Independence of the Seas — 7-Night Caribbean

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Before you sail

What the fare covers, what it doesn't, and how this itinerary actually runs.

3 sea days

The pool loungers and the shaded spots go early on a sea day — by eight in the morning on a full ship, and this one carries 4,370 guests. Reserving one and leaving it is against the rules on most lines and crew do clear them, so send someone early rather than at ten.

This one earns the balcony

3 of 7 nights are at sea, so you will actually be in the cabin in daylight. Roughly $800 more per person here — the one upgrade worth arguing about on a sea-day-heavy sailing.

Day one and the last day are half-days

A 7-night cruise is really 6 full days. Boarding runs into the afternoon and you are off the ship early on the last morning.

Money on board · Royal Caribbean International

Already in the fare

Meals in the main dining rooms, Windjammer Marketplace buffet, and select casual eateries like Cafe Promenade and Sorrento's Pizza.Most onboard entertainment, including Broadway-style shows, ice skating performances, live music, and comedy acts.Access to pools, hot tubs, the fitness center, and sports facilities such as the rock-climbing wall and FlowRider surf simulator.Adventure Ocean kids' and teens' clubs, offering supervised activities for various age groups.Basic beverages like tap water, iced tea, drip coffee, hot tea, and select juices at breakfast.Complimentary room service for continental breakfast and certain cold items, though a service charge may apply for hot items or outside specific hours.

The drinks package

The Deluxe Beverage Package typically costs around $80-100 USD per person, per day, including the automatic service charge, but prices can vary and should be confirmed when booking.

Break-even: This package usually pays for itself after about 5-7 alcoholic drinks, premium coffees, or fresh juices per day.

It suits those who enjoy multiple alcoholic beverages daily and non-alcoholic premium drinks, but light drinkers or those content with complimentary options may find it unnecessary.

Gratuities: Automatic daily gratuities are typically around $16-18 USD per person, per day for standard staterooms, and slightly higher for suites; these can usually be prepaid before sailing or adjusted at Guest Services onboard if you wish to do so.
Wifi: VOOM Surf internet packages allow basic browsing, email, and social media for a daily fee, usually around $20-25 USD, while the more expensive Surf + Stream packages offer faster speeds suitable for video calls and streaming.

Costs that surprise people

Specialty Dining. Restaurants beyond the complimentary options, such as Chops Grille, Izumi, or Giovanni's Table, carry an additional per-person cover charge or à la carte pricing.
Shore Excursions. Any tours or activities booked through the ship for your port stops will incur separate charges, which vary widely by destination and activity.
Spa and Salon Services. Treatments at the Vitality Spa, salon services, and access to the thermal suite in the spa are extra, with prices varying by service.
Gambling and Arcade Games. Spending in the casino, including slot machines and table games, is charged to your SeaPass card, as are games in the onboard arcade.
Photo Packages. Professional photos taken by the ship's photographers are available for purchase, either individually or as part of a package.
Select Fitness Classes. While the fitness center is included, some specialized classes like yoga, Pilates, or spinning may have an additional per-session fee.

Ways to spend less

Pre-book packages. Purchasing drinks, internet, or specialty dining packages online before your cruise often results in a discount compared to onboard pricing.
Bring permitted beverages.

AI-written guidance, not a quote. Prices and policies change and vary by sailing — confirm anything that matters with the cruise line before you book.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Galveston· United States

Depart 17:00

Embark in Galveston.

Getting ashore in Galveston

No guide for this port yet.

Day 2At Sea

Day 3Cozumel· Mexico

Arrive 08:00 · Depart 17:00

Cozumel (Spanish pronunciation: [kosuˈmel]; Yucatec Maya: Kùutsmil) is an island and municipality in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, opposite Playa del Carmen. It is separated from the mainland by the Cozumel Channel and is close to the Yucatán Channel.

Getting ashore in Cozumel

No guide for this port yet.

Before you sail

What the fare covers, what it doesn't, and how this itinerary actually runs.

3 sea days

This one earns the balcony

3 of 7 nights are at sea, so you will actually be in the cabin in daylight. Roughly $800 more per person here — the one upgrade worth arguing about on a sea-day-heavy sailing.

Day one and the last day are half-days

A 7-night cruise is really 6 full days. Boarding runs into the afternoon and you are off the ship early on the last morning.

Money on board · Royal Caribbean International

Already in the fare

The drinks package

The Deluxe Beverage Package typically costs around $80-100 USD per person, per day, including the automatic service charge, but prices can vary and should be confirmed when booking.

Break-even: This package usually pays for itself after about 5-7 alcoholic drinks, premium coffees, or fresh juices per day.

It suits those who enjoy multiple alcoholic beverages daily and non-alcoholic premium drinks, but light drinkers or those content with complimentary options may find it unnecessary.

Gratuities: Automatic daily gratuities are typically around $16-18 USD per person, per day for standard staterooms, and slightly higher for suites; these can usually be prepaid before sailing or adjusted at Guest Services onboard if you wish to do so.
Wifi: VOOM Surf internet packages allow basic browsing, email, and social media for a daily fee, usually around $20-25 USD, while the more expensive Surf + Stream packages offer faster speeds suitable for video calls and streaming.

Costs that surprise people

Specialty Dining. Restaurants beyond the complimentary options, such as Chops Grille, Izumi, or Giovanni's Table, carry an additional per-person cover charge or à la carte pricing.
Shore Excursions. Any tours or activities booked through the ship for your port stops will incur separate charges, which vary widely by destination and activity.
Spa and Salon Services. Treatments at the Vitality Spa, salon services, and access to the thermal suite in the spa are extra, with prices varying by service.
Gambling and Arcade Games. Spending in the casino, including slot machines and table games, is charged to your SeaPass card, as are games in the onboard arcade.
Photo Packages. Professional photos taken by the ship's photographers are available for purchase, either individually or as part of a package.
Select Fitness Classes. While the fitness center is included, some specialized classes like yoga, Pilates, or spinning may have an additional per-session fee.

Ways to spend less

Pre-book packages. Purchasing drinks, internet, or specialty dining packages online before your cruise often results in a discount compared to onboard pricing.
Bring permitted beverages.

AI-written guidance, not a quote. Prices and policies change and vary by sailing — confirm anything that matters with the cruise line before you book.

Independence of the Seas — 7-Night Caribbean

Route map

Trip highlights

Before you sail

Money on board · Royal Caribbean International

Day-by-day itinerary

About the Independence of the Seas

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Before you sail

Money on board · Royal Caribbean International