As the summer cruise season gets under way in Europe, 96 ships have sailed back to European waters from their winter routes within the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and Asia, bringing the whole fleet inside the region this summer to 200 cruise ships, operated by 65 lines, serving at the least 530 destinations stretching from the Mediterranean to the Arctic.
Underlining the industry’s steady growth in Europe, the eu summer fleet will include 11 new ships this year, including 3 ships re-entering service for brand spanking new operators because the data compiled for the Cruise Lines International Association in Europe shows.
“The variety of new destinations, new lines and new ships entering service in Europe this year are all further evidence of ways cruising is growing and may keep growing inside the region, drawing on Europe’s unique offering in the case of its rich culture, its varied geography and its long maritime traditions, and its expertise in hospitality and repair,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, CLIA Europe’s Chairman.
“Seeing such a lot of ships arriving in European ports for the beginning of the summer cruising season underlines how the eu cruise sector is an integral and growing component of the worldwide cruise industry that provides consumers high value holiday options and economic benefits to hundreds of communities,” said Robert Ashdown, Secretary General of CLIA Europe.