Latest figures from the cruise industry show 6.96 million Europeans went on a cruise holiday last year, 7.8% more than in 2015.
A biennial report by CLIA Europe showed the cruise industry contributed a record €47.86 billion to the European economy in 2017, a 16.9% jump on two years ago.
"The cruise industry continues to make significant contributions to Europe’s economy. Its positive economic benefit is clear as cruise continues to contribute significantly to the European economy through smart sustainable growth," said David Dingle, chairman of CLIA Europe and chairman of Carnival UK.
"This is thanks to more Europeans choosing a cruise holiday, more cruise passengers sailing in Europe, and more cruise ships being built in European shipyards."
The study showed that 6.50 million passengers embarked on their cruises from European ports in 2017, 6.1% more than in 2015.
Europe remains the world’s second most popular cruise destination, second only to the Caribbean.
Cindy D’Aoust, CLIA president and CEO, added: "We are confident that the cruise industry’s growth in Europe will be sustained for years to come. CLIA continues to work with policymakers, regulators and other stakeholders across a variety of important industry subjects including environmental and sustainability areas.
"Europe’s economic contribution is a direct result of the impressive growth the cruise industry saw in 2017 as it reached 26.7 million passengers on ocean cruises globally."
