The 'Independence of the Seas' is on the Canary Islands leg of its maiden voyage after a first-stopover in Funchal (Madeira). Built at the Aker Finnyards drydock in Turku (Finland), it is the 'sister' ship of two other 'Freedom' class cruise-liners, the 'Freedom of the Seas' and 'Liberty of the Seas'.

At 158,000 gross tonnes, the 'Independence of the Seas' becomes the world's biggest of its type, and is 10,000 tonnes heavier than the 'Queen Mary II'. It was launched from its Southampton base at the end of April since when successful sea-trials have been conducted on sailings between Oslo, Norway, and the German port of Hamburg.

After stopovers in Santa Cruz (photo), Las Palmas and Arrecife, it will head to the mainland to visit Lisbon and Vigo before returning to Southampton.

With a maximum capacity for 4,370 passengers, it is carrying 3,600 (from 20 countries) on this trip, who are being attended to by a total crew of 1,200 (from 75).

It has 14 floors and features a vast array of amenities, including an interactive water park, a dedicated sports pool (for volleyball and basketball), and whirlpools which extend from the ship's sides.

It also features a coffee shop and bookstore, a pizzeria, and an ice cream parlour, a rock climbing wall, ice skating rink, Wi-Fi capabilities throughout the ship, flat screen televisions in all staterooms, and cell phone connectivity.

And, it is also the first Royal Caribbean ship to feature heated, freshwater pools.

Boasting rights are not set to last long, however, as rumour has it that the first of the new 'Genesis' class cruisers, that are expected to enter service next year, will be even bigger.