Royal Caribbean takes delivery of Independence of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Cruises has just taken delivery of its newest ship, Independence of the Seas, during a ceremony at Aker Yards in Turku, Finland.

Continuing its innovative and revolutionary cruise experiences, Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas is the third of the lines Freedom class of ship and will be the largest cruise ship ever to be home-ported in Europe when she sails out of Southampton for her inaugural season.

Independence of the Seas shares the title of worlds largest and most innovative cruise ship with her sister ships Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. Her sister ships were launched in the United States in May 2006 and 2007 respectively.

Royal Caribbean has made a break from tradition with a Nationwide search to find a godmother for Independence of the Seas. The ships godmother will be an ‘ordinary’ woman who has done extraordinary things to further the well being of youth in her community and will have been nominated by peers and family members. The search was conducted with the cruise line's charity partner and British five-time Olympic gold medalist, Sir Steve Redgrave.

The four Godmother finalists joined Royal Caribbean Cruises chairman and CEO Richard Fain at Aker Yards to welcome Independence into service. The four finalists are Barbara Natasegra, Elizabeth Hill, Madeleine Henry and Sue Stones. The Godmother, who will be announced on the 18th of April, will be selected by a distinguished panel of judges, including Sir Steve Redgrave; Royal Caribbean executives and guest judges. She will have the honor of participating in the inaugural celebrations and official naming ceremony in Southampton on the 30th of April.

"We are delighted to welcome Independence of the Seas to our fleet and to introduce her to vacationers throughout the United Kingdom and Europe," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "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 recognized for throughout the world."

There will be a number of preview sailings in Oslo, Norway and Southampton, after which Independence will embark on her maiden voyage on the 2 May. Throughout the summer of 2008 she will sail 14 night 'Mediterranean Treasures' and 'Italian Mediterranean' itineraries round-trip from Southampton.

Independence of the Seas has a capacity of 3,634 guests and will feature all of the industry first amenities which are trademarks on the Freedom class ships. Features such as a FlowRider surf simulator, H20 Zone water park, cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 ft above the ocean, a full size boxing ring and a 14 person family suite.

Independence also will feature some of the other distinctive offerings the global cruise line is known for including an ice-skating rink; a rock-climbing wall; an award-winning children's program; fine to casual dining venues; Broadway-style entertainment and the Royal Promenade - an entertainment boulevard stretching the length of the ship with its shops, restaurants, bars and lounges, which provides guests with an endless variety of choices and experiences to suit their taste and preference.