Cruises Becoming More Popular In Europe
Thursday, May 8th, 2008
Cruise capacity is set to increase in Europe by 15 per cent this year and is being fuelled by higher premiums than in the rest of the world.
Many Europeans are now warming to the idea of cruising around Europe and therefore the companies are able to charge higher rates and pocket bigger profits, according to the News Tribune.
The rise of low-cost air travel has contributed to the rise in popularity as many Europeans are now finding it easier to reach ports on the continent.
Colin Veitch, chief executive of the cruise company Norwegian, said: "The idea of cruising is catching on among Europeans. That segment of the market is booming and shows no signs of abating."
Royal Caribbean Cruises has unveiled plans to send one of its Voyager-class cruise liners, the 137,000-tonne Mariner of the Seas, to the west coast of the US in 2009. The ship will dock in Los Angeles before; the ship is 50 per cent larger than any other liner currently based on the west coast.
Virgin Holidays Cruises are leader's in Caribbean cruises, Mediterranean cruises and cruise & stay holidays.
