MS Independence of the Seas

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Independence of the Seas off Ruissalo, Turku, Finland
Career
Name: Independence of the Seas
Operator: Royal Caribbean International
Port of Registry: Nassau  Bahamas
Builder: Aker Finnyards of Turku, Finland
Cost: ~$828 million[1]
Christened: April 30, 2008[2]
Maiden voyage: May 2 2008 [3]
General characteristics
Class and type: Freedom-class cruise ship
Tonnage: 154,407 GT (gross tonnage)[4]
Length: 338.92 m (1,111.9 ft)[5]
Beam: 38.6 m (127 ft) hull
56 m (180 ft) extreme width of superstructure
Draught: 8.8 m (29 ft)[5]
Decks: 15 (passenger); 3 (crew)
Propulsion: Diesel-electric (kW)/3 pods (1 fixed, 2 azimuthing) 14Mw each
Speed: 21.6 knots (40 km/h)
Capacity: 4,370 passengers
Crew: 1,360 crew

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,[4] 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,.[2] during the summer season, on European itineraries, and transfers to the Caribbean in the winter months.

Independence of the Seas is the third of the Freedom Class vessels. In 2009, the first in a new Oasis Class of ships is planned 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 along with her sister ships Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, but she will be displaced by MS Oasis of the Seas, which is scheduled to make her maiden voyage in late 2009.

Contents

[edit] Staterooms

The ship has a range of accommodation. As well as special VIP suites, the rooms are categorised into:

  • Interior
  • Promenade
  • Ocean view
  • Balcony

[edit] Amenities

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 an innovative "bridge" which can be lowered from the ceiling void to provide a performance space above the crowds. There is also 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. On a lower level is an ice skating rink - an innovation on a seagoing vessel - named Studio B (home to a series of professional ice shows), which is also available for personal skating. 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 2 seating areas around the FlowRider to allow people to watch.

[edit] Destinations

Independence of the Seas was initially based at Southampton, United Kingdom. After some preview sailings from Oslo, Norway, Southampton, UK and Hamburg, Germany, her itineraries will include European destinations in Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France and the Canary Islands. During the winter months Independence of the Seas will be based at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from where she will operate itineraries around the Caribbean.[6]

[edit] Mediterranean destinations

[edit] Canary Islands destinations

[edit] Other Spanish destinations

[edit] Madeira

[edit] Ports of the Transatlantic itineraries

[edit] Caribbean destinations

[edit] Imagegallery

MS Independence of the Seas under construction at Turku, Finland, 4.4.2007

MS Independence of the Seas under construction at Aker Finnyards Shipyard, Turku, Finland, 6.10.2007

MS Independence of the Seas at anchor in Oslo harbor

MS Independence of the Seas at anchor in Oslo harbor

[edit] Panorama

Independence of the Seas at anchor in Cobh, Ireland
Independence of the Seas at anchor in Cobh, Ireland

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.allbusiness.com/travel-hospitality-tourism/destinations/8960577-1.html
  2. ^ a b Woman names largest cruise ship
  3. ^ Independence of the Seas will arrive two weeks early
  4. ^ a b "Liberty of the Seas Overview Summary". DNV Exchange Vessel Info. 2008-04-17. https://exchange.dnv.com/Exchange/Main.aspx?EXTool=Vessel&VesselID=26747. Retrieved on 2008-05-02. 
  5. ^ a b "Liberty of the Seas Overview Dimensions". DNV Exchange Vessel Info. 2008-04-17. https://exchange.dnv.com/exchange/main.aspx?extool=vessel&subview=dimensions&vesselid=26747. Retrieved on 2008-05-02. 
  6. ^ Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. : Investor Relations : Press Releases

[edit] External links

Search Wikimedia Commons Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Independence of the Seas
v • d • e
Royal Caribbean International Fleet
Sovereign
Vision class
Voyager class
Radiance class
Freedom class
Freedom of the Seas  • Liberty of the Seas  • Independence of the Seas
Oasis class
Former ships


Records
Preceded by
MS Freedom of the Seas		 World's largest passenger ship
2008 –		 Succeeded by
MS Oasis of the Seas
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Independence_of_the_Seas"
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