In concert with comment made by Malim Sahib (the lifeboat issue was raised in a similar stream with earlier upload involving Quantum of the Seas). For those not assigned or cannot fit into the limited number of lifeboats, passengers must use an emergency evacuation chute to access inflatable liferafts. There is a regulation (SOLAS) stating that the max number of people permitted aboard a lifeboat is 150. I suspect it would be "design" difficult for a cruise line to build a ship with 58 lifeboats carrying 150 people each. RCCL obtained a waiver to increase max lifeboat capacity to 370. In order to secure this so called "waiver", RCCL had to demonstrate these mega-size lifeboats have an "equivelant level of safety as the 150 capacity lifeboats". For all the safety features these HUGE ships have, I would be happy just to photograph them from shore.

As this ship was built in 2009 surely it cannot be the newest cruise ship to arrive in Southampton......?

You will not get me on one of these buggers thats for sure. To many people, to much top hamper probably no sensation you are on a ship until it gets rough then look out!

rgds

Derek

Apparently certified for a maximum of 6296 passengers plus 2394 crew, so 8690 souls all told.
I truly hope one of these behemoths is never involved in a situation which involves fire or abandoning ship, as the potential consequences of dealing with all those people in an emergency are truly terrifying.

Amazing to see this awesome giant in my country!
Shaun Smith Milne.