i’ve watched about 5 longish videos like this walking around the ship explaining and this is by FAR the best one and showed me what i truly wanted to see instead of glossing over it quickly and walking away. for example - the library. thank you.
Hahaha they have gotten better in time. It does not always translate the audio to closed captions very well LOL. I'm also a bit of a slacker with those and don't proofread them as well as I should. Glad they're at least humorous 😂
We've just found out that we're getting Indy back in Southampton again, and I'm really tempted to get booked onto her, so really enjoyed this. Thank you, Sir!
I love the Indy. Last cruise I did aboard her was a transatlantic in 2017 to Southampton. I haven't seen her since her refurbishment. Big changes! I remember the library was way up on deck 9 or so before the remodel. Great video!
very nice ship - we will be sailing on it next month - i am really looking for playmakers i think it was called and trying the non-alcoholic wine "fre" - nice video
We are big Johnny Rockets fans! We like the music and the diner vibe. We thought the food was pretty good, especially the apple pie and onion rings. On Liberty, the service was great.
@TheWeekendCruiser I like the quick food outside the pool area on Freedom...than what you are describing with the fish and chips and some items you have to pay for...the pool is all the action...children hungry all day...I do not want to be 2.00 to the point I am at 100. everytime the family goes to the pool...that is something on your review I noticed
I'll be travelling on Independence of the seas in North Europe in August 2025. Good to know what to expect. I also used to work on the Freedom of the seas many years ago :)
Great question! They are older ships but before COVID they were "Amped" and have a lot more features and modern elements. They are also a good size for me - I call them the "Goldlicks size" because they are not too big and not to small. I have never been a big ship guy and have no desire to go on Icon as it isn't geared towards me.
Ovation of the Seas has Fish & Ships... I believe... They definitely have a stand alone fish & chips on the lido deck, but maybe with a different name.
I like Freedom first and Indy second. Though, most people would never notice the difference between the two. They are my 2 favorite ships out of Royal's entire fleet. No wrong decisions as you will love both!
Windjammer : took two cruises last year and they do not open full. One side is close and ship at max capacity. It was pure chaos. Even in your video you can see one area close . One of the reason I stop traveling with RCL. Did MSC and buffet fully open both sides .
Hey Miranda! That is odd they would have one side closed and people everywhere. I am used to it for lunch on a port day or in the evenings when it is not well attended. MSC did have all of it's sides open, with what I thought was more selection to :-)
Im going on board with 8 people (2 kids) how do I make sure we get sat together in the dinning room? Do I speak to guest services or dinning room staff?
It's a pain! You have to manually call in and Link everybody's reservation. You will need their confirmation number to do this. If you used a travel agent, they may be able to help.
Can you explain why you recommend not doing My Time Dining? You said that you recommend not doing it, but provide no explanation of why this is your sentiment. Thank you.
It’s hard to get a table on short cruises because they are usually the cheaper ones so everyone goes to the formal dinner. Also, if you come at a different time every night, you will not get the same staff. I love apple juice and they always had a cup waiting for me when we had dinner reservations (not my time dining).
Hey there! Apologies for not going into detail there but this might be a good topic for a dedicated video! The main issue for a short cruise, is that everyone wants to come to the dinning room late. The first few hours are not utilized well and it creates a significant line and wait. If you know how to make a reservation via the app before boarding, this will help (it is in the main dinning room tab by the menu).
Why is it that everyone will do a "ship" tour but no one talks about the "Casitas" that is offered! All these people want to talk about stuff around a cruise but don't include ALL the amenities that are available. That's not good marketing! We have booked a cruise on the Independence of the Seas but absolutely NO ONE has spoken or included in their video about the "Casitas" for rental.
Hey there! You know, I honestly don't know much about the Casitas and have not done any research. On weekend sailings (which I was on) with two port days, they aren't as big of a thing. Though, this is a great stand-alone video idea that I have added to my list! Not back on Royal until Feb 23, hope that isn't too late!
The problem with RCL is that all their ship, look alike, same carpet, same, furniture, same railing, same everything, we are Pinacle, we don't see the difference between one chip and the next one Even the menus are the same, everything is the same
i’ve watched about 5 longish videos like this walking around the ship explaining and this is by FAR the best one and showed me what i truly wanted to see instead of glossing over it quickly and walking away. for example - the library. thank you.
