Independence of the Seas

The amplification doubled down on Splashaway Bay, so little ones get their own toddler pool, water cannons and kid-sized slides, which frees up room at the main pools. Past the bridge, a big LED screen shows movies and games over two large pools, several hot tubs and a dance floor for the Caribbean band. Fish & Ships serves British-style fried shrimp, battered sausage and a lobster roll, a nod to the years Independence spent sailing from the UK.

The top deck at the back of the ship is built for play. The FlowRider surf simulator debuted on the Freedom Class and is still complimentary for surfing or boogie boarding. The Perfect Storm, added in 2018 where a rollerblading rink used to be, is a pair of racer slides named Typhoon and Cyclone. Nearby are the sports court, a net-enclosed climbing area for kids and the rock climbing wall. The Sky Pad trampoline shown in the tour has since been removed.

Up front, the volume drops. The adults-only Solarium is all about rest, with extra-padded loungers, Adirondack chairs and plenty of shade. A bridge crosses up and over the pool, and there are bar stools right in the water underneath it. The Solarium Bar serves the whole area. On either side sit the cantilevered whirlpools that extend out over the side of the ship, a concept that debuted on the Freedom Class and opened up much more seating inside.

Adventure Ocean is split by age, and the staff are trained in child safety, CPR and first aid. Royal Babies and Tots cares for little ones from 6 to 36 months, with a nap room and strollers. Aquanauts, for ages 3 to 5, is full of arts and crafts, science and gaga ball, while Explorers adds video game consoles and a dance floor. Teens get The Living Room, with a mocktail bar and dance floor. The arcade nearby costs extra.

Both specialty restaurants sit at the entrance to the Windjammer (extra cost). Chops Grille is an unapologetic steakhouse with an open kitchen, cuts like a bone-in rib eye, jumbo shrimp and sides such as Gruyère tots and creamed spinach. Suite guests and Pinnacle Club members can have breakfast here. Giovanni's Table has a rustic Italian look, an open kitchen and plenty of sunlight, serving antipasti, handmade pastas, risotto and tiramisu, with tables that join for family groups.

The Royal Promenade runs down the middle of the ship like a city street, and it's wider here than on the Voyager Class. Promenade-view interior staterooms look down on it from three levels. Along the way are Cafe Promenade for coffee and grab-and-go bites, Sugar Beach for candy, duty-free shops, the Vintages wine bar, a pub with live music every night and Sorrento's Pizzeria, open late. The Star Lounge at the forward end hosts karaoke, bingo and game shows.

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade was one of the biggest changes in the renovation. Royal Caribbean says there are 50 screens for the big game, with booths, bar seating, an arcade corner and game-day food (extra cost). You can also rent the Owner's Box, with dedicated servers. Next door, Boleros brings Latin music and a live band, and Casino Royale has slots, digital games, blackjack, craps, roulette and a casino bar, with a staircase straight up to the Royal Promenade.

The multi-story Royal Theater has stadium seating and nightly entertainment, from Broadway-style production shows to comedians, singers and acrobats, with a bar on each level for drinks before the show. Studio B is the ice rink, a Royal Caribbean signature since the Voyager Class. It hosts ice shows by former Olympic skaters plus complimentary free skate, and a floor goes down for events like a sock hop and the adults-only Quest. Danny was thrilled they even had skates in his size 15.