Royal Caribbean ship to sail from Southampton year round

www.royalcaribbean.com

Southampton will soon be home to one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Next winter, for the first time, the Royal Caribbean International Independence of the Seas, having a capacity of 4,000 passengers, will be based in the UK.

During the 2010 and 2011 winter cruise seasons, the ship will sail to the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean. Itineraries will go on sale 1 June for 2010 sailings, ranging from 11-18 nights’ duration.

Prices on the cruises start from £799 per person based on double occupancy in an inside cabin for the 11-night Canary Islands Winter Sun voyage. On the 18-night Mediterranean sailing prices start from £999.

Royal Caribbean is planning to launch a major marketing campaign targeting the trade and consumers in support of the move, and developing point-of-sale materials for travel agents.

According to the cruise line, deploying the ship year-round from Southampton will create up to £50 million in knock-on revenue in the region.

At least 36 sailings will be operated each year on Independence of the Seas, averaging more than 3,600 passengers on each cruise.

On 25 April, Independence of the Seas will return to Southampton for its second summer season based in the UK.

www.royalcaribbean.com