Freedom class · Royal Caribbean · In service since 2008

Independence of the Seas

Independence of the Seas is a Freedom class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean, in service since 2008. At about 155,889 gross tons, it carries roughly 4,370 guests and ranks #15 by size in the 30-ship Royal Caribbean fleet we cover.

155,889 gross tons
4,370 guests
1,111 ft long

Photo: Aztec06, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cruise line: Royal Caribbean International
Ship class: Freedom class
Entered service: 2008 (18 years ago)
Gross tonnage: 155,889
Guests: 4,370
Length: 1,111 ft (338.7 m)
Speed: 22 knots
Builder: Aker Finnyards
Flag: The Bahamas
IMO number: 9349681

About Independence of the Seas

Independence of the Seas, the third Freedom-class ship from 2008, spent many years as Royal Caribbean’s main ship in the UK, sailing from Southampton, before moving more of its time to the United States. A 2018 refurbishment added newer waterslides and family activities, keeping it competitive with younger ships. Inside, it shares the class layout: a long Royal Promenade, an ice rink in Studio B, the FlowRider and several pools and hot tubs. It’s a practical choice for shorter Caribbean trips where you want plenty to do without the scale of an Oasis-class ship.

Best for: Families and friend groups who want classic Royal Caribbean energy on a short Caribbean getaway.

Independence of the Seas highlights

Royal Promenade, the ship’s indoor main street for parades and late-night bars
FlowRider surf simulator
Studio B ice rink with skating shows
Waterslides added in its 2018 refurbishment
Solarium, an adults-only pool area

How Independence of the Seas compares in size

Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.

Freedom class sister ships

Sailing with Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is the big-ship, high-activity line: surf simulators, water slides, ice rinks and Broadway shows on some of the largest cruise ships ever built. It suits families, groups and active couples who want a floating resort and a private-island beach day, and it’s less suited to anyone who wants quiet, small ships or an all-inclusive fare.

Read our full Royal Caribbean guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →

Where Royal Caribbean sails

Independence of the Seas FAQs

How big is Independence of the Seas?

Independence of the Seas measures about 155,889 gross tons and is about 1,111 feet (339 m) long. That makes it #15 of 30 Royal Caribbean ships we cover by tonnage, and #41 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.

How many passengers does Independence of the Seas carry?

About 4,370 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.

When was Independence of the Seas built?

Independence of the Seas entered service in 2008 and was built by Aker Finnyards.

What class of ship is Independence of the Seas?

Independence of the Seas belongs to Royal Caribbean's Freedom class, alongside Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.

Is Independence of the Seas good for families?

Kids are a core audience. Adventure Ocean runs supervised, age-grouped programs for children 3 to 12 (with group babysitting late in the evening for a fee), and teen clubs give 12- to 17-year-olds their own lounge and activities. Facilities vary by ship, so check what Independence of the Seas offers for your kids' ages.

Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.

Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, Royal Caribbean official site.