> Cruiselines N-Z > Royal Caribbean Cruises > Royal Caribbean plans big expansion in Europe

Industry giant Royal Caribbean plans a big expansion in Europe in 2011 as demand for cruises in the region continues to grow.

Royal Caribbean President and CEO Adam Goldstein reveals this week on his blog that the company will send a record 10 of its 22 ships to the Continent for the 2011 summer season, up from eight in 2009 and 2010.

"Just a few years ago we would not have imagined such a scenario," Goldstein notes.

Goldstein says the line will be releasing details of the expansion, including itineraries for new voyages, over the next 90 days.

Royal Caribbean already said last month it would move one of its largest, most amenity-filled cruise ships, the 154,407-ton Liberty of the Seas, to Barcelona in 2011, setting up a head-to-head confrontation with the equally giant flagship of rival Norwegian Cruise Line, the 153,000-ton Norwegian Epic.

Norwegian Cruise Line already has announced plans to have more capacity in Europe in 2011, as has Holland America.

Europe is gaining cruise capacity in part at the expense of Alaska, where cruise lines have been cutting back due to higher operating costs and lower revenue.

Source: USA Today

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2010 Cruises: MSC Magnifica(Feb), Celebrity Eclipse (Apr x2), Independence of the Seas (Jun), Queen Mary 2 (Jul+Nov)

Now there are already 8 ships there this summer, add the Liberty which is already announced to go head to head with NCL's Epic..... SO WHAT WILL THE 10th SHIP BE.................. Allure or Oasis?.....!!!!!!!

We should find out in the next week

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2010 Cruises: MSC Magnifica(Feb), Celebrity Eclipse (Apr x2), Independence of the Seas (Jun), Queen Mary 2 (Jul+Nov)

It is more than likely that Oasis and Allure remain in Miami on 7 day Cruises one Eastern and one Western.Majesty and Soverign did this for many many years together.At the present time although Europe is bursting at the seams with Ships porting either ship in either Barcelona or Southampton would present big logistical problems for the Cruise line,in that a new big and expensive Terminal would need to be built.

On the other hand more Ships of Royal Caribean based in Europe will give rise for the company to offer better and a more varied entertainment schedule,by moving artist around from ship to ship more easily.

Allure and Oasis are both on sale for 2011 doing exactly that - West and East Caribbean 7 days, I suspect like NCL they're trying to get these sold before releasing the Med programme in full.

David

I am sure I read this yesterday posted by someone else????

I did. Grant, you are getting slow

http://www.cruises.co.uk/109-cruise_...ps_europe.html

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Sooner or later the 'Oasis class' will come to the Med. After all RCI did not expect the 'Voyager' class to ever come.

Now you're confusing me Wansbrough - you're link goes to Shelly's post...... I like the idea of slowing down at some point... how long until the next cruise

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2010 Cruises: MSC Magnifica(Feb), Celebrity Eclipse (Apr x2), Independence of the Seas (Jun), Queen Mary 2 (Jul+Nov)