THE vast new cruise ship, Independence of the Seas, which will be joint biggest in the world and based in Southampton when complete next year was due to be floated out from her construction berth in Finland today.

Floating out, when water is allowed to gush into the drydock so the ship can be moved to a fitting-out berth, is a major milestone in the construction of this, the third vessel in the spectacular Freedom class of ships, pictured right.

The decision by operators, Royal Caribbean International, to use Southampton as Independence of the Seas' home port for her maiden 2008 summer season underlines the rapid growth of cruising in the UK.

At 160,000 tons, Independence of the Seas, will be one of the world's largest cruise ships capable of accommodating 3,634 passengers as well as featuring an ice rink, rock climbing wall, surfing pool, a water park and 18 decks.

Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean's chairman and chief executive officer, said: "Bringing this new generation of mega ships to Southampton, the home of UK cruising, will further develop our global operations and reinforce cruising as an enticing vacation option for travellers in this region.

" After a series of preview sailings in Norway, Germany and Southampton, Independence of the Seas will embark on her maiden voyage in mid-May 2008, alternating 14-night Mediterranean Treasures' and Italian Mediterranean' itineraries.