Cruising with a magic makeover
ROYAL Caribbean are known for regularly announcing new and innovative ships – and then outdoing themselves again the next year.
But if you think this means that their ships become dated quickly, you’d be wrong.
Many of Royal Caribbean’s older ships return to dry dock for refurbishment to make sure they are fitted with the newest attractions associated with the cruise line.
Last year, it was Independence of the Seas’ turn to get a makeover.
Originally launched in 2008, Independence of the Seas was the first in Royal Caribbean’s’ fleet to include an ice-rink.
Now, she has been updated to include some of Royal Caribbean’s newer amenities such as Sky Pad, The Perfect Storm, Lazer Tag: Battle for Planet Z and Escape Room: The Observatorium.
The Sky Pad is the most innovative feature on board and is sure to be a hit with video game fans.
Found on the top deck, it’s an orange sphere that contains four bungee trampoline experiences with virtual reality headsets, in which you become a player in a video game.
Lazer Tag: Battle For Planet Z is no ordinary game of laser tag. Here you’ll find yourself in a fantasy game of aliens versus robots.
And if you enjoy an escape room, you’ll love Escape Room: The Observatorium, which does exactly as it says on the tin.
If you do fancy getting away from it all, however, there are places on board for that too.
Firstly there’s the over-16s Solarium, with its pool, hot tub lounge area and bar. Then there’s the Vitality Spa that offers an array of massage and beauty treatments.
If cruising on Independence of the Seas appeals to you, you’re in luck as the ship is homeported in Southampton.
Cruises on offer range from 14 nights in the Mediterranean to shorter trips to northern Europe and Scandinavia, such as its eight-night Norwegian Fjords itineraries and six-night France and Spain holidays. ● To book, call Barrhead Travel’s Cruise Team on 0800 484 0128.