Royal Caribbean’s new ship will sail in Europe

Royal Caribbean recently announced that the Independence of the Seas will sail Europe itineraries when the ship debuts in May 2008. The Independence will be based in Southampton, U.K., and become the largest cruise ship to homeport in Europe.

The Independence of the Seas will sail its maiden voyage in mid-May 2008. The ship will offer alternating 14-night itineraries. “Mediterranean Treasures” itineraries will include stops at Gibraltar, U.K.; Barcelona, Malaga, and Vigo, Spain; Nice, France; Livorno/Florence/Pisa and Sardinia, Italy; and Lisbon, Portugal. “Italian Mediterranean” cruises will call at Gibraltar, U.K.; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Livorno/Florence/Pisa, Rome, and Sardinia, Italy; Seville and Vigo, Spain; and Lisbon, Portugal.

It’s no big surprise that Royal Caribbean made this decision. Europe is extremely popular right now, and has more growth potential than the oversaturated Caribbean. I’d even guess that Royal Caribbean wishes the Independence of the Seas were ready now, so it could sell even more Europe cruises this summer.

Luckily for Royal Caribbean—and maybe for you—bookings open for the Independence of the Seas’ Europe itineraries this March 14. You can reserve a cabin on the new ship and have a vacation to look forward to, and Royal Caribbean can start capitalizing on the newest addition to its fleet.