MS Independence of the Seas

Independence of the Seas docking in Southampton on 14 May 2011
Career
Name:	Independence of the Seas
Operator:	Royal Caribbean International
Port of registry:	Bahamas, Nassau, Bahamas
Builder:	Aker Finnyards, Turku, Finland
Cost:	~US$828 million
Christened:	April 30, 2008
Maiden voyage:	May 2, 2008
In service:	2008–present
Identification:	IMO number: 9349681
Status:	Active service as of 2012
Notes:
General characteristics
Class and type:	Freedom-class cruise ship
Tonnage:	154,407 GT (gross tonnage)
Length:	338.92 m (1,111.9 ft)
Beam:	38.6 m (127 ft) hull 56 m (184 ft) extreme width of superstructure
Draught:	8.8 m (29 ft)
Decks:	15 (passenger); 3 (crew)
Propulsion:	Diesel-electric (kW)/3 pods (1 fixed, 2 azimuthing) 14 MW each
Speed:	21.6 kn (40.0 km/h; 24.9 mph) 23 kn (43 km/h; 26 mph) maximum
Capacity:	4,370 passengers
Crew:	1,360 crew
Notes:

MS Independence of the Seas is a Freedom-class cruise ship operated by the Royal Caribbean cruise line that 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 (339 m) long, and typically cruises at 21.6 knots (40.0 km/h; 24.9 mph). The vessel operates from Southampton, England sailing year round European itineraries.

Independence of the Seas is the third of the Freedom-class vessel. In October 2009, Oasis of the Seas, the first ship in the Oasis-class displaced the Freedom-class as the world's largest passenger ships.

Itinerary

When the ship launched, she sailed from Southampton, England in the Summer months and from Fort Lauderdale in the Winter months. Since 2008, Independence of the Seas sails from Southampton, England year-round.

The ship will depart Southampton on November 22, 2012, en route to its seasonal home port in Fort Lauderdale, where it will offer Caribbean voyages from December 2012 through March 2013. She will return to the U.K. in April.

Amenities

The pool bar area

Like the other Freedom-class vessels, Independence of the Seas features an interactive water park, the H2O Zone, a dedicated sports pool for volleyball and basketball, and whirlpools which extend from the ship's sides. It houses an internal shopping 'street', the Promenade lined with shops, pubs and wine bars, with a "bridge" which can be lowered from the ceiling void to provide a performance space above the crowds. There is also the two 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. On a lower level is an ice skating rink named Studio B, home to a series of professional ice shows, and is also available for personal skating. This facility was first featured on the Voyager-class and the rink on Independence of the Seas is the eighth to feature this on a ship. The ship also features a range of eating outlets, a rock climbing wall, wi-Fi and mobile phone connectivity throughout, and flat screen televisions in all staterooms. Independence of the Seas is also the first Royal Caribbean ship to feature heated, fresh water pools. On the Sports Deck, there is a rock climbing wall, a basketball/hockey court, a mini golf course, and a FlowRider for surfing. It also has 3 seating areas around the FlowRider to allow people to watch.

Independence of the Seas in Cobh, Ireland

External links

• Royal Caribbean International website
• Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas & Liberty of the Seas website
• Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas UK site
• Cruise Critic Review