How To Plan The Best Family Cruises Onboard Independence Of The Seas

Fill your next family getaway with great food, dazzling entertainment and fun-filled activities for all ages onboard Independence of the Seas®️.

By Amanda Mesa | Published on January 11, 2024

One of my favorite things about any vacation is the planning process. Now, I know what you’re probably thinking — planning a getaway of any length can be stressful, especially when you’re traveling with little ones or a large, multi-generational group. There’s so much to consider, from logistics to activities to dining arrangements — not to mention budget. I can confidently say this is not the case when you choose to cruise — especially on a ship like Independence of the Seas.

Part of Royal Caribbean’s beloved Freedom Class, this top-rated cruise ship offers a seemingly endless array of complimentary cruise attractions for kids and adults — including exhilarating waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, a mini golf course and a 40-foot rock climbing wall. The ship is also home to the iconic FlowRider®️* surf simulator, a virtual reality-meets-bungee trampoline experience called the Sky Pad®️, a Royal Escape Room^SM and an ice-skating rink, just to name a few of the thrills onboard.

It’s easy to see from day one of your getaway that this cruise ship was designed with families in mind. There are wow-worthy shows on offer every night, including ice-skating spectaculars, original theatrical productions and even a hit Broadway performance. And the cruise dining options onboard — both specialty and complimentary — will please even the pickiest eaters. Here are just some of the ways Independence of the Seas offers some of the best family-friendly cruises.

1. There Are Plenty Of Thrills Onboard For The Whole Family To Conquer

I’ve loved waterslides since I was little, and Independence of the Seas is home to three of the best I’ve ever had the privilege to ride. Known collectively as The Perfect Storm^SM, this adrenaline-amping trio is made up of dual racers called Typhoon^SM and Cyclone^SM, as well as Tidal Wave℠ — the first boomerang-style slide at sea. The ship also features a FlowRider®️, a surf simulator that funnels 30,000 gallons of rushing water to create the perfect swell all day, every day. Most guests try to tame the tides upright on your feet, but I prefer to coast boogie-style on my belly — or watch would-be surfers while getting splashed from the stadium seating. If you want to score some truly awe-inspiring views, brave the ship’s 40-foot rock climbing wall. Open to amateurs and seasoned climbers alike, it’s a workout that rewards every participant with jaw-dropping vistas from the top. Like The Perfect Storm and FlowRider*, it’s also totally free for cruise guests.

2. Independence Of The Seas Offers Lots Of Ways To Indulge In Some Family-Friendly Competition

Some families — mine included — thrive on the thrill of competition. Whether it’s sports or board games, pickleball or trivia, we’re always on the lookout for ways to score bragging rights over each other. This is another reason why Independence of the Seas charts high on my list of the best cruises for families. The ship offers lots of opportunities to fuel your competitive fire. There’s a nine-hole mini golf course riddled with obstacles that will keep you coming back again and again. There’s also a glow-in-the-dark laser tag course that pits two teams — aliens and robots — against each other in a thrilling battle for an unclaimed planet. Prefer a challenge that puts your thinking skills to the test? Check out Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium. You and your family will have to solve puzzle after puzzle in this tension-building race against time that tests your mental agility and ability to work together.

3. The Pool Scene Is Second To None

With so many wild attractions onboard Independence of the Seas, it can be easy to overlook one of the best cruise activities for families — simply hanging out on the pool deck and soaking up the sunshine. This ship is home to two main pools and multiple whirlpools, and there are always plenty of chaise loungers available for guests and groups. Early in the morning, the main pools are pretty chill — but as the sun climbs higher into the sky, the cruise director keeps the action and excitement going strong with live musical performances, bellyflop competitions, dance contests and more. If you’re craving some adult time, head to the Solarium — a tranquil, adults-only oasis with its own lagoon-like whirlpools and lounge space in the shade and the sunshine. For little ones, there’s Splashaway Bay^SM aqua park, a fun zone that beckons with water cannons, kid-friendly pools and whirlpools, interactive fountains and pint-sized waterslides — plus a massive drench bucket that tips over spontaneously to soak the mini thrill-seekers below.

4. Parents Can Take Advantage Of Convenient And Complimentary Childcare Options

Any parent will tell you that the best family vacations are ones that offer lots of convenience. If you’re cruising with a baby, toddlers or even tweens, you’ll be happy to know that Independence of the Seas offers an award-winning childcare program called Adventure Ocean. Complimentary for cruise guests, it breaks kids into groups depending on their age, then keeps them engaged all day with fun, supervised activities like science experiments, themed parties and arts and crafts. Adventure Ocean is open to kids aged 3-11. For an additional fee, the ship also offers the Royal Babies & Tots program for tiny cruisers aged 6-36 months, plus after-hours babysitting services upon request.

5. Every Meal Onboard Is Bound To Be Memorable

When packing for a family cruise onboard Independence of the Seas, make sure you bring your appetite. This ship boasts one of the best food scenes in the fleet. It’s home to casual, complimentary mainstays like Sorrento’s Pizza, Café Promenade, Windjammer and Dog House, as well as elevated specialty restaurants like Chops Grille^SM, Chef’s Table and Izumi Hibachi and Sushi. For golden-fried finger foods that will appeal to both parents and kids, head to Fish & Ships — their crispy fried cod and savory battered sausages are next-level. There’s also a Johnny Rockets®️ located just a deck above the pools where the whole family can enjoy juicy burgers, salty fries and hand-spun milkshakes. And for the perfect dinner with loved ones, head to Giovanni's℠ Table, a trattoria-style dining spot that serves up authentic Old-World entrees, homemade pastas and decadent desserts in an intimate, smart-casual setting.

6. There’s Something Exciting To See Every Night

If you still have some energy left to burn after each fun-filled day onboard Independence of the Seas, you’ll find no shortage of family-friendly cruise entertainment to fill every moment with wonder after the sun goes down. This ship puts on a heck of a show, whether it’s dazzling, stunt-filled showcases on ice or world-class musicals and theatrical performances. One of my all-time favorite shows onboard is Once Upon a Time, an original production that takes the audience on a beautiful, song- and dance-filled journey through classic fairy tales and bedtime stories. Invitation to Dance is another great option, and guests can even choose to participate in this exciting celebration of ballroom and Latin dance. Of course, one of the top-rated shows onboard Independence of the Seas is Grease, the award-winning hit Broadway musical starring Danny, Sandy and the rest of the Rydell High crew. Did I mention every show onboard the cruise ship is free for guests of all ages? All you have to do is reserve your seats at the Box Office or via the Cruise Planner app.

No matter how many family members you’re traveling with or what their ages are, Independence of the Seas delivers some of the best family cruises in the industry. Each sailing offers nonstop thrills, ways to chill and opportunities to make unforgettable memories with your loved ones. That’s in addition to a wide range of cruise dining options, family-friendly entertainment and amenities to help simplify your vacation from start to finish — whether you’re cruising with a baby or multiple families.

There are plenty more shows, restaurants and cruise activities for teens, kids and adults to discover onboard — you can check out a full list, as well as some of the ship’s top itineraries and current deals for family getaways.