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Super Cruiser Making 1st U.S. Launch From Port Everglades

Royal Caribbean International

The Independence of the Seas shares the title of world's largest cruise ship with its two sister ships.

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TBO.com

Published: November 20, 2008

Updated: 11/20/2008 10:08 am

TAMPA - It has an ice skating rink, a rock-climbing wall, a nine-hole miniature golf course, three restaurants and a Ben & Jerry's ice-cream shop.

Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas, which shares the title of world's largest cruise ship with sister ships Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, reached Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale today for its first launch from the United States.

The ship, which had started sailing from Europe in April, completed its trans-Atlantic journey from England today.

The ship will sail out of Fort Lauderdale to the eastern and western Caribbean beginning Sunday.

Here are some facts:

• Weight: 160,000 gross registered tons

• Decks: 15

• Restaurants: Portofino Italian Restaurant, Chops Grille, Johnny Rockets '50s-style restaurant

• Guests: can accommodate 3,634

• Recreational facilities: includes a water park and boxing ring

• Also: Wi-Fi and cell phone connectivity; conference facilities, including high-tech presentation rooms

For information, go to www.royalcaribbean.com.

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