Why Indy was down on power for three years

Independence of the Seas' three azipod propulsion units

Cruise ship Independence of the Seas was powered by only two of its three propellers for much of the time the ship was sailing from Southampton, it has been revealed.

A bearing failure on one of its three azipod propulsion units left the 3,600-passenger vessel dependent on the remaining two pods – electric motors attached to the outside of the hull replacing conventional shaft-driven propellers. Its top speed was restricted to 19.5 knots instead of the design maximum of 21.6 knots.

The unit’s failure came to light in a posting on the Facebook Cruise Lovers’ page. A contributor said the unit’s propellers were removed to prevent vibration, and that they were eventually replaced in visit to dry dock. The post added: “Three years of going forward and back over the Bay of Biscay with only two azipods is quite a feat.”

Royal Caribbean marketing and PR director Jo Briody confirmed the failure. She said: “Independence of the Seas has two azipods and one fixipod. Due to bearing failure, the blades of the fixipod were removed as a temporary measure to prevent further damage. The only resulting outcome was that the vessel was not able to reach its top speed.

“This does not provide any limitations as the ship sails in the Bay of Biscay. In fact, speeds of 19.5 knots were still attainable. The removal did not cause any delays or missed ports during Independence of the Seas' cruises.”

She added that full power was restored during a dry dock overhaul in April 2013.

Independence of the Seas left Southampton for the last time on November 1 and will spend the winter sailing in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. From April 2015, it will be replaced on ex-UK sailings by brand new ship Anthem of the Seas.

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Onboard credit and all-inclusive deals on Royal Caribbean cruises booked this weekend

Thinking about booking a cruise this weekend? You can book deals online from the comfort of your own home with Royal Caribbean International.

The company has some great deals available online this weekend, but you'll need to be quick as they won’t be around for long.

Book from this Friday 19 September to Monday 22 September for any sailings between the 1 October 2014 and the 31 December 2015 and receive £50 onboard credit per stateroom for sailings between seven and ten nights, and £100 onboard credit per stateroom for sailings of more than 11 nights.

This offer is combinable with Royal Caribbean’s all-inclusive package, which ends 30 September and entitles guests who book on select 2015 cruises to have gratuities and select drinks packages included into the price of their holiday.

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Adventure Cruising blog

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Royal Caribbean's 2013 Southampton Boost

Cruising from Southampton has become a great deal more fun with news that two activity-packed Royal Caribbean ships will set sail from the port during the summer of 2013 for the first time. Bringing more rock climbing, ice skating, surfing and great entertainment than ever before, both Independence of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas (above) will call the UK home from May 2013 until late October.

The 3,634-guest Independence has been based in Southampton since 2008 and continues to receive rave reviews from UK holidaymakers. The 3,114-guest Adventure of the Seas brings yet more cruise holiday options to the popular port.

Cruises go on sale tomorrow (March 20) and there are a host of early booking offers up for grabs, including free car parking in Southampton, free coach travel to UK departure ports, and low prices on regional flights to UK departure ports on all cruises booked of ten nights or more as part of the early booking deal.

Itinerary highlights with the new Adventure of the Seas UK-based season include:

Seven-night France and Spain cruise departing Southampton and calling at Vigo, Gijon and Bilbao in Spain, and Le Havre for Paris in France, available from £599 based on May 24, 2013, departure.

A 12-night Baltic cruise featuring destinations such as Oslo, Copenhagen, Tallinn, Helsinki and an overnight stay in St. Petersburg departing Southampton from just £999, based on a May 31, 2013, departure.

A 14-night Mediterranean Cities cruise departing Southampton on July 7 and October 13, 2013, with ports of call in Malaga, Cannes, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartegena, Lisbon and Vigo from £1,199.

When Adventure of the Seas arrives in Southampton on May 5, 2013, the ship will offer a series of seven, 12, 13, 14 and 16-night cruises. An early booking offer allowing savings of up to £500 per stateroom will apply to all Adventure cruises booked by May 31, 2012.

On May 2, 2013, Independence of the Seas will arrive in Southampton following a dry dock enhancement and will offer a series of new itineraries including more shorter voyages such as two-night cruises from Le Havre for Paris and three-night cruises to Le Havre for Paris and Zeebrugge for Bruges. Independence will also offer eight-night cruises to Norway, 14-night Norway and Cork cruises, various 14-night Mediterranean cruises, and 12-night Canary Islands cruises.

