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INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS
PHOTO TOUR AND COMMENTARY POOLS AND SPORTS FACILITIES |
Although there is more to Royal Caribbean, the line often emphasizes in its marketing the various features on its ships that are geared towards people who are interested in an active vacation. Accordingly, Independence's open decks are home to an extensive amount of outdoor and sports facilities.
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The open deck space between the funnel and the mast is divided into three pool areas, each of which as described below, is geared towards a different experience.
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Furthest forward is the adults-only Solarium complex. Its central feature is the Solarium Pool (above). However, within this complex are two large whirlpools cantilevered 12 feet out from the sides of the ship some 112 feet above the ocean (below left). There is also a bar and loungers.
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The main swimming pool area has two pools. This area also has hot tubs, a bar and a giant video screen.
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Going further aft on Deck 11, one comes to Splashaway Bay. Geared toward children,it features water spray cannons, umbrella jets, ground gushers, waterfalls and brightly
colored sculptures. 
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Continuing aft, you come to Royal Caribbean's tradmark rock climbing wall in back of the funnel. This one is 43 feet tall and 44 feet wide with a central spire. It has 11 climbing routes.
The rock climbing wall overlooks the Sports Court, a hard surface area for basketball and volleyball. 
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Added as part of the 2018 amplification are the Sky Pad, which provides a bungee-trampoline experience. Also added as part of that refurbishment were two large water slides called the Perfect Storm, and a pair of Sky Climber towers.
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The Flowrider surfing simulator first debuted on Freedom (left). It allows guests to try their hand at surfing. Even more guests fill the surrounding grandstand to watch the action.
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The 2018 additions aft required moving the mini-golf course to the forward portion of the open decks. In the process, Independence Dunes was significantly enhanced.
Nearby is the Sun Deck, a peaceful area with sun loungers. 
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For those guests who want to keep up their walking or running, Independence has a jogging track. Six laps equals a mile. Lower down on the ship underneath the lifeboats is an outdoor promenade deck where passengers can relax on deck chairs or stroll around the ship. By climbing various stairs, it is possible to circumnavigate the ship. It also has shuffleboard courts.
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THE SPA IS NEXT
CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE THE TOUR |
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Cruise ship photo tour and commentary - - Royal Caribbean - - Independence of the Seas - - Pools and Sports