Aww my pleasure! Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you!
Thank you so muck for your video. Sailing in a few weeks and the video really helps on what to expect.
My pleasure and glad you liked it! Indy is an awesome ship!
Hi Brandon. We a family of 22 sailed on Independence for Thanksgiving 2023! It was a fantastic ship! Love her terrific cruise, ship, and crew!
Your closed captions are just hilarious! Loved the tour and can't wait to sail now!
Hahaha they have gotten better in time. It does not always translate the audio to closed captions very well LOL. I'm also a bit of a slacker with those and don't proofread them as well as I should. Glad they're at least humorous 😂
Thank you for this video!!! I'll be in Independence 11/30 from Miami and am very excited 😊
Have a blast!!! Love that ship!
Hey, I’ll be on there with you!!
Awesome!! So helpful!! Taking my kids on our first cruise on this ship next week so I’m grateful for this tour 😀
Looking forward to my first RC cruise on the Indy in exactly 21 days. Then we have Symphony booked in April.
We've just found out that we're getting Indy back in Southampton again, and I'm really tempted to get booked onto her, so really enjoyed this. Thank you, Sir!
My pleasure Fraser! BTW, tuned into a TikTok live of yours the other day. Holy heck you had a like 500 people watching you! Well done!
@@TheWeekendCruiser ahh, hope you enjoyed - I just started dabbling in the world of TikTok lives - they’re good fun!
@@FraserAtSea and you're making a name for yourself! I might have to test it out. I TikTok very rarely but it's easy if you don't over edit
🎉🎉Thank you for doing this.
My pleasure!
We were on here in September, we enjoyed it. Fun ship. Playmakers is super cool. Thanks Brandon.
I love the Indy. Last cruise I did aboard her was a transatlantic in 2017 to Southampton. I haven't seen her since her refurbishment. Big changes! I remember the library was way up on deck 9 or so before the remodel. Great video!
Thank you!!! Indy is an AMAZING ship! My 2nd favorite to Freedom but they are almost identical. Always enjoy sailing on her.
Thanks so much. Such a thorough tour!
My pleasure Kelly!
I was just on her the middle of August and was a good ship I really enjoyed sailing on her.
Great video!!
Thank you!
I wanted to jump through my television screen and go shopping when you said Regalia got a new shipment! 💎
hahaha - careful, you might have to go to the naughty line again!
@@TheWeekendCruiser Haha they took me on an excursion to smugglers cove!
very nice ship - we will be sailing on it next month - i am really looking for playmakers i think it was called and trying the non-alcoholic wine "fre" - nice video
That is the one! FRE is the brand! They only sell it by the bottle these days but it's not horrible
We are big Johnny Rockets fans! We like the music and the diner vibe. We thought the food was pretty good, especially the apple pie and onion rings. On Liberty, the service was great.
Wish all the ships had a playmakers. It’s such a fun place
Right?!?! The food is the best kept secret on Roayl!
I will be on Independence next cruise...just got off Freedom
But Independence is my second favorite ship and the Royal Caribbean fleet!
@TheWeekendCruiser I like the quick food outside the pool area on Freedom...than what you are describing with the fish and chips and some items you have to pay for...the pool is all the action...children hungry all day...I do not want to be 2.00 to the point I am at 100. everytime the family goes to the pool...that is something on your review I noticed
@@kimkirksey562 totally get that! I have to keep the kiddos fed!
I'll be travelling on Independence of the seas in North Europe in August 2025. Good to know what to expect. I also used to work on the Freedom of the seas many years ago :)
That's awesome! A much different experience being a guest than crew! Glad you are continuing your passion for travel!
Thank you for the video. So if I'm in a Grand Suite the coffee machine in the last area you showed is free?
You got it !
Thanks Brandon! what has replaced Ben and Jerry or is a older vid?
Ben and Jerry's has been taken off all ships a few months ago. It is still an ice cream shop but selling Royal Caribbean ice cream.
I’m curious why you like freedom and independence given that they’re older ships. What about the Oasis class and the latest Icon class ?
