The bottle of fizz fizzed and the champagne cork popped - eventually.

The first attempt to break the bottle of champagne during the naming ceremony of the world's largest cruise ship in Southamp-ton yesterday ended in a splutter rather than a smash.

But the bottle was well and truly shattered on the second attempt during the sparkling celebration, which saw the vast Independence of the Seas officially enter service and become the biggest passenger ship ever based in the city.

Liz Hill, a 56-year-old farmer's wife from Derbyshire, was chosen to be godmother to the £400m supership after Royal Caribbean International decided on a break with naming tradition.

The role of ship's godmother is typically reserved for dignitaries or celebrities.

Liz's daughter Alicia, 13 yesterday, nominated her mum for having founded the Game Lea Countryside Training Trust, a charity for young people.

Before the ceremony, which featured Scottish pipers and Irish dancers, mum-of-four Liz said: "It is such a great honour to name such a magnificent ship."

As well as naming the ship, Liz - who has never been on a cruise - has been given VIP voyages for two for the next ten years.

Ever since Independence of the Seas arrived in Southampton last Friday from the builder's yard in Finland, she has been a huge attraction for thousands of sightseers.

The ship's vast range of passenger facilities includes an ice rink, rock-climbing wall, surf riding pool, water park and miniature golf course - plus cabins to accommodate 3,600 passengers.

Royal Caribbean International is already planning to show off Genesis of the Seas - now under construction - in the city in two years' time.

Weighing a massive 220,000 tons, this enormous vessel will be able to carry up to 8,400 passengers.

Other guests at the ceremony included Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave, who was on the selection panel that picked Liz to name the ship.

After the ceremony guests attended a reception and dinner as Independence of the Seas left port for a two-night promotional voyage. She will return tomorrow to begin her maiden voyage.