Independence of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas, two of Royal Caribbean International’s most activity packed ships have arrived back in Southampton this month to embark on their 2014 summer seasons for the second year running.

The return of the ships underscores the company’s commitment to the UK and Southampton market, which will grow further with the arrival of the most technologically advanced ship ever, Anthem of the Seas in April 2015.

The newly enhanced Adventure of the Seas arrived into the City Cruise terminal on May 4th while sister ship Independence of the Seas sails into the port on May 17th 2014.

A host of all new features will be available for the first time from Southampton 2014 sailings with Adventure of the Seas. 

These include Wi-Fi throughout the ship, a new Concierge Lounge for suite guests, a Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty programme members and digital signage throughout the ship.

Flat screen TV’s in every stateroom and a giant outdoor cinema screen and the addition of Giovanni’s Table – a family friendly Italian trattoria - are further new features that await guests on Adventure of the Seas.

The 3,114-guest ship offers a series of seven to 16 night cruises around the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, plus shorter sailings, including a four-night trip to Belgium and France.

The announcement that both Independence and Adventure of the Seas are returning into Southampton comes ahead of Royal Caribbean embarking on a massive step change for the global business by placing some of its newest ships on this side of the Atlantic.

In 2015, Anthem of the Seas, the newest and one of the most technologically advanced ships ever will call the Port of Southampton home for its summer season, while sister ship, Allure of the Seas will call Barcelona its home.

To kick off its summer season, Independence of the Seas will offer a series of new itineraries including more, shorter sailings such as three-night cruises to Le Havre for Paris and four night cruises to Le Havre for Paris and Zeebrugge for Bruges.

The ship will also offer six night cruises to France and Spain, an eight-night cruise to Norway, various 14-night Mediterranean cruises, plus 11 and 12-night Canary Islands cruises as part of its 2014 summer season.

Stuart Leven, managing director, Royal Caribbean International, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome back two of our most activity-packed ships to the city of Southampton. It is an extremely important port for our ships and the experience for our guests is always excellent.

“The port is easily reached by road, rail and air and we know our guests love how quickly they can reach the hot spot destinations of Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.”