Independence of the Seas, the first of Royal Caribbean's huge Freedom-class ships to be based for the summer in Europe, has sailed on her inaugural cruise from Southamption after a round of pre-inaugural activities.

More than 10,000 10,000 travel agents, journalists, contest winners and frequent Royal Caribbean passengers were given an opportunity to sample the ship during more than a week of hoopla prior to the inaugural sailing.

Like sister ships Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, with which it is now temporary co-holder of the World's Largest Ship designation, Independence offers a FlowRider surf pool, ice skating rink, rock climbing wall and super-sized interior promenade.

The ship is the largest ever based in European waters, and is being marketed heavily to Britons and Europeans. It will relocate to the Caribbean in November for the winter season.