Further new destinations and cruises for Independence in 2013 include seven and eight-night cruises to various destinations in Norway, and a new call to Ibiza on a 14-night Spanish Mediterranean cruise.

For booking details, be sure to check this link with the UK's cruise agent specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Cruise the Canaries with Royal Caribbean

Join Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas on a 14-night Spain & Canary Islands cruise-only from just £895 per person (based on two people sharing an inside stateroom) this spring.

For less than £64 per night, this superb price includes the full two-week voyage, which departs Southampton on March 17 and calls at Vigo, Lisbon, Lanzarote, Las Palmas, Tenerife and La Coruña before returning to Southampton, plus all meals and entertainment on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link  with the UK's leading cruise agent specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Caribbean Winter for Independence of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has announced that Independence of Seas will be based in the Caribbean for the 2012-13 winter season and return to the UK for the summer season in April 2013.

Independence will depart on a trans-Atlantic voyage from Southampton on November 22, 2012, and arrive at Port Everglades on December 5. The hugely popular ship is re-locating to the Caribbean for the winter season, offering UK and Irish guests six and eight-night sailings in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Since its launch in April 2008, Independence has been the largest and arguably the most innovative cruise ship in Europe and has proved a big hit for ex-UK sailings. This will be her first venture to the Caribbean in that time.

For bookings, be sure to check this link with cruise specialist agents The Cruise Line Ltd (or call 0800 008 6677).

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New Shopping For Independence

Royal Caribbean have enhanced their British-style offerings aboard Independence of the Seas - which sails exclusively out of Southampton for the UK market - by revamping the shopping choices aboard the chic 3,600-passenger vessel, with more emphasis on duty free goods, cosmetics and perfumes. Here are the full details from today's press release:

Shoppers heading to the high seas can now enjoy a revamped and refurbished retail experience onboard Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas.

This summer, the 427sq ft Royal Promenade shopping street (above left), which runs the length of the ship, has undergone a number of enhancements to the existing onboard shops.

Key updates include:

o ‘Perfume and Cosmetics’ shop re-branded and refurbished as ‘Desire’ offering costume jewellery and handbags

o ‘The General Store’ has become ‘The Gift Box’ shop selling general gifts and souvenirs

o ‘Fashion Boutique’ is now the ‘Duty Free Emporium’ featuring a host of tax-free items including designer sunglasses and prestigious alcohol brands

o ‘Get Out There’ store is now known as ‘Season’ and offers the latest in fashion attire and accessories

o ‘Logo’ is refurbished as ‘The Perfume House’ selling fragrances, cosmetics and beauty products

Jo Rzymowska, Associate Vice President and General Manager UK and Ireland – Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, commented:

“We’re dedicated to making sure our guests get value for money from their cruise holiday and now they can take advantage of even more tax-free savings on some of their favourite shopping purchases with increased ranges from the newly refurbished shops. The revamp to the retail outlets onboard Independence of the Seas is another important step in our rolling investment into the onboard experience.”

Launched in 2008, Independence of the Seas has become a popular holiday option for those wishing to cruise from Southampton in the UK to Europe and the Mediterranean year-round. Other onboard highlights include a FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink and H2O Zone waterpark.

For additional info, visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk or, for bookings, contact the cruise agent specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Chauffer-Driven Royal Caribbean!

Royal Caribbean is offering UK customers the chance to add an extra touch of luxury to their cruise holiday, with chauffeur driven services to and from British ports and London airports.

Guests sailing onboard Independence of the Seas and also Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Eclipse from Southampton and Jewel of the Seas from Harwich or flying from London Heathrow or Gatwick have the opportunity to book a chauffeur-driven service with partner Tristar Chauffeur Services to and from their address to their port or airport of departure.

“This is a great addition to the list of optional extras we offer our guests,” says Jo Rzymowska, associate vice president and general manager, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, UK and Ireland. “Having the opportunity to transfer in luxury is the perfect way to make the most of your holiday time and a fantastic treat.”

