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 Independence of the Seas nearHook of Holland, 2025 | |
| History | |
|---|---|
 Bahamas | |
| Name | Independence of the Seas |
| Owner | Royal Caribbean Group |
| Operator |  Royal Caribbean International |
| Port of registry | Nassau, Bahamas |
| Builder | Aker FinnyardsTurku 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 | In service |
| General characteristics | |
| Class & type | Freedom-classcruise ship |
| Tonnage | 155,889 GT |
| Length | 338.95 m (1,112.0 ft) |
| Beam |
|
| Height | 63.70 m (209 ft) |
| Draught | 8.8 m (29 ft) |
| Decks | 15 (passenger); 4 (crew) |
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed |
|
Independence of the Seas is aFreedom-classcruise ship operated byRoyal Caribbean International. The 15-deck ship was built in theAker FinnyardsTurku Shipyard, Finland. At 154,407 GT,[4] she joinedFreedom of the Seas andLiberty of the Seas as the largest cruise ships and passenger vessels when built. She is 1,112 feet (339 m) long, and typically cruises at 21.6knots (40.0 km/h; 24.9 mph).
Independence of the Seas is the third of theFreedom-class vessels. In October 2009,Oasis of the Seas, the first ship in theOasis class, displaced theFreedom class as the world's largest passenger ship.
Independence of the Seas has operated from ports in Europe and North America.
The ship was christened on April 30, 2008, during a ceremony inSouthampton by its godmother, Elizabeth Hill ofChesterfield, the founder of a children's disability charity.[5]
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 aFlowRider for surfing.[6]
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 anescape room designed in collaboration withPuzzle Break.[7]
This ship hosts the annual70000 Tons of Metal music festival.[8]
On May 22, 2014, the ship was arrested by port authorities inÅlesund,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.[9]
On December 11, 2017, 332 of 5,547 passengers became sick with a gastrointestinal illness (believed to benorovirus-related) after the ship had departed fromPort Everglades inFort Lauderdale,Florida for a five-nightCaribbean cruise.[10][11] Royal Caribbean initiated a deep-cleaning of the vessel after its return to port.[11]
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