Woman names largest cruise ship

One of the world's largest cruise ships has been officially named by a member of the public who won a national competition for the honour.

Elizabeth Hill, from Baslow in Derbyshire, won the chance to name and christen the 160,000-tonne Independence of the Seas. Built in Finland, the £400m vessel will sail to and from Southampton. Five times Olympic gold medallist Sir Steven Redgrave attended the naming ceremony. Standing upright on its bow, the Independence of the Seas would dwarf the UK's tallest building London's One Canada Square at Canary Wharf which is 771ft tall (235m). The ship, longer than three-and-a-half football pitches, boasts shops, restaurants and bars on a man-made "street" which is longer than the pitch at the new Wembley Stadium. Independence of the Seas is expected to set sail on its maiden voyage on 2 May for a two-week cruise of the Mediterranean. Last week, Cunard's three Queens - QE2, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria - met in Southampton for the first and last time. Independence of the Seas can take nearly 4,400 passengers.

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