Independence set for UK launch celebrations
Independence of the Seas, the world’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 £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 “an ordinary woman who has done extraordinary things†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 line’s UK and Ireland managing director Jo Rzymowska said: “The 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.â€
by:Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive