Giant cruise ship arrives in UK
25 April 2008The world's biggest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's 160,000-tonne Independence of the Seas, docked in Southampton today and will operate from the English port throughout the summer.
Independence of the Seas sailed up Southampton Water early on the morning of April 25th and will set off on its maiden voyage from the UK on May 2nd.
The vessel shares the title of world's largest cruise ship with Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, which were launched in May 2006 and 2007 respectively.
This summer, cruise passengers will be taken from Southampton to destinations throughout the Mediterranean on Independence of the Seas, before the ship heads across the Atlantic in November to begin a series of Caribbean tours from Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
Adam Goldstein, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean, said: "We are delighted to welcome Independence of the Seas to our fleet and to introduce her to vacationers throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.
"Positioning one of our largest and newest ships in Southampton reaffirms Royal Caribbean's strong commitment to the region."
Royal Caribbean is currently working on its next cruise ship, which will be launched in late 2009 and will feature an outdoor area called Central Park, boasting tropical foliage, restaurants and cafes.