Independence of the Seas underwent a scheduled dry dock at Navantia Cádiz for classification work, technical maintenance and hotel refurbishment. Work included inspection and servicing of propulsion and other machinery systems, hull and underwater maintenance, safety and regulatory work, steel and general repair work, and maintenance of passenger accommodations and public areas. Hotel work included replacement and repair of worn finishes, carpeting, furnishings and other interior components, together with minor upgrades throughout the ship. The project was primarily a comprehensive maintenance and refurbishment period rather than another major Royal Amplified modernization.

Independence of the Seas underwent an approximately 30-day, $110 million modernization in 2018 as part of Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplified program. Major additions included Sky Pad, The Perfect Storm waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag and an escape-room experience. New and reworked dining and entertainment venues included Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Fish & Ships, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi and Sugar Beach, with extensive additional passenger-area refurbishment completed throughout the ship.