First Glimpse Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas, the third (but perhaps not last; an RCI spokesman says the platform hasn't been officially closed) in the line's Freedom-class family of vessels, progressed significantly closer to completion after it took to the sea for the first time on January 11. Now more than 85 percent complete, the Independence is scheduled to arrive in Southampton's City Cruise Terminal on April 25, a full two weeks before the originally scheduled date. Following inaugural celebrations in Southampton, the U.K.'s newest favourite daughter will embark on a maiden season in Europe, becoming the largest ship ever to homeport outside the United States. Workers are now focusing on finishing the massive dining room, theatre and sun deck. Independence has come quite a ways in the past several months, if our Shipyard Snapshots: Letter From ... Independence of the Seas at Aker Yards is any indication. Onboard amenities mirror those of Liberty and Freedom of the Seas, and include a massive rock-climbing wall, boxing ring, FlowRider and H2O Zone water park. The ship will also feature identical cabin layouts, restaurant options and double-decked nightclub. Independence of the Seas will still have one new feature -- heated pools -- perfect for the notoriously fickle British weather. --by Dan Askin, Assistant Editor
Expert reviews are provided by CruiseCritic.com, an award-winning cruise community. This objective information can help you choose just the right ship for your next cruise vacation.
Book Online or Call Toll Free -- Cruise Experts Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
