Feature 1 | CRuIseshIp teChnology
Liberty has designs on Independence
Royal Caribbean has employed designers on both sides of the Atlantic to
give its Freedom class vessels a distinctive feel, writes Clare Nicholls.
I
ndependence of the Seas is the last
in Royal Caribbean International’s
Freedom class series, and at
160,000gt and 339m long, is a sizeable
undertaking in design and architecture.
The same format has been used on all
three Freedom class vessels, starting with
the 2006 delivery Freedom of the Seas
through to 2007’s Liberty of the Seas, with
Independence of the Seas due to embark
on its maiden voyage in May 2008, and
using many of the same contractors as
the previous builds.
Independence is currently being
constructed at Aker Kvaerner’s yard in
Turku, Finland. It has four bow thrusters
fitted, and a cruising speed of 21.6knots.
15 passenger decks accommodate 3634
guests utilising double occupancy,
and 4375 guests in total. The ship will
be manned by 1360 Norwegian and
international crew.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines’ in-
house design team, the Newbuilding & Independence of the Seas is the last of Royal Caribbean International’s Freedom class
Fleet Design Group based in Florida, series.
USA, was responsible for the arrangement
of the crew areas, suites, and various
public areas aboard all vessels in class. provided by International Corporate Butler Architects in the USA.
Tillberg Design AB of Sweden provided Art of Florida, USA, with the company English company Project International
the design of the three tier main dining envisioning a unifying and exciting Ltd collaborated with Royal Caribbean’s
rooms, using rich, vibrant colours and concept of ‘illusion versus reality’. in-house design team to produce the
deep wood tones. For the whole class, Sweden’s architectural lighting systems onboard
American company RTKL undertook Arkitektbyran AB was responsible for the entire class. Significant advances
interior architecture and design services the architecture and design of the youth in lighting technology were used to
for the vessels’ Photo Gallery, Jazz areas, the sports deck, solarium, pool compliment and define architectural
Club, Diamond Club Members Lounge, deck, and the Flowrider onboard surf features, as well as providing contrasting
Conference Centre, Business Services, park. The Shipshape Spa and Fitness effects for the evening operation of the
and the Casino Royale. However, the area onboard each vessel was designed spaces.
‘Gambling with the Stars’ artwork aboard by Stephenjohn Design Ltd of the UK. A n o t h e r R o y a l C a r i b b e a n
Liberty’s Casino Royale boasts a notably Six spaces aboard Liberty were collaboration took place with Tom
different theme from Freedom’s ‘Great designed by USA-based Morris Graboski Associates Inc (TGA) of the
Gatsby’. Nathanson Design Inc, consisting of USA, this one for the design of the
London, UK-based designteam ltd’s Vintages wine bar, Sorrento’s pizzeria, environmental graphics and signage
involvement in Liberty’s design comprised English-style pub Hoof & Claw, Ben on every ship across the fleet. TGA
The Sphinx Show Lounge, Connoisseur & Jerry’s ice-cream parlour, and Café completed the primary branding and
Club, shops, the Royal Promenade Promenade. The 1350-seat Platinum identity signage for all public room
four-storey mall, The Catacombs Night Theatre, the On Air Lounge karaoke club, areas onboard, including directional
Club, library and Internet lounge, and and Studio B ice rink and performance and way-finding signs for guests and
art gallery. The art onboard Liberty was studio designs were provided by Wilson crew members. NA
38 The Naval Architect February 2008
NA Feb 08 -
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