AN ICONIC cruise liner will continue to call Southampton her home after her owners confirmed she would be returning to the city.

The ‘Independence of the Seas’ is set to come back to Southampton for the 2019 season following her return to the UK this may after a multi-million pound makeover.

It means UK holidaymakers can enjoy the vessel’s new family features with the added convenience of sailing from Southampton.

Other features made to the ship include a new Sky Pad, a virtual reality, bungee trampoline experience that transports guests to another time and planet via a virtual reality headset; interactive waterpark, Splashaway Bay, which will be bigger and better than ever before; Puzzle Break, an all-new Escape Room; and an incredible glow-in-the-dark Laser Tag arena.

The Independence is owned by Royal Caribbean International and began operating from Southampton 11-years-ago.

This year its ships will visit Southampton 37 times between May and November.

It is estimated that each ship visit is worth £2m to the local economy.

Explorer of the Seas will also return to the UK in 2019, replacing Navigator of the Seas.

One of Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class ships, Explorer will give guests that chance to visit breathtaking destinations around Europe and, for the very first time, will call at the picturesque ports of Florence, Naples and Stockholm.

The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean, including jaw-dropping, West-End style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous holidaymakers alike.

Onboard, guests are catered to with the cruise line’s world-renowned friendly and engaging service by every staff and crew member.

The newly revamped Independence will be sailing to Ibiza in August and September for the first time in four years.

As well as the medieval walls of Ibiza Town, the White Island is home to lively beaches, traditional villages and natural beauty found in quiet coves, coastal trails and tranquil woodlands.