Royal Caribbean International is maintaining its attractive pricing for new cruises onboard Independence of the Seas in 2012. The move also confirms that the popular ship will remain sailing year round from Southampton into next year. With consistently high guest satisfaction rates, and very strong sales generated by the trade year-on-year, Independence of the Seas is set to remain one of the most requested ships for UK holidaymakers.

With the emphasis on value and greater transparency for agents and consumers alike, many of the new 2012 Independence of the Seas sailings are at the same prices as their equivalent this year.

Independence of the Seas will return to Southampton for its third successive year-round programme next year with a more focused choice of European and Mediterranean sailings. Summer 2012 cruises go on sale on 16 March 2011, promoted with a dedicated mini-brochure. The ship launched in Southampton in 2008.

Once again, prices lead in at just £299, for the popular Paris (Le Havre) sailing aimed at first-time cruisers – the same as in 2011. Another ‘taster’ option – a four-night Cork sailing, also remains at the great value price of £359.

Jo Rzymowska, associate vice president and general manager, UK and Ireland, Royal Caribbean International, explained:

“Whilst the short cruises are extremely popular with first time cruisers, feedback from guests is that Independence of the Seas really comes into its own on longer trips – people can make the most of the facilities and get into their holiday. The two-week-long Mediterranean Treasures and Italian Mediterranean itineraries form the bulk of the summer period, and represent cracking value – prices for cruises in 2012 are in line with past years and customers can benefit from our offer of free car parking at Southampton or low-priced regional transfers. This gives agents the opportunity to demonstrate the ‘what you see is what you get’ honesty approach of Royal Caribbean International.”

Highlights of the new 2012 cruises from Independence of the Seas include:

• Two 14-night Mediterranean options (Mediterranean Treasures and Italian Mediterranean), leading in at £1,149. The Mediterranean Treasures sailing has the option of either a Cannes/Monte Carlo or Provence (Toulon) call

• 11-night Spain and Canary Islands cruises, featuring Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Madeira and La Coruna, from £749

• The return of a 10-day dedicated Canary Islands cruise from £849

• Free car parking and £99 regional connection flights are available on all bookings made before 31 May 2011 on sailings of 10 nights or longer