Royal Caribbean International will have three ships, and a passenger capacity of 83,200, in Northern Europe next year – a 70 percent increase over 2008, when the line had two ships and a 48,800 passenger capacity.

The boost is a result of Royal Caribbean dedicating more short sailings to local markets.

In 2009, the Vision of the Seas will offer more than 30 four- and five-day cruises, sailing out of Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Harwich, from May through early September. In 2008, the Jewel of the Seas offered 10 short cruises.

In addition, the Independence of the Seas will again be dedicated to the UK market next year; and the Jewel of the Seas will offer longer sailings for North American passengers.

In Royal Caribbean Cruises’ Q3 earnings call, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Adam Goldstein said that the line has been pushing more product into Europe – offering shorter cruises – going into different markets.

Last week, Goldstein said that international sales seem more robust than the North American market.