FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The world's largest cruise ship, the "Independence of the Seas" docked at her new home in Port Everglades this morning.

The latest ship from Royal Caribbean pulled in around 5:45 a.m. The Independence features a full size ice-skating rink, boxing ring, and interactive water park.

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The 160,000-ton ship can carry more than 3,500 passengers, approximately 20 percent more guests than any other cruise ship that homeports in Port Everglades. Independence is expected to have a positive economic impact on South Florida.

Passenger Ava Coffin from the United Kingdom said she had an amazing transatlantic trip.

“Everyone should go on it,” Coffin said. "She’s a fantastic ship.”

The Independence of the Seas has been traveling around Europe for over a year, but now it calls Port Everglades home. Its arrival is part of a growing trend of the largest cruise ships in the world docking at one of South Florida's ports.

To handle the demand, the port has just completed the first phase of a $2.5 million expansion plan. Terminal 18 was expanded to hold giant ships like Independence and Celebrity’s "Solstice."

Coffin, who is also a travel agent, said the cruise industry is the only area in tourism that is still growing. She added that cruising is an economical way to take a vacation.

“Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, it’s the best value you can get," Coffin said.

After being cleaned and inspected, the ship will set sail again on Wednesday evening on its way to Mexico and will be back at Port Everglades in four days.