MS Independence of the Seas

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Career
Independence of the Seas off Ruissalo, Turku, Finland
Name:	Independence of the Seas
Operator:	Royal Caribbean International
Port of Registry:	Nassau, Bahamas
Builder:	Aker Finnyards (Turku, Finland)
Cost:	$590 million
Christened:	April 30, 2008^[1]
Maiden voyage:	May 2008
General characteristics
Class and type:	Freedom Class
Tonnage:	154,407 GT (gross tonnage)^[2]
Length:	338.92 m (1,111.9 ft)^[3]
Beam:	38.6 m (127 ft) hull 56 m (180 ft) extreme width of superstructure
Draught:	8.8 m (29 ft)^[3]
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 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,^[2] 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.^[1]

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.

1 Staterooms
2 Amenities
3 Destinations
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Staterooms

The ship has a range of accommodation with prices and facilities depending on the location within the ship. As well as large suites, the rooms are categorised into

Interior
Promenade
Ocean view
Balcony

[edit] Amenities

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. She will also feature 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, freshwater pools.

[edit] Destinations

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.^[4]