This room is a forward balcony room located on the Starboard side of the ship on the 8th deck.
We love the 8th deck forward balcony rooms. This is from our sliding glass doors while we are still docked in Port Everglades.
This is a nice location and you are close to the stairs and the elevators.
You can very easily go to the hall by the elevators and look down to deck 5 the royal promenade.
The location is also good where you can walk to the main deck 5 for coffee and pizza or up to the 11th deck for the pool areas. You are on the opposite end of the ship from the dining rooms (decks 3, 4, and 5), buffet area (deck 11), and the Diamond lounge (deck 14).
The room, balcony, shower, bathroom, and storage areas are a nice size. The bed is comfortable, and room was bright and cheerful. Our stateroom attendant was efficient and good. Room was cleaned early everyday and refreshed in the evening while we were at dinner. Very good service.
The issues we found are 1) The refrigerator is not really a refrigerator it is a cooler and nothing stays cold. It is a waste of time and space. 2) Air Conditioning in the evening seemed to have a hard time keeping the room cool.
3) The coffee table is always in the way. I banged my upper shin on it numerous times. Although, there was a complimentary bottle of wine from the Crown and Anchor society for being Diamond Plus on that table. There are benefits for being loyal to Royal.
Not much else to say. If I went on Independence of the Seas again, I would not hesitate to stay in this room again.
Here’s a video so you can see and decide for yourself.
For additional information on the Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas click here: http://deestimes.com/royal-caribbean-internationalrci/