With 35 cruise ships under construction or on order (or option) for deliveries through 2011, the three yard companies that build cruise ships are nearly fully occupied for the next three years, with slots only opening up for 2010 and beyond.

Cruise companies share the same objective: that is to make as much money as possible. Yet, the business models of the two largest companies, Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Cruises, are different.

Record Orderbook:  The cruise industry is back on its growth course with a record orderbook, including new generations of mega-ships that will undoubtedly take cruising to a new level by attracting ever broader markets. In addition, existing classes of ships are evolving – offering more passenger comforts and features than ever – promising to satisfy and exceed expectations.

The European cruise industry is expanding on several fronts – with leading European cruise brands introducing new ships, and with American-based lines dedicating more ships to Europe.

European Growth

The European cruise capacity is set to grow from an estimated 2.8 million passengers in 2005 to 3.2 million in 2006 (14.2 percent), to 3.5 million in 2007 (10.6 percent), to 4 million in 2008 (13.7 percent) and 4.5 million in 2009 (11.9 percent), according to the 2006 edition of the . While there are no new ship orders for 2010 and beyond yet, they are undoubtedly in the pipeline.