Peak time transfers cost approximately £65 for the first 15 miles and £1.40 per mile thereafter. Off-peak transfers cost approximately £55 for the first 15 miles and £1 per mile thereafter. Costs will vary depending on where the guest is being collected from.

For more info, visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk or contact a specialist cruise agent like The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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A Med Cruise For Less than £55 Per Night? Yes, With Royal Caribbean!

Join Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas for an 18-night Ultimate Mediterranean cruise from just £948 per person this November (based on two people sharing an inside cabin). That's less than £55 per person, per night - including meals.

The price includes the full 18-night voyage departing Southampton and calling at Lisbon, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Livorno (for Florence/Pisa), Civitavecchia (for Rome), Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), Gibraltar and Cádiz before returning to Southampton; plus all meals and entertainment, and relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on November 11 departure.

For more info, visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk or specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Independence Sails Into 2012 with Great Value

Royal Caribbean is maintaining its attractive pricing for new cruises onboard Independence of the Seas in 2012. The move also confirms that the popular ship will remain sailing year-round from Southampton into next year. With consistently high guest satisfaction rates and very strong sales generated by the trade year-on-year, the ship is set to remain one of the most requested for UK holidaymakers.

Highlights of the new 2012 voyages include:

Two 14-night Mediterranean options (Mediterranean Treasures and Italian Mediterranean), leading in at £1,149. The Mediterranean Treasures sailing has the option of either a Cannes/Monte Carlo or Provence (Toulon) call.

The 11-night Spain and Canary Islands cruises, featuring Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Madeira and La Coruna, start from just £749 per person.

And there is the return of a 10-day dedicated Canary Islands cruise from £849.

Free car parking and £99 regional connection flights are also available on all bookings made before May 31, 2011, on sailings of 10 nights or longer

Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society members – the cruise line’s loyalty club – can make bookings 24 hours before the cruises go on general sale as of 9am on March 15.

For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk or contact the cruise specialist agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Grab a Bargain with Royal Caribbean

Join Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas (above) for a three-night Paris cruise from just £299 per person this spring, (price based on two people sharing an ocean view cabin).

Price includes a three-night Paris cruise departing Southampton and calling at Le Havre, for Paris, before returning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on an April 27 departure.

For more info or to book, visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk or try the cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Short but sweet deals with Royal Caribbean

Join Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas (above) for a three-night Paris cruise-only from £299 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin). This price includes a three-night cruise, departing Southampton and calling at Le Havre before returning to the south coast port; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on April 27 departure.

Or try a four-night cruise to that Irish gem, Cork (Cobh).

Head to the Emerald Isle this spring on Independence's four-night Cork, cruise-only from £400 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin). Price includes a four-night cruise departing Southampton and calling at Cork, before returning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Price is based on April 30 departure.

For more information or to book, see http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/ or contact the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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Cruising from the UK from £72 per person per night

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Now you can Join Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas (above) for an 11-night Spain and Canary Islands cruise-only from just £792 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Price includes an 11-night cruise-only, departing Southampton and calling at Vigo (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), Tenerife (Canary Islands), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Funchal (Madeira, Portugal) and La Coruña (Spain) before returning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

This price is based on a March 14 departure.

For more information, visit http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/ or cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Spring sunshine with Royal Caribbean International

By guest blogger Steve Newman

With the average temperature at 23°C in the Canary Islands in May, guarantee yourself some sunshine and join Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas (above) on a 10-night Canaries cruise from just £931 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

The price includes a 10-night cruise-only departing Southampton and calling at Funchal (Madeira, Portugal), Tenerife (Canary Islands), Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Lanzarote (Canary Islands) and Vigo (Spain) before returning to Southampton; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Independence of the Seas is brimming with 15 decks of activities, including a Flowrider surf park at sea, an onboard ice-skating rink, rock-climbing wall, a children’s water park, a teen-only nightclub, mother and daughter/father and son spa facilities, basketball and volleyball courts, miniature golf course and shopping.

Price is based on a departure of May 4, 2011.

For more information, see http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/ or talk to the cruise specialist agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Head to Paris with Royal Caribbean

Join Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas for a short break to the most romantic city on earth, Paris.