Great question! They are older ships but before COVID they were "Amped" and have a lot more features and modern elements. They are also a good size for me - I call them the "Goldlicks size" because they are not too big and not to small. I have never been a big ship guy and have no desire to go on Icon as it isn't geared towards me.
Hubby and I will be on this ship in February 2024!! Can't wait😂
Have a blast!!! She is a great ship!
When in February? My wife and I will be boarding 2/17-22
@@1824511 Feb 26th thru Mar 2nd
I am there Feb 29! Just missing you!@@1824511
Ovation of the Seas has Fish & Ships... I believe... They definitely have a stand alone fish & chips on the lido deck, but maybe with a different name.
It's Fish & Ships. Just sailed on Ovation.
Hi. Trying to decide between independence, and freedom of the sea. Why is this ship your second choice next to freedom of the sea?
I like Freedom first and Indy second. Though, most people would never notice the difference between the two. They are my 2 favorite ships out of Royal's entire fleet. No wrong decisions as you will love both!
Quick question, do you know if the trainers they have in the gym is at an additional cost? I'm assuming so?
They are at an additional cost. They normally offer various sessions and coaching
Windjammer : took two cruises last year and they do not open full. One side is close and ship at max capacity. It was pure chaos. Even in your video you can see one area close . One of the reason I stop traveling with RCL. Did MSC and buffet fully open both sides .
Hey Miranda! That is odd they would have one side closed and people everywhere. I am used to it for lunch on a port day or in the evenings when it is not well attended. MSC did have all of it's sides open, with what I thought was more selection to :-)
Fish and Ships is also on Ovation of the Seas
Thank you for sharing! I was thinking it was but couldn't place it!
I'm going on Independence of the Seas the week of Memorial day
Have a blast! Love a solid 3-day weekend for a vacation!
I wanna go on this ship so badly now 😂
hahah, I am a horrible friend! Always getting people to go on cruises!
Im going on board with 8 people (2 kids) how do I make sure we get sat together in the dinning room? Do I speak to guest services or dinning room staff?
It's a pain! You have to manually call in and Link everybody's reservation. You will need their confirmation number to do this. If you used a travel agent, they may be able to help.
Can you explain why you recommend not doing My Time Dining? You said that you recommend not doing it, but provide no explanation of why this is your sentiment. Thank you.
It’s hard to get a table on short cruises because they are usually the cheaper ones so everyone goes to the formal dinner. Also, if you come at a different time every night, you will not get the same staff. I love apple juice and they always had a cup waiting for me when we had dinner reservations (not my time dining).
Hey there! Apologies for not going into detail there but this might be a good topic for a dedicated video! The main issue for a short cruise, is that everyone wants to come to the dinning room late. The first few hours are not utilized well and it creates a significant line and wait. If you know how to make a reservation via the app before boarding, this will help (it is in the main dinning room tab by the menu).
Almost identical to Freedom of the Seas.
haha she sure is! I wanted to do a comparison video but I couldn't find enough things different!
@@TheWeekendCruiser that fish and chip place is different!
@@alexlytle089 that's really about the only thing! Haha
@@TheWeekendCruiser lol 🤣🤣 that's so funny! Thank you for all your videos!! Me and my wife really enjoy all your content
@@alexlytle089 my pleasure! Thank you for watching!
I like Freedom of the Seas food by the pool better ...
I agree with this! El loco fresh for the win.
Harmony has fish and chips
Sabor > Playmakers
Sabors are hard to find these days though!
@@TheWeekendCruiser I know 😭
Why is it that everyone will do a "ship" tour but no one talks about the "Casitas" that is offered! All these people want to talk about stuff around a cruise but don't include ALL the amenities that are available. That's not good marketing! We have booked a cruise on the Independence of the Seas but absolutely NO ONE has spoken or included in their video about the "Casitas" for rental.
Hey there! You know, I honestly don't know much about the Casitas and have not done any research. On weekend sailings (which I was on) with two port days, they aren't as big of a thing. Though, this is a great stand-alone video idea that I have added to my list! Not back on Royal until Feb 23, hope that isn't too late!
The problem with RCL is that all their ship, look alike, same carpet, same, furniture, same railing, same everything, we are Pinacle, we don't see the difference between one chip and the next one
Even the menus are the same, everything is the same
I mean... they really do! The menu is the one that gets me the most.