Freedom of the Seas vs. Independence of the Seas

[tanelicus]

I have my eyes on a Independence of the Seas sailing in the Caribbean in 2014.

 

Having sailed on the Freedom, which my family loved, I am wondering if a similar experience can be had on the Independence. Other than the obvious, both being Freedom class, there has to be some differences.

 

Is the entertainment the same? Do they have a reggae band on the pool deck?

 

Is the overall ship energy similar? Food quality?

 

Any input by people who have sailed both would be greatly appreciated.

[kruzerci]

They're going to be almost exactly the same in every aspect. Food, entertainment (different but same style shows), and activities will be the same.

[Ashland]

Some say the same but their not...of course Indy is a newer version...however she doesn't have the upgrades yet that the Freedom & Liberty has...But for some reason Indy is a favorite of mine.:D

[Clarea]

As others have said, the ship and type of entertainment will be almost identical. However, one big difference is that you cannot reserve shows ahead of time on Indy. Freedom and Liberty have changed to more Broadway like shows and these should be reserved ahead of time.

[sunsetbeachgal]

Do you have young children? If so, the Dreamworks experience on the Freedom is great..character breakfasts, photo ops, etc. I do not think the Independence has this...

[littlesteelo]

You have to remember the OP is looking at a 2014 sailing! Independence will have had her drydock by then, and so will have exactly the same stuff as Freedom. However, she will not be getting the Dreamworks, which would irritate me anyway so that wouldn't be an incentive for me. She won't be getting the Broadway shows either.

 

They are both similar ships, Independence will probably be in better overall condition, since she is 2 years younger than Freedom, and will have had her drydock more recently.

[Fogfog]

We are comparing the same ships for December 2012.

 

The SHIP being the destination, as we have sailed both itineraries before--eastern with Disney many moons ago and western with Carnival

 

How run down is the Independence..and how much will we miss the movie screen and cupcakes.

 

our "kids" are 19 and 16...so flow rider, basketball, rock climbing, pools etc are main event....as is room service :p

 

We have NOT cruised with RCCL before..though we have cruised Disney, Carnival, Celebrity and Regent so all comments re RCCL are helpful...

 

While I have looked at the Allure, it is the size of a small nation and I am concerned will feel huge.

 

Thoughts? Independence vs Freedom?

Edited July 27, 2012 by Fogfog

[UCF_Knight]

One difference is that Independence has heated pools, where Freedom does not.

 

As others have said, if you are looking in 2014 Independence should have had her drydock by then (currently scheduled for May 2013). However, the list of improvements is much less extensive than what Freedom received.

 

 

According to the refurb list from RCCL, this is what Freedom added during her last drydock:

DreamWorks Experience

3D movie theater

Outdoor movie screen

Updated Vintages wine bar

Cupcake Cupboard

Digital Signage

Pervasive Wi-Fi

Interactive TVs

BRITTO™

Nursery

ImagineOcean! Puppet Shows

 

 

And this is what Independence is schedule to get during her drydock:

Outdoor movie screen

Cupcake Cupboard

Digital Signage

Pervasive Wi-Fi

Nursery

Edited July 27, 2012 by UCF_Knight

[bajathree]

Indy goes into dry-dock May 2013...she will be Oasis'ized and in her full glory for 2014.

[kaiiak]

One difference is that Independence has heated pools, where Freedom does not.

 

As others have said, if you are looking in 2014 Independence should have had her drydock by then (currently scheduled for May 2013). However, the list of improvements is much less extensive than what Freedom received.

 

 

According to the refurb list from RCCL, this is what Freedom added during her last drydock:

DreamWorks Experience

3D movie theater

Outdoor movie screen

Updated Vintages wine bar

Cupcake Cupboard

Digital Signage

Pervasive Wi-Fi

Interactive TVs

BRITTO™

Nursery

ImagineOcean! Puppet Shows

 

 

And this is what Independence is schedule to get during her drydock:

Outdoor movie screen

Cupcake Cupboard

Digital Signage

Pervasive Wi-Fi

Nursery

 

I am in the same dilemma debating between these two ships. I am a first time RCL customer and the family board recommended these ships to me because of the swim/play area for non-potty trained kids (in case my 3 yr old is not potty trained by next spring). They also seem to have nice accomodations for him in the kids club (he has autism). That said, there is a big price difference in the two ships. For the same week, Freedom sails to the E Caribbean and a balcony for 4 would be about $5196. A balcony on Indy to the W. Caribbean for 6 nights (one less) for 4 would be about $3336. That is a difference of $1860. Is the Freedom that much better with the new upgrades?