A three-night cruise, including a trip to the wonderful French capital, costs from just £349 per person in the spring (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

The price includes three nights aboard Royal Caribbean's UK-dedicated vessel, sailing from Southampton and calling at Le Havre (for trips to Paris) before returning to Southampton; all meals and entertainment onboard; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Independence (above) is brimming with 15 decks of activities, including Royal Caribbean's signature Flowrider surf park at sea, an onboard ice-skating rink, rock climbing wall, a children’s water park, a teen-only nightclub, mother and daughter/father and son spa facilities, basketball and volleyball courts, miniature golf course and shopping.

Price is based on an April 27 departure in 2011.

For more information, visit http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/ or check out The Cruise Line Ltd for a good range of deals on all Royal Caribbean voyages on 0800 008 6677.

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Christmas in the Med

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Two press releases about cruising at Christmas popped in to my inbox this morning. Both are completely different, so I thought I'd put them both on for you. Here's the first with the second one below (on Hurtigruten in Antarctica).

You can escape the traditional turkey and tinsel at home this Christmas and head to the Med on an 18-night Ultimate Mediterranean cruise on Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas from just £1,633 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin). Activities on board during the cruise include Christmas themed ice-skating, a Santa parade, festive films, music and decorations, plus carolling with cast and staff.

Independence is brimming with 15 decks of activities, including a Flowrider surf park at sea, an onboard ice-skating rink, rock climbing wall, a children’s water park, a teen-only nightclub, mother-and-daughter/father-and-son spa facilities, basketball and volleyball courts, a miniature golf course and shopping.

The price includes an 18-night cruise departing from Southampton, calling at Lisbon, Palma De Mallorca (above ), Barcelona, Livorno, Civitavechia (for Rome), Naples, Capri, Gibraltar and Cadiz before returning to Southampton; all meals and entertainment on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Departure is December 21, 2010.

For more information or to book, see http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/ or http://www.cruiseline.co.uk/royal-caribbean-cruises/

And why not have a look at Royal Caribbean at The Cruise Show venues at the NEC in Birmingham (October 16-17) and Olympia, London (March 26-27, 2011)?

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Cruising for £88 per person per night

By guest blogger Steve Newman

As the belt tightening continues, the need to discover a good bargain comes more and more into our minds. Now you can cruise from home this winter onboard Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas (above) from just £881 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Price includes their 10-night Spain and Canary Islands cruise departing from Southampton, and calling at Funchal (Madeira); Tenerife, Las Palmas and Lanzarote (Canary Islands); and Vigo (Spain) before returning to Southampton, plus meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Independence of the Seas is brimming with 15 decks of activities, including a Flowrider surf park, an onboard ice-skating rink, rock-climbing wall, a children’s water park, a teen-only nightclub, mother-and-daughter/father-and-son spa facilities, basketball and volleyball courts, miniature golf and shopping.

The price is based on a November 8 departure.

For more information or to book, see http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/

You can also find out more about Royal Caribbean as they will be exhibiting at The Cruise Show in Birmingham on October 16-17 and at London’s Olympia on March 26-27, 2011.

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Canary Islands a lot "Cheeper"?

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Many of us prefer to take a cruise right at the end of summer to try to hold off those winter blues for a bit longer. October is becoming an ever more popular month to take a cruise and, if you can get to somewhere warm and get there quickly, so much the better.

So why not think about joining Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas for a 10-night Canary Islands cruise from just £699 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin)? That’s Canary Islands cruising for £69 per person per day!

Royal Caribbean are renowned for their high-quality, ultra-modern vessels and, now you can check in online, it saves time and you don't have to fill in any forms at the pier. When you and your party arrive, all you need is your signed SetSail pass, identification documents, and credit card that you register online.

The price for this voyage includes the full 10-night cruise departing from Southampton and calling at Funchal (Madeira, Portugal), Tenerife, Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Lanzarote and Vigo (Spain) before returning to Southampton. Meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees are also fully inclusive.

Independence of the Seas is also brimming with 15 decks of activities, including a Flowrider surf park at sea, an onboard ice-skating rink, rock climbing wall, a children’s water park, a teen-only nightclub, mother-and-daughter/father-and-son spa facilities, basketball and volleyball courts, miniature golf course and shopping.

Price is based on 29 October 2010 departure.

Royal Caribbean are also exhibiting at the Cruise Show in Birmingham this October.

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