Independence of the Seas

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 and is served by 1,360 crew. She was built in the Aker Finnyards Turku Shipyard, Finland. At 154,407 GT,[4] she joined Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas as the largest cruise ships and passenger vessels then built. She is 1,112 feet (339 m) long, and typically cruises at 21.6 knots (40.0 km/h; 24.9 mph).

History
Bahamas
Name: Independence of the Seas
Operator: Royal Caribbean International
Builder: Aker Finnyards Turku Shipyard, Finland
Cost: ~US$828 million [1]
Launched: 14 September 2007
Christened: April 30, 2008 [2]
Maiden voyage: May 2, 2008 [3]
In service: 2008–present
Identification:
Status: Service suspended
General characteristics
Class and type: Freedom-class cruise ship
Tonnage: 155,889 GT
Length: 338.95 m (1,112.0 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); 4 (crew)
Propulsion:
  • Diesel-electric
  • Two ABB Azipods and one Fixipod, 14 MW each
Speed:
  • 21.6 knots (40.0 km/h; 24.9 mph)
  • 23 knots (43 km/h; 26 mph) (maximum)
Capacity: 4,370 passengers
Crew: 1,360

Independence of the Seas is the third of the Freedom-class vessels. In October 2009, Oasis of the Seas, the first ship in the Oasis class, displaced the Freedom class as the world's largest passenger ship.

Areas of operation

Independence of the Seas has operated from ports in Europe and North America.

The ship was christened on April 30, 2008 during a ceremony in Southampton by its godmother, Elizabeth Hill of Chesterfield, the founder of a children's disability charity.[5]

Facilities
The pool bar area

Independence of the Seas facilities include an interactive water park, a dedicated water area for small children, and whirlpools which extend from the ship's sides. There is also a two story theater, seating 1,200, an ice skating rink and a complete conference center. On the Sports Deck, there is a rock climbing wall, the first ever trampolines at sea, a basketball/football court, water slides, and a FlowRider for surfing.

The ship underwent an extensive dry dock refurbishment in April 2018: additional cabins were added, as well as the first trampoline park at sea, laser tag, water slides and an escape room designed in collaboration with Puzzle Break.[6]

This ship hosts the annual 70000 Tons of Metal music festival.

Incidents

On May 22, 2014, the ship was arrested by port authorities in Alesund, Norway for nonpayment of fees. The captain notified Royal Caribbean, which transferred NOK600,000 to cover port fees in less than an hour. The ship was then allowed to depart.[7]

On December 11, 2017, 332 of 5,547 passengers on board Independence of the Seas became sick with a gastrointestinal illness (believed to be norovirus-related) after the ship had departed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for a five-night Caribbean cruise.[8][9] Royal Caribbean initiated a deep-cleaning of the vessel after its return to port.[9]

References
  1. Bill Ebersold (1 February 2008). "Cruise growth: driven by megaships & Europe". Marine Log. Retrieved 3 July 2010.
  2. "Woman names largest cruise ship". BBC News. 30 April 2008. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
  3. "Independence of the Seas will arrive two weeks early". TravelMole. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
  4. "Independence of the Seas (26747)". DNV GL Vessel Register. Det Norske Veritas. Retrieved 2008-04-17.
  5. Jainchill, Johanna (April 21, 2008). "Royal Caribbean names godmother for Independence". Travel Weekly.com. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  6. "Puzzle Break on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2018-04-26.
  7. Kystverket tok arrest i gigantisk cruiseskip; Rederiet hadde ubetalte regninger på rundt 600.000 kroner, by Johann D Sunderg and Andre AAvik, 22 May 2014, E24 Næringsliv
  8. "More than 500 people fell sick aboard two Royal Caribbean cruises". NBC News. 2017-12-16. Retrieved 2017-12-16.
  9. Rakow, Tim Swift, Erica. "Royal Caribbean cruise ship returns to Florida after more than..." www.local10.com. Retrieved 2017-12-16.


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