Cruise Lines Gird for Record-Breaking Europe Season

Europe will be on its up this year as the Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) member lines will deploy a number of ships in the region, with diversity and breadth of itineraries and ports, and an unprecedented number of passengers who recognize the incredible value European cruises offer.

CLIA lines will serve as gateways to Europe’s perennial favorite cities, including London, Florence and Rome. Collectively, lines blanket the European cruising arena, with itineraries covering virtually every part of the region. This year, lines are adding ports along the increasingly popular Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, Italy’s Puglia region, as well as the Greek Isles and the coast of Turkey.

Some cruise lines have extended the European sailing season to a full nine months, while others will have a presence in the region year-round. Many CLIA lines also are adding more overnight port visits, enabling guests more time to thoroughly explore ports on shore excursions that have become increasingly more diverse and adventuresome.

“All indicators point to a record-breaking season. Travelers who haven’t made their Europe cruise booking yet this year are well advised to take action immediately,” said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA, the chief marketing organization for 21 cruise lines and 16,500 North American travel agencies.