Southampton new home for Independence of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is aiming one of its big guns at the year-round European market. The line has announced that its Independence of the Seas, capable of carrying up to 4,300 guests and equipped with a resort’s worth of restaurants and amenities, will operate year-round from Southhampton starting next year.

The first Royal Caribbean International ship to be based year-round from the United Kingdom and the largest and among the most innovative ships sailing in Europe, the Independence of the Seas actually made its debut in Southampton last year, but starting in November she will home port there at least for a full year.

Winter cruises, running 11 to 18 nights, will include romantic Mediterranean destinations along the Italian Riviera, amazing island visits in the Sorrentine Peninsula on the south side of the Gulf of Naples, as well as the Balearic Islands, these cruises range from 11-to 18-nights in duration.

These itineraries are available with some value-added fares. And should any guests ever require a shipboard diversion, the Independence of the Seas offers a remarkable assortment of activities, eateries and entertainments. The ship has an onboard ice rink, rock climbing wall, surfing simulator, the H2O Zone and a Royal Promenade packed with shops, restaurants and bars that is longer than the pitch at the new Wembley stadium.