25 April 2008

Independence set for UK launch celebrations

Independence of the Seas, the worldÃ¢â¬â¢s largest cruise ship, arrived in the UK for the first time this morning in preparation for a summer of sailings from Southampton.

Over the course of its inaugural six-month season the ship will generate almost Ã&#pound;23 million for the Southampton economy - based on research published by the Southampton Cruise Tourism report.

Independence of the Seas will be officially named and christened in the port next Wednesday by Elizabeth Hill from Baslow in Derbyshire, the winner of a nationwide search to find Ã¢â¬Åâœan ordinary woman who has done extraordinary thingsÃ¢â¬~ for young people in their local community.

As well as being opened up for thousands of members of the UK and Ireland travel trade, more than 1,000 competition winners gain a sneak preview of the ship during a week of inaugural celebrations.

At 1,112 feet long and carrying more than 4,300 passengers, the Royal Caribbean International vessel is the largest-ever to operate from the UK.

The launch celebrations will include a gig by band Scouting For Girls in partnership with Virgin Radio, fireworks displays and a charity auction hosted by Sir Steve Redgrave. The five-time Olympic gold medallist will be joined by TV and sporting favourites such as Steve Cram, Nick Hancock, Norman Pace, Steve Rider and Jimmy Tarbuck.

The lineÃ¢â¬â¢s UK and Ireland managing director Jo Rzymowska said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœThe UK cruise market is leading the way with more new ships sailing from our waters than any other European market, and growing numbers of travellers are turning on to the idea of holidays at sea.Ã¢â¬~

by:Phil Davies