Holiday Overview

This 12-night cruise holiday takes you through the enchanting Canary Islands, and the best sights of Spain and Portugal. Departing from Southampton, you’ll travel south aboard the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Sea's cruise ship.

Launched in 2008 and fully refurbished in 2018, this 15-deck ship delivers a unique experience, boasting incredible entertainment including a two-story theatre, delicious dining with 15 venues to choose from, and the ideal opportunity to relax with a spa and accessible pool awaiting you.

Royal Caribbean is deeply committed to accessibility. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are equipped with features like widened doorways and roll-in showers. Throughout the ship, you'll also discover accessibility features such as ramps, elevators with braille signage, and accessible restrooms. Additionally, Royal Caribbean provides extensive training for staff to assist guests with disabilities, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests.

Of course, a cruise holiday wouldn't be complete without an incredible line-up of places to explore. We'll be docking at a memorable medley of European beauty including the historic city of Bilbao and its famous selection of wines, the coastal offerings of La Coruña, beloved Lisbon, and the best of the Canary Islands including Tenerife and Madeira.

Throughout your trip, you’ll be accompanied by the Limitless Team, who will provide care, support and assistance as and when you require it. If you would like more information about accessibility aboard the Independence of the Sea, we recommend getting in touch with one of the Limitless Travel Advisors on 0800 711 7112

What's Included?

What's Included?

  • Home pick up and drop off. Going from home to holiday has never been easier. We'll arrange for an accessible vehicle to chauffeur you directly to the port at Southampton. This is free of charge for journeys of up to 125 miles
  • Priority boarding. We’ll be there to support you with check-in and priority boarding, ensuring a hassle-free start to your holiday. Your luggage will also be taken straight to your cabin by the wonderful Royal Caribbean crew
  • 5-star accessibility. The Independence of the Seas has been thoughtfully designed with accessibility front of mind. Wide corridors, gradual inclines, ramps, lifts, and elevators enable easy navigation. 
  • 12 nights in a full board accessible cabin. These all come with accessible amenities including wet room bathrooms, grab rails and flat access to balconies
  • Excellent entertainment. Including a casino, 12 restaurants, an art gallery, several swimming pools, a steam room and sauna, and many more entertainment options
  • Delicious dining. Including a continental breakfast in the cabin, pool-side snacks & fine dining in the main restaurant 
  • Group Support & Holiday Assistance provided by our care team. We'll make sure you have the support you need to cruise with confidence. We also have additional care packages available for guests needing further support, including 1-to-1 care
  • Guided by a tour manager. There to make sure everything runs smoothly so that you can enjoy your holiday with complete peace of mind
  • Travel with a small group. Meet new friends travelling with like-minded people
  • Unique 11-day itinerary. See the very best of Spain, Portugal, and the Canaries with visits to Bilbao, La Coruna, and Lisbon. We offer a potter-around-the-port service, supporting you in disembarking the ship and exploring the local sights

From booking your holiday to returning home after a wonderful trip, the Limitless Team is on-hand to provide you with the support you need. If you have any questions regarding the holiday, please don't hesitate to get in touch

** Limitless Travel carefully pick out cruise itineraries to ensure minimal anchor ports (where a small boat or ‘tender’ transports guests to shore) Unfortunately port changes can happen due to a number of reasons while at sea. Limitless Travel will not be held accountable for any port changes.

Itinerary

Cruise

Embarkation, Southampton

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Today marks the start of an extraordinary adventure, in fact, it starts at your front door! With our free of charge (up to 125 miles of Southampton) accessible transfer service we'll pick you up from your home and make our way to Southampton Cruise Terminal. If you would prefer to meet us at the port then you're more than welcome to do so with free car-parking available. With the support of our team, we'll get you checked in without hassle and settled into your accessible cabin aboard The Independence of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean, Independence

Sailing South

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Embrace the thrill of the day as you acquaint yourself with the magnificent Independence of the Sea's cruise ship while we sail towards the Iberian Peninsula. Delight in the awe-inspiring sea views and immerse yourself in the remarkable amenities offered aboard the vessel. All the time the Limitless team will be on hand to help and assist.

Bilbao

Bilbao, Spain

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Today, following breakfast, the Limitless Team will assist you in disembarking at your first destination, Bilbao, the unofficial capital of Basque country in Spain's northwest. Bilbao seamlessly blends the old and the new, with the city's transformation sparked by the inauguration of the Guggenheim in 1997. Traversing historic avenues like the Siete Calles, Casco Viejo's medieval quarter, modern trams weave through a city adorned with boutiques, bakeries, and outdoor cafés. Futuristic structures like the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum and Gran Hotel Domine overlook the Nervion River, showcasing Bilbao's unique charm, making it a must-visit on a Spain cruise.

Food & Drink

Day At Sea

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After a thrilling day yesterday, indulge in the ship's amenities as you sail to your next destination. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at the Main Dining Room, followed by poolside snacks at the Windjammer Café. Indulge in a specialty dinner at Chops Grille or Giovanni's Table, ending with decadent desserts at Café Promenade.

Royal Caribbean, Anthem of the Seas, Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal

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Day 5 brings a delightful visit to Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital, beloved by Limitless travellers. Cruise along the Tagus River for iconic views of landmarks like Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore the districts of Baixa, Bairro Alto, and Alfama, each possessing a unique charm. Baixa offers bustling streets, while Alfama boasts medieval and Moorish-style buildings.

