The ship will be sailing a number of voyages to Europe and the Mediterranean, with itineraries including three and four night mini-breaks to Paris and Bruges.

There will also be seven-night cruise itineraries to France and Spain, and a number of 14-night breaks to the Mediterranean.

Independence will be joined by Navigator of the Seas, which has recently undergone a £50 million makeover, and will also be sailing from Southampton on six to 14-night Norwegian Fjord, Baltic, Mediterranean or Canary Island itineraries.

Harmony of the Seas will also be sailing in Europe from Barcelona and Rome.

The line’s third Oasis-class ship, which will launch in spring 2016, will also offer a number of European sailings, visiting ports such as Palma, Florence, Pisa and Naples.

Royal Caribbean’s decision to move the ship back to the UK is a considerable show of support