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Independence of the Seas to sail year-round from UK
Wednesday, 24 Apr, 2009
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One of the world’s largest cruise ships is to sail from Southampton in the winter for the first time from next year.
Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas, which can carry more than 4,000 passengers, will be based year-round in the UK from April 2010.
Winter cruises in 2010 and 2011 will be to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands.
The itineraries, which go on sale on June 1 for winter 2010, range from between 11-to 18-nights in duration.
Prices start at £799 per person based on two sharing an inside cabin for an 11-night Winter Sun voyage to the Canary Islands.
An 18-night sailing to the Med leads in at £999 on the same basis.
The cruise line is to support the initiative with a major trade and consumer marketing campaign, as well as dedicated point of sale materials for agents.
Last year, Brilliance of the Seas became the first ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet to operate year-round in the Mediterranean from Barcelona.
The company claims the year-round deployment in Southampton will generate £50 million in terms of knock-on economic impact on the area.
It is estimated that Independence of the Seas will run at least 36 sailings a year, with more than 3,600 passengers per sailing.
Independence of the Seas returns to the UK for its second summer season based from Southampton on Saturday (April 25).
Royal Caribbean first based a ship in Southampton in 2005, the 2,076-guest Legend of the Seas.
After two summers, the line introduced 3,114-passenger Navigator of the Seas in summer 2007.
Navigator of the Seas was replaced last summer when Independence of the Seas was launched in the city and became the first new Royal Caribbean International ship to operate its inaugural season outside of a North America homeport.
UK and Ireland vice-president and managing director Robin Shaw said: “Royal Caribbean International is committed to continuing to grow its presence in the British and Irish markets.
“When Independence of the Seas first sailed from the UK it was one of the best performing ships in the fleet.
“The 2009 return of the ship has been equally successful due to the fantastic array of activity, entertainment and facilities onboard, and the enormous support we receive from our trade partners.
“It is great news that Independence of the Seas will call Southampton home for the long term and means that we firmly cement our position as one of the leading players in the UK cruise industry.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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