Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas will be the first of its ships to be based year round from the UK.
The largest cruise ship in the world will be based in the port of Southampton from 2010.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, UK and Ireland vice president and managing director Robin Shaw, said: “Royal Caribbean International is committed to continuing to grow its presence in the British and Irish markets. When Independence of the Seas first sailed from the UK it was one of the best performing ships in the fleet.
“It is great news that Independence of the Seas will call Southampton home for the long term and means that we firmly cement our position as one of the leading players in the UK cruise industry.”
The first ever winter 2010 season of Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas will go on sale on June 1. The company will be supporting the push with a major trade and consumer marketing campaign as well as dedicated point of sale materials for agents.
Winter cruises in 2010 and 2011 will include destinations along the Italian Riviera, island visits in the Sorrentine Peninsula as well as the Balearic Islands. The cruises range from 11-to 18-nights in duration.
Prices for an 11-night Winter Sun cruise to the Canary Islands start from £799 per person based on two sharing an inside stateroom or an 18-night Mediterranean Cities cruise visiting historic coastal towns from £999 per person based on two sharing an inside stateroom.