For 2011, Royal Caribbean Will Be A BIG Presence in Europe

There's going to be a lot more Royal Caribbean to like in Europe next year. As their fleet goes even more international, the cruise line’s 2011 Europe cruise and cruisetour season promises to be its biggest ever European-wide deployment with 10 ships slated to sail Baltic and Mediterranean waters. The 2011 European fleet will see an increase from eight ships in 2010 and offer 109 unique itineraries, ranging from 3- to 15-nights and visiting 27 countries, and 78 ports. Two ships, Liberty of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas,will sail their maiden Europe seasons from Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain, respectively. Independence of the Seas will continue its year-round service from Southampton, U.K. and, with Liberty of the Seas, makes two Freedom-class ships to sail European waters as the largest and most innovative cruise ships in the region. Navigator of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Splendour of the Seas will sail a variety of Mediterranean itineraries, while Jewel of the Seas and Vision of the Seas will ply the Baltic and North seas. Most 2011 Royal Caribbean International Europe cruises and cruisetours are now open for booking.

“Vacationers will have the widest selection of Europe’s largest and most innovative cruise ships with Royal Caribbean in 2011,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean Intl. “With four classes of ships in the region, Royal Caribbean is offering a 2011 Europe cruise lineup that will appeal to a wide range of vacationers from couples seeking the romance of Europe to multi-generational family vacations. And all of our guests receive the Royal treatment from our friendly and engaging staff and crew.”

Vacationers also can choose a Royal Caribbean Europe cruisetour, providing a more comprehensive vacation experience. A cruisetour allows guests to choose from packages that combine a Europe cruise aboard one of seven Royal Caribbean ships with a 3-night Italian Lakes and Venice, 4-night Paris and London, 4-night Madrid and Barcelona, 5-night Venice, Florence and Rome, or a 4-night Istanbul and Cappadocia land tour itinerary. Each land tour is escorted by a Tour Director, and ground transfers, hotel reservations, city tours, and some meals are inclusive.