How popular is Royal Caribbean’s newly revamped private island? The cruise line has decided to keep one of their cruise ships in Florida in 2020 instead of sending the ship over to the UK for the summer.
Royal Caribbean sent out an email to guests who had a cruise booked on Independence of the Seas out of the UK in 2020 informing them that their cruise has been canceled. The email said the following:
“We are writing to inform you of a 2020 deployment change for Independence of the Seas; the ship will sail from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida rather than Southampton. This decision has been made in response to strong booking interest in our new Caribbean private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
For those guests impacted, we will therefore be offering full refunds and a ‘Future Cruise Credit’ for use on an alternative Royal Caribbean sailing.”
The future cruise credit will be worth 25% of the cruise fare paid for the booking that was canceled.
Independence of the Seas was originally scheduled for a Transatlantic cruise on May 2, 2020. The cruises canceled range from three to 14 night cruises to Norway and the Mediterranean.
Independence of the Seas received a massive makeover in 2018 and received the following new features:
The Perfect Storm, a duo of racing waterslides called Cyclone and Typhoon.
Glow-in-the-dark laser tag, an experience in Studio B unlike any other, where friends and family can team up to play “Battle for Planet Z”.
Puzzle Break, a new escape room experience where competitors can put their minds to the test, working together to find hidden clues and solve a series of high-tech riddles to unravel a mystery. With only 60 minutes of play, the excitement builds with each tick of the clock.
Breathtakingly beautiful new lounges and Panoramic Oceanview staterooms adds an extra bit of extraordinary to Independence. With stunning wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling views, guests can soak up the feeling of standing on the bridge of the ship and watching the sunset over the coastline, all from the privacy of their own stateroom.
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, enables sports fans to enjoy all the biggest live sporting events over ice-cold beers, wings, sliders and more.
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, the exotic Asian-inspired dining experience gives guests the chance to enjoy fresh sushi and experience skilled chefs cooking tableside on teppanyaki grills.
Fish & Ships, a poolside eatery where guests can grab quintessentially British seaside treats.
Sugar Beach candy shop, a wondrous world of delicious delights, along with a few exciting surprises.
