Cruise ship review: Independence of the Seas

Food drink 7/10

A Japanese teppanyaki griddle, where chefs juggle knives and eggs as they prepare food in front of diners, and Playmakers’ sports bar, which serves sliders, chicken wings and other finger food, join paid-for dining venues including Chops Grille steakhouse and Giovanni’s Italian restaurant. Most disappointing, Royal has replaced the free burger bar by the pool with Fish and Ships, which not only serves tepid, tasteless chips, but charges for them (from $9/£7). Food in the main dining room, spanning three decks, self-service, and cafés on the Royal Promenade is free. The Ale Anchor pub is a favourite watering hole but has stiff new competition from Playmakers, which has the attraction for many of 35 television screens showing live sports fixtures.