Royal Caribbean Targets Europe with 11 Ships from 11 Ports in 2011

With an eye on the buoyant European cruise market, Royal Caribbean is offering vacationers 11 ships sailing from 11 popular and historic European port cities in 2011.

It is deploying more ships in the Mediterranean with 47 additional Europe cruises in 2011-12 aboard Splendour of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas, totaling 27 unique itineraries with calls at 30 unique ports in 12 countries.

Sailing roundtrip from Venice, Splendour of the Seas will offer a new series of 10- and 11-night Greek Isles and Turkey itineraries. Mariner of the Seas will homeport in Rome (Civitavecchia) and offer a variety of Western Mediterranean, Egypt and Holy Land itineraries ranging from six to 13 nights.

Additionally, vacationers can choose a Royal Caribbean Europe cruisetour land package, which combines a voyage aboard either ship with an escorted land tour to explore inland cities and attractions. Bookings for these 2011 Europe cruises and cruisetours are now open.

In Venice, Splendour of the Seas will join Voyager of the Seas – the first Voyager-class ship ever to sail from the port – from April through November 2011. In addition to Voyager of the Seas, Splendour of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas will be joined by Liberty of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas, which 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, make two Freedom-class ships to sail European waters as the region’s largest and most innovative cruise ships. Navigator of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Brilliance 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.

For more information visit the official Royal Caribbean International web site