Royal Caribbean International has decided to axe Independence of the Seas from the UK in 2020 and operate the 2008 built Freedom class ship from Fort Lauderdale in Florida instead.

This will leave just one ship of the line, Anthem of the Seas that is a larger and newer (2015) Quantum class vessel, in Southampton next year.

"The UK remains a cornerstone of the Royal Caribbean business and this is evident from the fact that we have our amazing Quantum Class ship Anthem of the Seas returning to Southampton in 2020.

"The decision for Independence of the Seas to remain in Florida has been made to help us satisfy the increasing demand we’re seeing in North America, particularly for our newly opened Perfect Day at CocoCay,” Ben Bouldin, AVP and Managing Director, Royal Caribbean International UK & Ireland, was quoted by Cruise Critic as saying.

“The UK remains a cornerstone of the Royal Caribbean business and this is evident from the fact that we have our amazing Quantum Class ship Anthem of the Seas returning to Southampton in 2020,’ the report said.