Almost three-quarters of Asian travellers surveyed find multi-destination European cruise holidays appealing, as travellers seek to visit several destinations while reducing travel logistics, according to research commissioned by Royal Caribbean.
The YouGov survey of 6,223 adults in Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and the Philippines found that 74% were interested in exploring multiple European destinations on a cruise.
Interest was highest among respondents in Indonesia at 82%, followed by the Philippines at 75%, Malaysia at 70%, India at 67% and Singapore at 66%. Among respondents who had previously travelled within Europe, 80% found multi-destination European cruising appealing, rising to 81% among parents with children under 18.
The research found 87% identified at least one challenge associated with travelling between European destinations. Flight delays and cancellations were cited by 51%, followed by long layovers at 38%, managing luggage between countries at 37% and repeated packing and unpacking at 34%.
Meals and entertainment being included were cited as a benefit of cruising by 49%, while 42% pointed to the ability to visit multiple destinations and 38% to avoiding airport processes between destinations.
Cruises were the preferred mode of intra-European transport for 26% of respondents, followed by trains at 24% and shorthaul flights at 22%. Italy topped the list of European destinations respondents wanted to visit at 47%, followed by the UK at 43%, France at 41% and Spain at 33%.
The findings come as Royal Caribbean prepares to deploy Legend of the Seas in the Mediterranean from Barcelona and Rome (Civitavecchia). The ship will call at destinations including Palma de Mallorca, Provence, Florence, Rome and Naples/Capri.
Among respondents, 89% expressed interest in onboard entertainment and 85% in leisure activities. America’s Got Talent LIVE drew interest from 39%, followed by the Surfside neighbourhood at 38% and Category 6 Waterpark at 33%.
“What stood out to us from the findings is how much travellers value making the most of their time when exploring Europe,” said Ben Bouldin, president, Greater China and managing director, Asia, Royal Caribbean.
“Whether it is visiting iconic destinations, spending time with family, or simply enjoying the journey itself, travellers are increasingly looking for holidays that are seamless, enriching and full of adventure.”
