The world cruise fleet will consist of some 225 ships in 1998.

The North American fleet accounts for approximately 70 percent of the worldwide capacity, with the European fleet representing about 17 percent and the Far Eastern/Pacific fleet about 13 percent.

On the worldwide basis, the cruise fleet will grow at an annual rate of 10.8 percent in 1999, 7.8 percent in 2000, 5.2 percent in 2001 and 2.2 percent in 2002.

By the year 2002, based on present ship orders, the world fleet will consist of 255 ships, with the North American fleet commanding 74 percent of the capacity, the European fleet 14 percent, and the Far Eastern/Pacific fleet 12 percent.