Interest in European Cruise Markets Keeps Growing

Europe is being recognized as one of the world´s most important maritime tourism markets, especially for its limitless potential for growth. Next to The Caribbean, the regions of the North/Baltic and Mediterranean are the world´s most popular ocean cruise destinations.

River cruising, in which Europe leads the field, is also the subject of growing demand. This is reflected by continuous extension and streamlining of the region´s fleets.

The passenger ferry industry is also booming. The Baltic Sea market in particular, where the extension of the European Union offers many opportunities for new services and ship designs, is driving more and more innovative trends.

Accordingly, interest in Seatrade Europe Cruise, Ferry and Rivercruise Convention 2005 is high. The event, taking place 1-2 November at Congress Center Hamburg, is the region´s top indicator for maritime tourism and a key meeting place for industry leaders.