While Independence of the Seas has been sailing since 2008, it's a thoroughly modern ship that's perfect for passengers who want a lot, but not a megaship. It has many Royal Caribbean updates including a revised pool deck and the Playmakers sports bar.
It also has all the classic Royal Caribbean venues including the Schooner Bar and an English Pub, in this case, the Ale and Anchor. Indy, as the ship is affectionately known by its fans, sort of bridges the most modern Royal Caribbean ships with its classic smaller ships.
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She's big enough to offer most of the bells and whistles of the Oasis-class ships, but also small enough to give you a more intimate experience. You have a better chance to get to know your fellow passengers. and the crew because while the ship has a wide array of venues, it's not that big by modern standards.
It does, however, have lots of bars and some excellent bartenders. One of them, Rolando from the Philippines took Come Cruise With Me's travel agent partner Dennis Post from Postcard Travel planning through making a Pineapple Margarita at the Ale and Anchor bar
Meet the Pineapple Margarita
Margaritas remain a very popular drink both on land and on cruise ships. Royal Caribbean offers countless versions of the classic, with many new variants of the tequila-based classic being built around spicy flavors.
This version, however, leans into the sweet by adding pineapple to the beloved bar classic.
Recipe: Pineapple Margarita
- 2 ounces of Patron Silver
- 0.5 ounces of triple sec
- 1.5 ounces of pineapple juice
- Top with sour mix
Rolando built the drink over ice in a pint glass and then gave it a good shake by adding a metal shaker over the glass. He then poured the drink, ice and all, into a new, slightly smaller glass that had been pre-rimmed with salt.
This is actually not on the menu at the Pub on Independence of the Seas, but it's a drink that can likely be made at any bar on the ship, although the tequila may vary by location.
