The following are some useful things you need to know about the Independence of the Seas:
Special Dietary Requirements
Dietary Accommodations
- Offerings include options for food allergies, gluten-free, kosher, low-fat, and low-sodium diets.
Vegetarian Options
Special Products Available
- Lactose-free/soy milk is available at no extra charge.
- Vegan menus are available upon demand in the Main Dining Room.
Kosher Meals
- Regular kosher meals and Passover meals are available with advance notice.
- Passover meal requests require 90 days advance notice.
Special Meal Requests
- Requests must be made at least 45 days before sailing or 90 days for European/South American itineraries.
- For arrangements, email support@cruisebooking.com or call +1 (866) 622-3344 with guests' names, booking numbers, ship names, and sail dates.
Baby Food
- Available for purchase through the Gifts and Gear page under the Babies to Go program.
- No infant formula is provided onboard; guests can bring baby food and dry snacks only.
Disabled Facilities
Accessible Staterooms
- All ships feature staterooms designed for guests with mobility disabilities and other needs.
- Visit the Accessible Staterooms page for detailed information.
Contact Special Services
- For further assistance, email on support@cruisebooking.com or call at +1 (866) 622-3344
Privacy of Your Information
- No obligation to disclose details of your disability.
- Providing more information allows for better assistance.
Advance Notice Requirements
- Some services may require advance notice.
- Refer to the Planning Ahead section for specific details.
Dress Code
Casual
- Jeans, polos, sundresses, and blouses recommended
- Swimwear is restricted to the Pool Deck
- Shorts allowed for breakfast and lunch
Smart Casual
- Collared shirts, dresses, skirts, blouses, or pantsuits
- Jackets, sports coats, and blazers are encouraged
Formal
- Suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail attire, or evening gowns
Formal nights vary by cruise duration
- 3/4/5 night cruises: usually Day 2
- 6-night cruises: usually Days 2 and 5
- 7-night cruises: usually Days 2 and 6
- Oasis and Appeal: Day 2 and 5 on Western itineraries; Day 2 and 6 on Eastern itineraries
Additional Notes
- No formal nights on Empress of the Seas sailings
- Bare feet are not permitted in any venue
- Tank tops are not authorized in the Main Dining Room Area or Specialty Dining for dinner
Internet and Wi-Fi
VOOM Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi)
- Available fleetwide on all ships.
- Connect with any Wi-Fi-enabled device.
- Log onto the network "royal-Wi-Fi," open your browser, and follow the provided instructions.
- Prices vary and are subject to change.
Wired Internet Access (iCafes)
- Internet stations are available on each ship; locations vary.
- Ideal for those without Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
Additional Information
- If your cruise is affected by a suspension, check the Health and Travel Alerts page for details on Onboard Credit.
Smoking Policy
Smoking Policy Overview
- Ships are non-smoking for comfort, with designated smoking areas for those who smoke.
Designated Smoking Areas
- Permitted in specific outdoor areas, marked with signs and equipped with ashtrays.
- Smoking is not allowed near food venues, children's play areas, or pools.
- No smoking in Central Park or Boardwalk on Oasis class ships.
Casino Royale Smoking Rules
- Smoking is allowed, with specific non-smoking areas indicated by signs.
- No non-smoking areas in casinos on cruises from China and Hong Kong.
- Casinos on ships from Australia and the UK are entirely non-smoking.
Indoor Public Spaces
- All indoor public areas are smoke-free, including dining venues, theatres, bars, and more.
Staterooms and Balconies
- Smoking is prohibited inside all staterooms and balconies.
- Violations incur a $250 USD cleaning fee and possible further actions.
Tobacco Use and Disposal
- Cigarettes, cigars, & pipe tobacco must be properly disposed of.
- Throwing tobacco products overboard is prohibited.
- Cigar & pipe smoking is only permitted in specified outdoor areas and Cigar Bars.
E-cigarettes
- Use is restricted to designated smoking areas.
Compliance
- Guests must adhere to smoking policies; violations may lead to further consequences.
- Inquiries about smoking areas can be directed to Guest Services.
Policy Enforcement
- Updated in September 2013, effective for all cruises departing from January 1, 2014, onwards.
Age Restrictions
- Minimum drinking age on sailings from North America: 21 years
- Minimum drinking age on sailings from Dubai, UAE: 21 years
- Minimum drinking age on sailings from South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, & New Zealand: 18 years
- Minimum drinking age at all private destinations: 21 years
- Royal Caribbean may increase the minimum age for alcohol consumption on certain sailings to comply with local laws.
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol Policies on Boarding
- Guests cannot bring beer or hard liquor onboard for consumption or any other use.
- Alcoholic beverages confiscated on embarkation day will not be returned.
- Security may inspect any container and dispose of those containing alcohol.
- Violations of alcohol policies may result in disembarkation or denial of boarding at the guest's expense.
- Guests under the legal alcohol-drinking age will not have alcohol returned to them.
- Guests must adhere to TSA guidelines for transporting liquids.
Wine and Champagne Allowance
- Each stateroom may bring two 750 ml bottles of personal wine or champagne in carry-on luggage on boarding day.
- Additional wine or champagne bottles, including purchases from ports or onboard shops, will be stored and delivered to staterooms on the last day onboard.
Consecutive Cruises Policy
- Guests on back-to-back cruises may bring two 750 ml bottles per voyage.
- Excess bottles will be stored, and two bottles will be given to the stateroom on the first day of each new voyage.
- Documentation may be required for multiple sailings when boarding.
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