Get on board for a week of events on the high seas!
...and some of the spectacular events, during her stay in the docks between 29th April and 3rd May 2006. They include the launch weekend of a new open bus tour round the port, emphasising the Freedom of the Seas while she's in port.
The 160,000 tonne ship, taller than London's Oxo Tower and longer than 37 double-decker buses, will arrive at the City Cruise Terminal at 9am on Saturday 29th April. It is expected to be her only visit to the UK as she will be permanently based in the United States.
That evening, visitors are invited to admire her from the Mayflower Park where they will be able to enjoy a celebratory fireworks display taking place at 10.30pm, just before she sets sail for a one-night cruise with invited guests at 10.45pm.
Freedom of the Seas returns to the City Terminal at 6am on Sunday 30th April, where she will berth overnight and host another firework display at 8.30pm, which can also be viewed from the Mayflower Park.
On Monday, 1st May, a final firework display will take place at 10.30pm, before she sets sail for a two-night cruise with invited guests. Freedom of the Seas will make her final return to Southampton on Wednesday 3rd May, docking for a few hours before making an 11am departure for her Atlantic crossing to Cape Liberty, New York where her official naming will take place later in the week.
Solent Blue Line and Associated British Ports (ABP) will be hosting open top bus tours around Southampton's famous working port with a special emphasis on the Freedom of the Seas.
The tour will offer unparalleled views of the cruise. From Saturday, April 29, the tours will be running hourly, six times a day, from the railway station, civic centre and Bargate Street, offering an informative and fascinating view of one of the busiest working ports in the world. Costs are £5 per adult, £3 per child and £15 per group of five people.
Talking about the tours, Doug Morrison, ABP Director Southampton said: "We are delighted to be able to offer the public a chance to take a guided tour of the Port of Southampton. This will provide the chance to see the South Coast's premier port in all its glory."
Solent Blue Line in conjunction with Associated British Ports (ABP), will also be providing fully commentated bus tours throughout the summer every weekend from April 29-September 1 and daily from May 30 to June 2 and July 24-September 1.
