ROYAL Caribbean’s newest ship, Independence of the Seas is set to return to Southampton, a year after her official launch.




 

Featuring the best onboard amenities for a cruise liner ever to sail from a UK cruise port, Royal Caribbean (RCI)  is now the only cruise firm with that “wow” factor sailing direct from the UK around the Mediterranean.

The 3,634-passenger ship has some unique Freedom Class’s of its own on offer to welcome guests onboard.

FlowRider is a surf simulator, great fun for kids or surfing beginners right up to the advanced ‘wave’ rider amongst us.  RCI’s new H20 Zone is a massive water park, with water cannons and a toddler pool, whirlpools suspended 112ft above the ocean. It features a full size boxing ring, an ice-skating rink with spectacular ice shows – now you really can star on “Dancing on Ice”!

Independence of the Seas also features a huge 200ft high rock wall, and you won’t be surprised when I tell you it’s the busiest entertainment onboard the ship with kids and adults alike – you don’t say – seems we’re all kids at heart!

The 160,000 ton floating resort has got to have the best youth programme on the high seas this 2009 cruise season. This is a structured programme catering for the six months – 17 year-olds. It’s educational too. All ages get to learn more about local customs, can take-part in science experiments.

All RCI Adventure Ocean staff hold college degree in education recreation and all have worked with 3-17 year-olds before joining the RCI team – so your kids are in safe hands.

Adventure Science by High Touch High Tech. Conducted by our specially trained Adventure Scientists, this program combines fun and hands-on science experiments. Featured programs include: Wacky Water Workshop, Magnetic Mayhem, Jurassic Jr., Sea Creature Treasures, Gummy Candies and Bubbling Potions.

Adventure Art by Crayola®. These activities acquaint kids with diverse cultures through art. Children are introduced to mask making, fish kites and pottery. Crayola Adventure Art projects are specifically designed art activities for children ages 3-12. Using art as an avenue for exploration, the lesson plans provide a unique onboard experience for children, incorporating information about specific geographic locations with hands-on art. Crayola Art projects make creativity a part of every child's experience wherever they may travel.

Sail Into Storytime. These theme-related storytime sessions bring each story to life with activities, discussions on each story and hands-on activities for the children to participate in following each reading.

Adventure Theater by Camp Broadway. Blending educational activities with on-your-feet fun, Adventure Theater participants get a first taste of the actor's craft, in which entire worlds are created with just their bodies, voices and imaginations. Using structured theater games, vocal and physical exercises, and creativity-freeing activities, instructors guide groups through an exploration of the theater arts.

Island Activities on CocoCay® and Labadee® Aquanauts can enjoy Adventure Beach activities on itineraries that call on CocoCay and Labadee. Kids can join the Adventure Ocean staff and participate in Sand Castle Building, Drip Drip Drop, Adventure Family Water Balloon Toss, Beach Relays, Parachute Games and a search for Labadectal and Cocodactal eggs. Your little ones can also participate in a fun-filled track experience in kid-sized battery operated Fisher-Price vehicles on CocoCay. These Cadillac Escalades and Barbie Jammin' Jeeps travel approximately 2-4 mph.

The Club operates during Sea Days: 9am-noon & 2pm-5pm and then again 7pm-10pm. In Port you can still head-off an enjoy yourself knowing the kids are safe too: 30 minutes prior to all excursions until 5pm.

And not forgetting the Teens: There’s a Teen BBQ, Dive-In Movie and Pool Party. Watch your fave flicks while playing in the pool. Meet the Stars Backstage, get a special behind-the-scenes look with a teens-only tour. RCI’s teen Casino with a jackpot with your kids name on it! Unplugged Jam Sessions - for the unsung guitar guru in the group has a place to shine - as loudly as they want!  Snowball Fight in the Caribbean - You know what's really cool? A snowball fight at sea! BYOM (bring your own mittens)! Climbing Competition Whoever makes it to the top of the Rock first wins! 

Independence of the Seas – will showcase 4 new shows special produced for ship's inaugural season.

If you thought parades only happened on Disney's Main Street, think again! Special parades are hosted onboard too just to get you in the mood, loosen up and enjoy. Themes for Independence of the Seas are: pirates, gods and goddesses from Greek mythology, and Alice in Wonderland, other RCI ships do feature Parades too.

If you are watching your purse-strings during this credit crunch cruising season – take the train or drive direct to Southampton for one of four itineraries on offer: 10, 11 and 14 night cruises to Cork, Canary Islands and the Mediterranean or if you can bag a cheap flight over to the USA then try one of the 7, 9 or 10-night trips out of Fort Lauderdale during 2009-2010.

Booking Facts:

Don't pay more than your tablemates Cruise prices can vary by £100's at different travel agencies, so CruiseCompete makes it quick and easy to shop around. Select the cruise you want, and let independent agents compete to offer you the best deal.

Or visit RCI’s own website at www.royalcaribbean.com

Ship Highlights   FlowRider® H2O ZoneSM Cantilevered whirlpools Rock-climbing wall Ice skating rink Royal Promenade Extensive WiFi capabilities and connectivity for mobile phones Full-size, flat-screen TVs in every stateroom Themed bars and lounges Adventure Ocean® youth facilities Day Spa & Fitness Centre Full-size Everlast boxing ring Casino RoyaleSM Presidential Family Suite Sports Pool Full-size sports court Nine-hole miniature golf course Johnny Rockets® '50s-style restaurant Portofino Italian Restaurant Chops Grille Ben & Jerry's® ice cream

Ship Facts Guest Capacity: 3,634 double occupancy Gross Tonnage: 160,000 tons Length: 338.9 m (1,112 ft) Max Beam: 56.1 m (184 ft) Draft: 8.5 m (28 ft) Cruising Speed: 21.6 knots (24.9 mph/40 kmph)