World's biggest cruise liner makes a splash

Forget Titanic. Cut to present. Longer than three-and-a-half football pitches and boasting an ice rink, the world's biggest and most expensive cruise liner has floated for the first time.

The 160,000-tonne Independence of the Seas, which left its Finnish shipyard in readiness for a final fit-out, will be based in Southampton -- a port city on the south coast of Britain -- when it enters service next May, The Daily Telegraph reported in London on Saturday.

The 400-million-pound ship, which if stood on its bow would be taller than the Eiffel Tower and is as wide as the White House, will have an array of restaurants that can accommodate up to 2,000 passengers at a time and a theatre for those who want to do little.

There will also be a gym large enough to hold 62 boxing rings, although there will only be one in situ, according to Royal Caribbean International -- the cruise company for which the ship is being built.

Moreover, the ship will have a climbing wall with 11 separate climbing routes. There is also a surf simulator, which generates artificial 10 mph waves on the top deck.

According to the company, the luxury liner will join its sister craft Liberty of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas (in the image) in fulfilling demand for the rapidly growing cruise market in European countries.

"Basing a ship this size in Southampton shows that there is huge potential to attract new people to cruise holidays. The image of cruising is changing rapidly and we want to do more to highlight the adventure and excitement of life onboard.

"We are targeting people of all ages to take holidays on our ships," the daily quoted Robin Shaw, the Managing Director of Royal Caribbean International as saying.

Image: The Independence of the Seas will overtake sister ship Freedom of the Seas (in the Picture) as the world's largest cruise ship.
Photograph: Getty Images | Reportage: PTI