Europe Or Bust!

The charge is on - and European waters may never be the same again!

That is to say, there will be more ships in the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas than ever before, and the cruise menu will be bulging at the rivets with possibilities for April-October 2011.

For reasons that even the cruise industry seems to be struggling to explain (although it may have something to do with lower port duties and fees in many of the ports, as opposed to Alaska), there will be an absolute plethora of maritime options throughout Europe next year.

As if the high numbers and record-breaking volume of the cruise capacity in 2010 isn't enough, many lines are going a step further in 12 months' time. And it is not just the mass-market operators - everyone is at it, including upmarket companies like Oceania Cruises and the Yachts of Seabourn.

One by one, from Princess to NCL to Holland America to Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, the lines have announced increased capacity, more ports of call and enhanced itineraries. It is not so much a rush as an ocean-going stampede - and the cruise customer stands to benefit enormously.

There are already some handsomely attractive advance deals (like Oceania offering two-for-one pricing), and they could well become the norm in the coming months as this year fills up and people start to look at 2011.

Here's how the 'big boys' of the cruise business are shaping up:

Princess Cruises: 7 ships, with 106 itineraries, 42 of which are brand new.

Celebrity Cruises: 3 of their Solstice-class vessels will be in Europe for the first time

NCL: 3 ships, based uniquely in Copenhagen (Norwegian Sun), Barcelona (the new Norwegian Epic) and Venice (Norwegian Jade).

Royal Caribbean: a stunning 10 ships, visiting 78 ports on 109 different itineraries.

Holland America: 7 ships - including 2 of their largest Signature-class - offering 15 maiden ports of call and 16 overnight ports.

And that is before you consider the 'resident' European specialists like P&O, Fred. Olsen, Costa, MSC Cruises and Thomson.

It is an amazing line-up of cruise-going hardware - in excess of 60 vessels all featuring European itineraries - and it all serves to underline, yet again, that the best holiday choice remains a cruise choice.

Or, in the words of a famous politician, You've never had it so good. Or so varied!

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.