Three Royal Caribbean Freedom-class ships to offer vacationers variety of choices for Caribbean cruises

ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES WINTER 2012-13 SEASON FOR INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS

MIAMI – Independence of the Seas is returning to America! Royal Caribbean International is bringing the Freedom-class ship back to Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. for the winter 2012-13 season.

Vacationers will have a choice of three Freedom-class ships offering a variety of exciting Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, conveniently sailing from Port Canaveral (on Florida’s Space Coast) aboard Freedom of the Seas and Port Everglades aboard Independence of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. Independence of the Seas’ winter 2012-13 Caribbean season is now open for booking.


            “We are looking forward to having all three Freedom-class ships sailing the Caribbean in winter 2012-13,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Independence of the Seas has helped solidify Royal Caribbean’s position as the most innovative cruise line in Europe, where she will continue to sail in the summer, and is now offering new Caribbean adventures for the ship’s devotees. The most innovative cruise ships along with exciting itineraries in one of the world’s most idyllic destinations, plus friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service from every staff and crew, are all part of the Royal Advantage that we are delivering to guests from around world.”

             Independence of the Seas will depart on its trans-Atlantic voyage from Southampton, U.K. on November 22, 2012, and homeport at Port Everglades from December 2012 through March 2013. The ship will sail a three-night Bahamas cruise, before alternating eight-night Eastern Caribbean and six-night Western Caribbean itineraries. In the Eastern Caribbean, guests will enjoy calls at San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination on the northern coast of Haiti. In the Western Caribbean, Independence of the Seas will call at Falmouth, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Labadee. Additionally, a special six-night Western Caribbean itinerary, calling at Grand Cayman, and Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, will sail on January 13, 2013. Independence of the Seas will then return to the U.K. in April 2013 to offer Mediterranean and Europe cruises throughout the summer.

            At 154,407 gross register tons and a capacity of 3,634 guests, double-occupancy, Independence of the Seas features all of the industry-first amenities which are trademarks of the Freedom-class ships, such as a FlowRider surf simulator; the H20 Zone kids’ aqua park with sprinklers, water cannons and a pool for toddlers; cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 ft. above the ocean in the adults-only Solarium pool zone; a full-size boxing ring and the 4-bedroom, 4-bath, and 14-guest Presidential Family Suite. Independence of the Seas also features exclusive Royal Caribbean amenities such as an ice-skating rink; a rock-climbing wall; the award-winning Adventure Ocean kids’ program; 10 fine to casual dining options; Broadway-style entertainment; and the Royal Promenade – a boulevard that stretches nearly the length of the ship flanked by boutiques, restaurants, and bars and lounges.

            Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.

            Royal Caribbean provides a world-class vacation experience with a wide range of signature onboard amenities, entertainment, and award-winning family programming. The cruise line has a 40-year history of giving guests the Royal Advantage – the most innovative cruise ships, exciting itineraries to popular destinations, and world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service. Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for eight consecutive years in Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Follow Royal Caribbean on Facebook at www.facebook.com/royalcaribbean or on Twitter, @royalcaribbean. Travel professionals should visit www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

            Royal Caribbean International is part of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., a global cruise vacation company that also operates Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Pullmantur, CDF Croisieres de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture with TUI AG.  The company owns a combined total of 40 ships and has one under construction and one under agreement.

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