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.
General Characteristics
| Tonnage: | 154,407GT |
| Length: | 338.92m (1,111.9ft) |
| Beam: | 38.6m (127ft) hull 56m (180ft) extreme width of superstructure |
| Draft: | 8.8m (29ft) |
| Capacity: | 4,370 passengers |
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.
Independence of the Seas features an interactive water park (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. An internal street lined with shops, pubs and wine bars. An innovative "bridge" can be loweredfrom the ceiling void to provide a performance space above the crowds. A three story theatre the Alhambra seating 1,200, there is a complete conference centre, The show cabaret lounge is based on an ancient egyptian theme, known as the Prymid Lounge. A brand new Mortag sports car is bolted to the floor outside of the vintages wine bar . On a lower level is an ice skating rink ( home to a series of highly professional ice shows) and 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 will be 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.
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.
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