18 April 2008

Independence prepares for UK debut

Royal Caribbean International has taken delivery of Independence of the Seas, the largest ship to be home-ported in Europe when it arrives in Southampton next week.

The 3,634-passenger vessel, the third in the line's giant Freedom class, is to be named on April 30 at the port before sailing on its maiden voyage on May 2.

Four godmother finalists, nominated by peers or family members, joined company executives at the Aker shipyard in Finland to welcome the ship into service.

One of the four will be announced today as godmother of Independence of the Seas.

The ship will sail on 14-night Mediterranean itineraries, 11-night Canary Islands voyages and two, four-night taster cruises to Ireland.

Independence will then transfer to run winter Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale.

Unlike its sister ships, the pools and the water park on board will be heated.

The line's CEO Adam Goldstein said: "Positioning one of our largest and newest ships in Southampton reaffirms Royal Caribbean's strong commitment to the region and will provide the opportunity for more European guests to experience the distinctive and award-winning vacation our brand has become recognised for throughout the world."

by Phil Davies