MS Independence of the Seas

MS "Independence of the Seas" is a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, which entered service in April 2008. The 15-deck ship can accommodate 4,370 passengers served by 1,360 crew. She was built in the Aker Finnyards drydock in Turku, Finland, builder of Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, her sister ships of the Freedom Class. At 154,407 gross tons, she joined "Freedom of the Seas" and "Liberty of the Seas" as the largest cruise ships and passenger vessels ever built (at the time of construction). She is 1,112 feet (339m) long, and typically cruises at 21.6 knots (40 km/h). The vessel operates from Southampton, England.

"Independence of the Seas" is the third of the Freedom Class vessels. In 2009, the first in a new Oasis Class of ships is slated to displace the Freedom class as the world's largest passenger ships. Independence of the Seas, as of current, is the world's largest passenger cruise ship.

taterooms

The ship has a range of accommodation with prices and facilities depending on the location within the ship. As well as large suites, the rooms are categorised into
*Interior
*Promenade
*Ocean view
*Balcony

Amenities

"Independence of the Seas" features an interactive water park, the "H2O Zone" (including the FlowRider onboard wave generator for surfing), a dedicated sports pool (for volleyball and basketball), and whirlpools which extend from the ship's sides. It holds an internal street, the "Promenade" lined with shops, pubs and wine bars, with an innovative "bridge" which can be lowered from the ceiling void to provide a performance space above the crowds. There is the three story "Alhambra" theatre, seating 1,200, and a complete conference centre. The show cabaret lounge is based on an ancient egyptian theme, known as the "Pyramid Lounge". A brand new Mortag sports car is bolted to the floor outside of the "Vintages" wine bar and on a lower level is an ice skating rink, named "Studio B" (home to a series of highly professional ice shows), which is also available for personal skating. She also features a coffee shop and bookstore, "Sorrento's Pizzeria", and a Ben and Jerry's ice cream shop. Other amenities are a rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, Wi-Fi capabilities throughout the ship, flat screen televisions in all staterooms, and cell phone connectivity. "Independence of the Seas" is also the first Royal Caribbean ship to feature heated, fresh water pools.

Destinations

"Independence of the Seas" is based at Southampton, United Kingdom. After doing some preview sailings from Oslo, Norway, Southampton, UK and Hamburg, Germany, her itineraries will alternate between "Mediterranean treasures" and "Italian Mediterranean" itineraries, both 14 nights in length. She will also do three 4-night sailings to Cork, Ireland. In the Autumn she will do three 11-night sailings to the Canary Islands. During the winter months "Independence of the Seas" will be based at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. [ [http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=103045&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=967269&highlight= Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. : Investor Relations : Press Releases ] ]

Mediterranean Destinations

*Gibraltar, UK
*Barcelona, Spain
*Nice, France
*Livorno, Italy
*Sardinia, Italy
*Lisbon, Portugal
*Vigo Atlantic coast, Spain
*Malaga, Spain

Italian Mediterranean Destinations

*Gibraltar, UK
*Cannes/Monte Carlo, France
*Livorno, Italy
*Civitavecchia, Italy
*Sardinia, Italy
*Cadiz, nor Italian neither Mediterranean Spain
*Lisbon, Portugal

Canary Islands Destinations

*Tenerife, Spain
*Vigo not belonging to Canary Islands, Spain
*Las Palmas, Spain
*Lanzarote, Spain

Spain Destinations

*Vigo
*Barcelona

Madeira

*Funchal, Portugal

Ports of the Transatlantic itinearies

* Cherbourg, France
* Cobh, Ireland
* Le Havre, France
* Barcelona, Spain
* Vigo, Spain
* Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Caribbean Destinations

* San Juan
* St. Thomas
* St. Maarten
* St. Thomas
* Labadee
* Belize
* Costa Maya
* Cozumel

References

External links

* [http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/ships/class/ship/home.do;jsessionid=0000kCP6Oe-6nBxJEECfBCYBx1D:12hbiocak?br=R&shipClassCode=FR&shipCode=ID RCI Site]
* [http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/innovation Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas & Liberty of the Seas Website]
* [http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=414 Cruise Critic Review]
* [http://www.cruises.co.uk/cruise-photos/browse/c392/photos-of-cabins-on-independence-of-the-seas/ Pictures from Cruises.co.uk]

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