Royal Caribbean - Anthem

Cruising At Sea

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Awake to another day aboard Independence of the Seas. Immerse yourself in a world of diverse entertainment venues, including Royal Caribbean's exclusive on-board ice-skating rinks. Witness skilled professional skaters execute breathtaking jumps, lifts, and spins in complimentary ice spectaculars. If live skate acts aren't your preference, venture to the theatre for West End shows, live music performances, and a plethora of other captivating experiences.

Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria, Spain

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A new day, a new port awaits. Las Palmas stands out as one of the most sought-after destinations in the Canary Islands, particularly cherished by those who relish year-round sunshine. The cruise terminal, conveniently located just 100 meters from the city centre, is easily accessible with the assistance of our dedicated care team. Established in 1478, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria proudly showcases a rich historical and cultural legacy, much of which is nestled in the Vegueta district, the town's oldest quarter, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. For those inclined towards the beach, Playa de las Canteras is also within convenient reach.

Customers. Canary Islands. Santa Cruz

Tenerife, Spain

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Tenerife offers a slice of paradise. Immerse in culinary delights, tranquil sunsets, and capture beauty with your underwater camera. The island boasts adventurous experiences and serene settings with glistening waters and soft sands.

Santa Cruz, Tenerife's cruise port, evolved from a fishing village into a city adorned with bars, restaurants, shops, and museums. Beyond port gates, cafes lead to Plaza de España, the shopping hub. Look for deals on electronics and CDs, or explore museums like Museo de Bellas Artes and Museo de la Naturaleza y El Hombre.

Madeira
Madeira

Madeira, Portugal

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Today the ship docks in Madeira, the largest and most populous island of the Madeira Archipelago, a Portuguese territory. This island, perched atop a massive submerged volcano rising approximately 6 km (3.7 mi) from the Atlantic Ocean floor, boasts a uniquely striking landscape. Madeira offers an abundance of fresh seafood, including the delicious filete de espada. For those with a preference for savoury over sweet, the smoky espetada madeirense is a must-try, featuring beef cubes on a skewer cooked over wood or charcoal. And, satisfying your sweet tooth, don't miss the opportunity to taste bolo de mel de cana, the local honey cake.

Royal Caribbean, Independence

Day At Sea

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After three adventurous days on land, today calls for relaxation on board. As you wander the decks, don't miss the chance to enjoy great onboard shopping. From stylish clothing and accessories to exquisite jewellery and unique souvenirs, these boutiques have something for everyone. And while you're here, be sure to check out Sugar Beach, a charming onboard shop offering sweet treats and delightful snacks to satisfy your cravings while you sail the seas.

A Coruna
La Coruña

La Coruna, Spain

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Today marks your arrival at your final port, La Coruña. La Coruña's Transatlantic Quay, nestled on the northwestern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, holds the unique distinction of being the closest European port to New York. This picturesque amalgamation of historical and modern elements unfolds along its two-mile coastline, adorned with inviting beaches. The old town, centred around Maria Pita Square, enchants with shops, bars, and restaurants, complemented by engaging attractions like the interactive House of Mankind, an aquarium, and a planetarium. As the primary Atlantic gateway to the ruggedly scenic Galicia, A Coruña serves as a portal to Santiago de Compostela, a globally renowned pilgrimage site featuring a Romanesque cathedral.

Royal Caribbean, Independence

Sailing Home

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Day 12 marks your last full day on board, and we want it to be filled with joy. Double-check your bucket list; a pool dip, perhaps? Make reservations at that specialty restaurant you've been eyeing all week. Most importantly, relish every moment, have a great time, and share adventure stories with fellow Limitless guests.

Royal Caribbean, Independence

Disembark, Southampton

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After your last breakfast, we’ll help you check-out. Your bags will be taken down by the ships crew and our care team will be on-hand to assist you. From here you will join the transfers back to the pick-up points, relaxed, rejuvenated and ready for your next Limitless adventure. We can’t wait to see you again!

Included: Breakfast

The Ship

Cruise, Independence - Royal Caribbean

Independence of the Seas Royal Caribbean

Refurbished in 2018 as part of Royal Caribbean’s ‘Royal Amplified’ renovation programme, the Independence of the Seas is the company’s third and final Freedom-class vessel. With a maximum capacity of 4,515 guests, it’s a colourful and vibrant ship that provides plenty of kid-friendly facilities for younger cruisers, while also ensuring there are designated adult-only areas. 

On the vibrant Lido Deck, you’ll find an incredible array of activities ranging from swimming pools to rock climbing walls, as well as sun loungers and the outdoor cinema screen. Below deck, a stroll along the Royal Promenade offers access to exquisite dining options, atmospheric bars and plenty of entertainment options.

  • 27 bars and restaurants

  • Live music, comedy & Broadway shows

  • Cinema screen with latest releases

  • 1,281-seat Royal Theater

  • Studio B ice skating show venue

  • Vitality at Sea Spa

  • Four swimming pools with hoists

  • Shops, boutiques and an art gallery

Independence of the Seas Accessibility

Accessibility on the Independence of the Seas is exceptional. Gangways are wide enough to accommodate most wheelchairs and scooters and all decks except Deck 15 have elevator access. Entertainment venues feature wheelchair spaces and accessible cabins are available on request.

Learn more about the Independence’s accessible cabins in our FAQs.

Transport

Cruise pick up

Door-to-Door Transfer Service

Enjoy a stress-free journey to your cruise with our door-to-door accessible pick-up service. We provide taxis with ramped access for easy boarding and ample space for luggage and equipment. Our team will safely transport you to the cruise port and bring you back home at the end of your trip.

The service is free for journeys within 125 miles of the port. For trips over 125 miles, a charge of £3.25 per mile applies (up to 250 miles). Additional fees may apply for travelers in Yorkshire, North East England, or Wales.