 

My cruising priority in the past has been the following: nice casino, good food, decent kids club (for older son who is now a teen), nice pool area to lay out (I like Princess' MUTS), nice mix of ages onboard. I am not a big partier or drinker. I now am also very concerned about a water/swim/play area for the 3 yr old which has led me to these two ships. Which would you choose? I'm willing to spend the money if it is truly worth it, but I am not made of money as I am a teacher and save up for these precious vacations!! Thoughts??

[dacsmom]

I am in the same dilemma debating between these two ships. I am a first time RCL customer and the family board recommended these ships to me because of the swim/play area for non-potty trained kids (in case my 3 yr old is not potty trained by next spring). They also seem to have nice accomodations for him in the kids club (he has autism). That said, there is a big price difference in the two ships. For the same week, Freedom sails to the E Caribbean and a balcony for 4 would be about $5196. A balcony on Indy to the W. Caribbean for 6 nights (one less) for 4 would be about $3336. That is a difference of $1860. Is the Freedom that much better with the new upgrades?

 

My cruising priority in the past has been the following: nice casino, good food, decent kids club (for older son who is now a teen), nice pool area to lay out (I like Princess' MUTS), nice mix of ages onboard. I am not a big partier or drinker. I now am also very concerned about a water/swim/play area for the 3 yr old which has led me to these two ships. Which would you choose? I'm willing to spend the money if it is truly worth it, but I am not made of money as I am a teacher and save up for these precious vacations!! Thoughts??

 

 

That is a big price difference for the minor differences between ships. You do get one more day though. How much does your youngest like the Dreamworks characters that are on.the Freedom?

[UCF_Knight]

I am in the same dilemma debating between these two ships. I am a first time RCL customer and the family board recommended these ships to me because of the swim/play area for non-potty trained kids (in case my 3 yr old is not potty trained by next spring). They also seem to have nice accomodations for him in the kids club (he has autism). That said, there is a big price difference in the two ships. For the same week, Freedom sails to the E Caribbean and a balcony for 4 would be about $5196. A balcony on Indy to the W. Caribbean for 6 nights (one less) for 4 would be about $3336. That is a difference of $1860. Is the Freedom that much better with the new upgrades?

 

My cruising priority in the past has been the following: nice casino, good food, decent kids club (for older son who is now a teen), nice pool area to lay out (I like Princess' MUTS), nice mix of ages onboard. I am not a big partier or drinker. I now am also very concerned about a water/swim/play area for the 3 yr old which has led me to these two ships. Which would you choose? I'm willing to spend the money if it is truly worth it, but I am not made of money as I am a teacher and save up for these precious vacations!! Thoughts??

 

I don't think the differences between the ships are worth the price difference. $1800 is a big chunk of change. You could use that for a whole other vacation. I'd save the money and go on Independence.

 

As for the other things you mentioned, I want to make sure you are aware that if your 3 year old is not potty trained by the time you go they will be limited in what they can do. Non-potty trained kids are only allowed in a very small splash pool. They are not allowed to use the other 95% of the H2O Zone. In addition, if not potty trained they cannot be left in the standard Adventure Ocean kids' club program.

Edited August 1, 2012 by UCF_Knight

[kaiiak]

Thanks for the information. That is what I wanted to know. While my son likes some of the shows on NickJr, he gets a little afraid of characters. We live in So Ca and have annual passes to Disneyland, and he doesn't really like to go up to the characters yet.

 

I agree when looking at the price. I love HAL and Princess and HAL has much better prices, but the amenities on board don't seem that great for the 3 yr old.

 

Yes, I have seen pictures online of the little baby area. It will do for my son if he isn't potty trained. He will be 4 by sail date and we are working on it now, but I wanted a backup plan in case he isn't trained by March. Also, because of the autism the kids club will allow children with special needs in with diapers, but will page us when he needs a change. I don't foresee us using the club often, maybe an hour or two a few times. We generally like to stick together on vacation and my 17 yr old can babysit a few times for casino time. Thanks for your help.

[plandcl]

We have sailed on Freedom and now are looking at a sailing on the Independence. Now that the Independence has been upgraded what are the main differences. The lase post was August 1st, 2012.

[Clarea]

We have sailed on Freedom and now are looking at a sailing on the Independence. Now that the Independence has been upgraded what are the main differences. The lase post was August 1st, 2012.

The ships are very close. Freedom still has Portofino and Indy has Giovanni's Table. The shows are different too.

Edited March 11, 2014 by clarea

[bugger832001]

Just got off Indy and the Indy still does not have dreamworks other wise they are pretty similar. Also the Indy has a great 70's and 80's band called rock the boat