As the summer cruise season gets under way in Europe, 96 ships have sailed back to European waters from their winter routes in the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and Asia.

This brings the total fleet in the region this summer to 200 cruise ships, operated by 65 lines, serving at least 530 destinations stretching from the Mediterranean to the Arctic.

Underlining the industry’s steady growth in Europe, the European summer fleet will include 11 new ships this year, including three ships re-entering service for new operators as the data compiled for the Cruise Lines International Association in Europe shows.

“The number of new destinations, new lines and new ships entering service in Europe this year are all further evidence of how cruising is growing and will continue to grow in the region, drawing on Europe’s unique offering in terms of its rich culture, its varied geography and its long maritime traditions, and its expertise in hospitality and service,” said CLIA Europe chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio.