Royal Caribbean plans Europe growth for 2012

Royal Caribbean International is showing that the cruise industry's love of Europe is still in full bloom as they plan another European expansion for 2012

The line has announced it will send a record 12 of its 22 ships to the Continent for the 2012 summer season. The cruise operator says Serenade of the Seas will make its European debut in 2012, sailing out of Barcelona.

The ship will join 11 other Royal Caribbean vessels that will be returning to Europe after sailing in the region this summer.

Royal Caribbean has also announced it will begin regular cruises out of Amsterdam for the first time, its 12th home port in the region. Brilliance of the Seas will sail a new series of Northern Europe itineraries out of the city and Copenhagen.

Mariner of the Seas will add new Holy Land sailings and seven-night Western Mediterranean voyages from Rome, Vision the Seas also will sail on Holy Land sailings as well as a number of Northern Europe itineraries. Liberty of the Seas will offer new five-night Western Mediterranean itineraries.