Independence of the Seas Photologue



Deck Eleven

		Given the popularity of working out and indulging in pampering body treatments, it is no surprise that Independence of the Seas' designers dedicated ample, ocean view space to the spa and fitness center. Located completely forward on deck eleven (and partially one deck above on deck twelve) is Independence of the Seas' Vitality^SM Spa which features an extensive services menu including medi-spa and acupuncture treatments. Also part of the Vitality^SM Spa is a state-of-the-art fitness center including yoga, pilates, and tai chi. Aside from the latest and greatest of activities, there are also the basics such as weight machines, treadmills, stairsteppers, spinning bikes, all in addition to spectacular views. The center of the attraction in the gym is the 18 square foot Everlast boxing ring, yet another energizing Freedom class first. Coaches are on hand to offer one-on-one training sessions at an hourly rate, as well as a variety of group sessions that include three of four guests at a time. There are sparring sessions with the freestanding body master bags or one-on-one rounds in the ring with boxing coaches, plus routines like skipping rope, push ups, pull ups, mirror boxing, footwork, and speed bags. An impressive roster of classes includes everything from yoga to Pilates to BOSU training, salsa-infused aerobics, kick boxing, and Marines style boot camp training, complete with shuttle runs, jump ropes, and jumping jacks. After an exhilarating workout at the Vitality^SM Spa fitness center, one's tired muscles can be pampered and refreshed with a visit to the adjacent spa. An extensive menu of services includes all of the latest treatments from hot stone massages and body wraps to teeth whitening, pedicures, acupuncture, and tai chi. Whether it be a high pace workout or letting life's cares wash away, through the Vitality^SM Spa, Royal Caribbean aims to educate and encourage guests of all ages to work toward achieving a total wellness of mind, body, and spirit. Aft of the Vitality^SM Spa is the Solarium, which is an oasis pool area for guests eighteen and older, complete with towering palm trees, hammocks, and cantilevered whirlpools that extend twelve feet beyond the side of the ship. The master inspiration of the look and feel of the Solarium is by French Post-Impressionist painter Henri Rousseau who was essentially selt-taught and developed his own Naïve or Primitive style. His best known works depict jungle scenes, although he never left France or saw a jungle. Amidships is both the ship's main pool and sports pool. With the sports pool, guests may challenge themselves or other guests in a variety of water sports, from pool volleyball and floating golf to pole jousting. When the pool isn't being used for organized activities, guests may swim free laps. Fun for the entire family is the 5,380 square foot H2O Zone featuring a rainbow of cartoon statues that are the props for spray cannons, umbrella jets, ground gushers, a waterfall, and tipping buckets.



















The aft portion of deck eleven is primarily dedicated to dining venues. As guests return indoors from the H2O Zone, Chops Grille and Portofino are located parallel to one another on the port and startboard side, respectively. Chops Grill, with a capacity of 104, is an elegant and upscale "reservation only" dining venue that is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or simply be treated to a fantastic dinner. Guests may enjoy juicy steaks, fresh seafood, hearty side dishes, and delicious desserts. Whether it be a filet mignon or mesquite-grilled salmon, Chops also offers more basic favourites such as meat and potatoes.



Across from Chops Grill is the 100 guest capacity Portofino Restaurant. Portofino is an evening to remember from the first bit of the antipasto to the last spoonful of tiramisu. Sample some of the chef's new creations or have one of your own favourites prepared the classic way. On selected evenings of the cruise, guests may experience an evening of theater with the Mystery Dinner Theater, promised to provide a night of mystery, intrigue, and laughs. Guests preferring a more relaxing experience in Portofino may opt for Vini d'Italia - an Italian Wine Dinner Experience. Executive chefs and corporate executive chefs create an exquisite four course seasonal meal designed perfectly to complement wines from the Frescobaldi family, one of the leading wine producers in Italy.

Then occupying the great aft portion of deck eleven is the Windjammer Café, with an overall capacity of 774 guests. The Windjammer Café can be found on all Royal Caribbean ships, having first started aboard the former Sovereign of the Seas in 1988. The Windjammer Café is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before hitting the pool or enjoy a casual dinner to top off a day of adventure. Open almost around the clock, it offers great food, spectacular views, an attentive wait staff, all in a casual atmosphere. There is a wide variety of food and a seemingly never ending buffet for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day. Serving stations offer salads, soups, sandwiches and burgers, meat-carving and hot entrées. For those with sweets in mind, guests may choose from a multitude of cookies, cakes, and frozen yogurt. All meals in the Windjammer Café, including coffee, tea, water, iced tea, and lemonade, are included in the cost of the cruise. Beverage staff circulate throughout the Windjammer Café with specialty beverages, beer, wine, and soda offered at current bar menu prices. Topping off a nice casual dinner with a fine glass of wine & spectacular views could quite possibly be the best way to end the day.