This figure is rising sharply as a result of the general increase in cruise fleets in recent years, forcing the world's number two cruise line to position more and more liners each year outside the Caribbean, its home turf. The dollar's rise against the euro, if it continues, should help these companies to convince Americans to cross the Atlantic and discover the charms of 'old Europe' by sea.
With itineraries ranging from 3 to 15 nights, RCCL will be offering Mediterranean departures from Venice, Athens, Istanbul, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and above all Barcelona, as well as Civitavecchia, the port of Rome. French customers will also be able to board the Mariner of the Seas in Genoa, with a coach transfer from Nice.
Northern Europe will welcome the Azamara Journey, the Jewel and Vision of the Seas in various Baltic ports, while the Independence of the Seas will cast off from Southampton, where it is already based year-round. The Independence of the Seas and its sister ship, the Liberty of the Seas, will be among Royal Caribbean's largest ships positioned in Europe, with a capacity of 3,600 passengers.
