MS Independence of the Seas
| 300px Independence of the Seas off Ruissalo, Turku, Finland | |
| Career | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Independence of the Seas |
| Operator: | Royal Caribbean International |
| Port of registry: | Template:BAH, Nassau |
| Builder: | Aker Finnyards, Turku, Finland |
| Cost: | ~US$828 million [1] |
| Christened: | April 30, 2008 [2] |
| Maiden voyage: | May 2, 2008 [3] |
| In service: | 2008-present |
| Identification: | IMO number: 9349681 |
| Status: | Active service as of 2010 |
| Notes: | [4] |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type: | Freedom-class cruise ship |
| Tonnage: | 154,407 GT (gross tonnage) |
| Length: | 338.92 m (1,111.9 ft) |
| Beam: |
38.6 m (127 ft) hull 56 m (184 ft) extreme width of superstructure |
| Draught: | 8.8 m (29 ft) |
| Decks: | 15 (passenger); 3 (crew) |
| Propulsion: | Diesel-electric (kW)/3 pods (1 fixed, 2 azimuthing) 14MW each |
| Speed: |
21.6 kn (40.0 km/h; 24.9 mph) 23 kn (43 km/h; 26 mph) maximum |
| Capacity: | 4,370 passengers |
| Crew: | 1,360 crew |
| Notes: | [4] |
MS Independence of the Seas is a Freedom-class cruise ship operated by the Royal Caribbean cruise line that 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,[4] 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,.[2] all year round on European itineraries starting April 2010.
Independence of the Seas is the third of the Freedom-class vessel. In October 2009, Oasis of the Seas, the first ship in the Oasis-class displaced the Freedom-class as the world's largest passenger ships.
Amenities
Like the other Freedom-class vessels, Independence of the Seas features an interactive water park, the H2O Zone, a dedicated sports pool for volleyball and basketball, and whirlpools which extend from the ship's sides. It houses an internal shopping 'street', the Promenade lined with shops, pubs and wine bars, with a "bridge" which can be lowered from the ceiling void to provide a performance space above the crowds. There is also the three story Alhambra theatre, seating 1,200, and a complete conference centre. The show cabaret lounge is based on an ancient Egyptian theme, known as the Pyramid Lounge. On a lower level is an ice skating rink named Studio B, home to a series of professional ice shows, and is also available for personal skating. This facility was first featured on the Voyager-class and the rink on Independence of the Seas is the sixth to feature on a ship. The ship also features a range of eating outlets, a rock climbing wall, wi-Fi and mobile phone connectivity throughout, and flat screen televisions in all staterooms. Independence of the Seas is also the first Royal Caribbean ship to feature heated, fresh water pools. On the Sports Deck, there is a rock climbing wall, a basketball/hockey court, a mini golf course, and a FlowRider for surfing. It also has 2 seating areas around the FlowRider to allow people to watch.
References
- ↑ Bill Ebersold (Friday, 1 February 2008). "Cruise growth: driven by megaships & Europe". Marine Log. http://www.allbusiness.com/travel-hospitality-tourism/destinations/8960577-1.html. Retrieved 3 July 2010.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Woman names largest cruise ship". BBC News. Wednesday, 30 April 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/7374811.stm. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
- ↑ "Independence of the Seas will arrive two weeks early". TravelMole. http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1124659.php. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Liberty of the Seas Overview Summary". DNV Exchange. Det Norske Veritas. 2008-04-17. https://exchange.dnv.com/exchange/main.aspx?extool=myvi&vesselid=26747. Retrieved 2008-05-02.
External links
| Independence of the Seas
]]- Royal Caribbean International website
- Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas & Liberty of the Seas website
- Cruise Critic Review
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