloped cushioned platform to create a wave-like flow of water which makes it ideal for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers. After receiving safety instructions and a few tips for a successful ride from the instructors guests can try out their surfing skills with some sessions broadcast on the flat-screen TVs in the adjacent Wipe Out! bar.

Sessions on FlowRider are complimentary whilst Private lessons are available for $60 for a full hour for a minimum of 4 or maximum of 8 people and guests must be 6 years of age or older to ride and must be taller than 52” to bodyboard or 58” to flowboard in height. Under 18’s must be supervised at all times.

For guests wishing to take part in an outdoor stroll or jog, deck 12 features the ships jogging track where they can run laps whilst taking in the view. Consisting of one walking and one running track, around 4 laps equal one mile and appropriate footwear is recommended.

Independence of the Seas offers a boxing ring for passengers to use inside the gym located on deck 11. Guests can take boxing lessons, offering a fun workout or individual or group boxing lessons for an additional cost.