Port skyline

Another day for big ships to dominate the Southampton skyline.  This time it is the massive cruise liner Independence of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean Line.
It’s a regular visitor to Southampton which is regarded as its home port during the summer months, operating a series of Mediterranean cruises from the port.  During the winter it is based at Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
At 1,112 ft in length it is one of  the biggest passenger ships operating from Southampton and carries up to 4,370 passengers, along with 1,360 crew . She is now nine years old, but underwent a major refurbishment four years ago.
Ships like this are designed to provide passengers with plenty to do as well  as cruising to favourite destinations whether this side of the Atlantic or in the Caribbean.

Independence, for example , has 22 bars, clubs and lounges and ten pools or whirlpools. There’s a full size boxing ring, a rock wall for climbing and even an ice-skating rink. Oh yes, and 273 slot machines.