The Independence of the Seas in Southampton

Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean, chairman and CEO, demonstrating his surfer skills.

Royal Caribbean Cruises newest ship, the Independence of the Seas, was christened in Southampton last week. The godmother was Elizabeth Hill, who was selected because of her extraordinary contribution to the common good, according to the cruise line. Hill runs a farm where troubled and learning disabled children can learn new skills.

The 160,000-ton, 3,600-passenger Independence of the Seas will be dedicated to the British market this summer and sail from Southampton. Before arriving in Southampton, she had also been shown off in Oslo.

The UK introduction of the ship went on for seven days and included a variety of celebrities but also members of the public, that, according to Royal Caribbean, were selected in a competition for VIP previews of the ship.

With a maximum capacity of 4,300, the Independence is the newest and largest ships to be sailing from the UK this summer. This is also the first time an American-based brand is dedicating a new ship to a non-U.S. market.

Sending the bottle: Captain Teo Strazicic, Godmother Elizabeth Hill and Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribben Cruises.	Speaking at a press conference: from left: Hernan Zini, captain of newbuildings; Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International; Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises; and Susan Hooper, senior vice president and managing director for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.