Independence returning to America

Independence of the Seas is returning to America. Royal Caribbean International is bringing the Freedom-class ship back to Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale for the winter 2012-13 season. Travellers will have a choice of three Freedom-class ships offering a variety of Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, conveniently sailing from Port Canaveral (on Florida’s Space Coast) aboard Freedom of the Seas and Port Everglades aboard Independence of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. Independence will depart on its transatlantic voyage from Southampton, U.K. on Nov. 22 and homeport at Port Everglades from December through March 2013. The ship will sail a three-night Bahamas cruise, before alternating eight-night Eastern Caribbean and six-night Western Caribbean itineraries. In the Eastern Caribbean, calls include San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination on the northern coast of Haiti. In the Western Caribbean, Independence will call at Falmouth, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Labadee. Additionally, a special six-night Western Caribbean itinerary, calling at Grand Cayman, and Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, will sail on Jan. 13, 2013. Independence of the Seas will then return to the U.K. in April 2013 to offer Mediterranean and Europe cruises throughout the summer. (http://www.cruisingpower.com)