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Largest cruise ship sets sail on maiden voyage
The bottle of fizz fizzed and the champagne cork popped - eventually.
The first attempt to break the bottle of champagne during the naming ceremony of the world's largest cruise ship in Southamp-ton yesterday ended in a splutter rather than a smash.
But the bottle was well and truly shattered on the second attempt during the sparkling celebration, which saw the vast Independence of the Seas officially enter service and become the biggest passenger ship ever based in the city.
Liz Hill, a 56-year-old farmer's wife from Derbyshire, was chosen to be godmother to the £400m supership after Royal Caribbean International decided on a break with naming tradition.
The role of ship's godmother is typically reserved for dignitaries or celebrities.
Liz's daughter Alicia, 13 yesterday, nominated her mum for having founded the Game Lea Countryside Training Trust, a charity for young people.
Before the ceremony, which featured Scottish pipers and Irish dancers, mum-of-four Liz said: "It is such a great honour to name such a magnificent ship."
As well as naming the ship, Liz - who has never been on a cruise - has been given VIP voyages for two for the next ten years.
Ever since Independence of the Seas arrived in Southampton last Friday from the builder's yard in Finland, she has been a huge attraction for thousands of sightseers.
The ship's vast range of passenger facilities includes an ice rink, rock-climbing wall, surf riding pool, water park and miniature golf course - plus cabins to accommodate 3,600 passengers.
Royal Caribbean International is already planning to show off Genesis of the Seas - now under construction - in the city in two years' time.
Weighing a massive 220,000 tons, this enormous vessel will be able to carry up to 8,400 passengers.
Other guests at the ceremony included Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave, who was on the selection panel that picked Liz to name the ship.
After the ceremony guests attended a reception and dinner as Independence of the Seas left port for a two-night promotional voyage. She will return tomorrow to begin her maiden voyage.
11:26am Thursday 1st May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Darren Bottomley, Bradford, West Yorkshire on 12:40pm Thu 1 May 08
Fan-flippin-tastic! I'm coming down to Southampton tomorrow for Independences' maiden voyage, can't wait!!!!! Also look forward to seeing Genesis in 2 years time.
Fan-flippin-tastic! I'm coming down to Southampton tomorrow for Independences' maiden voyage, can't wait!!!!! Also look forward to seeing Genesis in 2 years time.
Posted by: stevie on 12:43pm Thu 1 May 08
Does not weigh 220,000 tons, more like 80,000 tonnes, doesn't carry 8,400 passengers , more like 4500 or so, Echo gets it wrong again
Does not weigh 220,000 tons, more like 80,000 tonnes, doesn't carry 8,400 passengers , more like 4500 or so, Echo gets it wrong again
Posted by: Steve on 1:00pm Thu 1 May 08
Stevie, I think you have misread the article.
The Genesis will weigh 220,000 tonnes and carry 8,400 passengers.
Independence weighs 160,000 tonnes if I remember correctly and carrys 4,400 passengers.
Ship still looks amazing - looking forward to going on the maiden voyage tomorrow!
Stevie, I think you have misread the article.
The Genesis will weigh 220,000 tonnes and carry 8,400 passengers.
Independence weighs 160,000 tonnes if I remember correctly and carrys 4,400 passengers.
Ship still looks amazing - looking forward to going on the maiden voyage tomorrow!
Posted by: hulla, baloo on 1:04pm Thu 1 May 08
At least Southampton gets its ice rink, that lots have been asking for,albeit at irregular intervals.
At least Southampton gets its ice rink, that lots have been asking for,albeit at irregular intervals.
Posted by: stevie on 3:04pm Thu 1 May 08
Your right, I did miss read it, my apologies
Your right, I did miss read it, my apologies
Posted by: Paul, Southampton on 4:14pm Thu 1 May 08
Is it just me or is the headline to this story just wrong?
So when exactly is a voyage a "maiden voyage" and not a "promotional voyage"
Is it just me or is the headline to this story just wrong?
So when exactly is a voyage a "maiden voyage" and not a "promotional voyage"
Posted by: Patricia, Hythe on 9:24am Fri 2 May 08
The promotional is a freebie for journalists, celebs, TAs etc. Maidens are the first fare-paying after being named. But I agree about the headline. Should be 'to set sail'.
The promotional is a freebie for journalists, celebs, TAs etc. Maidens are the first fare-paying after being named. But I agree about the headline. Should be 'to set sail'.
Posted by: sotonian, southampton on 9:57pm Fri 2 May 08
[quote][bold]hulla[/bold] wrote:
At least Southampton gets its ice rink, that lots have been asking for,albeit at irregular intervals.[/quote] yes but a shame the locals cannot use it. Surely if they are putting an ice rink on a ship then this must show how popular skating is.
hulla wrote:
At least Southampton gets its ice rink, that lots have been asking for,albeit at irregular intervals.
yes but a shame the locals cannot use it. Surely if they are putting an ice rink on a ship then this must show how popular skating is.
Posted by: Capitan108, New York on 11:08pm Sat 3 May 08
Afraid both comments are wrong re 'weight'. Ships are measured in units of 100 cubic feet and for historic reasons these are called 'tons'
The 'tons' quoted by Royal Caribbean are therefore units of volume, ie 220,000 'tons = 22,000,000 cubic feet
Afraid both comments are wrong re 'weight'. Ships are measured in units of 100 cubic feet and for historic reasons these are called 'tons'
The 'tons' quoted by Royal Caribbean are therefore units of volume, ie 220,000 'tons = 22,000,000 cubic feet
Posted by: Personinontario, Canada on 1:03pm Mon 5 May 08
I know for a fact that the ship Independence and her sister ships weight very close to 160,000 tonnes but are actually around 155,000. Genisis is approximatly 220,000 but it's not build yet so it could weight more or less
I know for a fact that the ship Independence and her sister ships weight very close to 160,000 tonnes but are actually around 155,000. Genisis is approximatly 220,000 but it's not build yet so it could weight more or less
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