Travelers across five major Asian markets are showing strong interest in seeing multiple European destinations during a single vacation, according to new research commissioned by Royal Caribbean. The findings arrive as Legend of the Seas prepares to bring Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class to Europe.
The YouGov survey covered respondents in Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and the Philippines. Across those markets, 74% said exploring multiple European destinations in one vacation was appealing.
Royal Caribbean is connecting those findings with Legend of the Seas, which will offer Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome through Civitavecchia, Italy. Itineraries include destinations such as Palma de Mallorca, Provence through Marseille and Naples.
Convenience Is a Major Part of the Appeal
The survey suggests travelers are interested not only in seeing several European destinations but also in simplifying the experience of moving between them.
Among the perceived benefits of exploring Europe by cruise, 49% of respondents identified included meals and entertainment. Another 42% pointed to the ease of seeing multiple destinations, while 38% cited avoiding airport processes between destinations and 35% highlighted reducing the need to repeatedly pack and unpack.
Royal Caribbean’s Ben Bouldin, president of Greater China and managing director for Asia, said the findings indicate travelers want to make better use of their vacation time while exploring Europe, whether that means visiting destinations, spending time with family or enjoying the journey itself.
Indonesia Shows the Strongest Interest
Interest in multi-destination European travel varied across the five markets surveyed. Indonesia recorded the highest level at 82%, followed by the Philippines at 75%.
Malaysia came in at 70%, India at 67% and Singapore at 66%.
Among respondents who had previously traveled within Europe, 80% found multi-destination European cruise travel appealing. The concept also resonated with younger families, with 81% of parents with children under 18 expressing interest.
Cruising ranked first among respondents’ preferred ways to travel between European destinations at 26%, ahead of trains, short-haul flights, private cars and buses or coaches.
Italy Tops the European Wish List
When respondents were asked which European destinations they would like to visit, Italy ranked first at 47%. The United Kingdom followed at 43%, France at 41% and Spain at 33%.
Preferences varied somewhat by market. Indian travelers showed the highest interest in Italy at 51%, while respondents from the Philippines showed the strongest interest in Spain at 43%.
Those preferences help explain Royal Caribbean’s focus on Mediterranean cruising aboard Legend of the Seas, with the ship sailing from Barcelona and Rome and visiting several destinations in Spain, France and Italy.
Travel Between Countries Can Be a Challenge
Nearly nine in 10 respondents, or 87%, identified at least one challenge associated with traveling between multiple destinations in Europe.
Flight delays and cancellations were the most commonly identified concern at 51%. Long layovers followed at 38%, while 37% cited managing luggage between countries and 34% pointed to repeatedly packing and unpacking.
Royal Caribbean is positioning a cruise as one way to reduce those transitions by allowing travelers to visit multiple destinations while returning to the same ship between stops.
Legend of the Seas Brings Icon Class to Europe
Legend of the Seas will mark the first time Royal Caribbean brings its Icon Class vacation experience to Europe. In addition to the Mediterranean destinations, the survey explored which of the ship’s onboard experiences generated the most interest among respondents.
Overall, 89% expressed interest in onboard entertainment, while 85% showed interest in the ship’s thrill and leisure experiences.
America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas generated interest from 39% of respondents. The show will be the first America’s Got Talent stage production at sea and feature performers from the Got Talent universe.
Surfside followed at 38%. The family-focused neighborhood includes Splashaway Bay kids aquapark, a playscape with a climbing wall and family dining at Pier 7 and Surfside Eatery.
Category 6 Waterpark and Shockwave each attracted interest from 33% of respondents. Category 6 is Royal Caribbean’s largest waterpark at sea, while Shockwave is an AquaTheater production combining dance, acrobatics, stunts, synchronized swimming and high diving.
The adults-focused Hideaway drew interest from 32%. The area includes a suspended infinity pool, bar, DJ music and multi-level terrace. Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” attracted 31% as another family entertainment option.
Royal Railway Leads Dining Interest
Dining was another part of the Legend of the Seas experience measured in the survey. Royal Railway – Legend Station emerged as the most anticipated concept among the highlighted dining experiences.
The immersive train-car restaurant takes guests through a five-course dining experience inspired by the ancient Silk Routes. Chops Grille, Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse, and Hollywoodland Supper Club, a multi-course experience inspired by Hollywood’s golden age, were also among the dining concepts respondents said they were interested in trying.
What the Survey Means for Cruise Travelers
The findings reflect the preferences of respondents in Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and the Philippines rather than travelers everywhere. Within those surveyed markets, however, the results point to substantial interest in combining several European destinations into one vacation while reducing some of the logistical challenges associated with moving between countries.
For Royal Caribbean, Legend of the Seas provides a way to connect that interest with its first Icon Class season in Europe. Travelers can combine Mediterranean port calls with the ship’s entertainment, dining, family areas and attractions while using the same accommodations throughout the trip.
Legend of the Seas Mediterranean cruises are now available to book, giving travelers interested in the new Icon Class ship an opportunity to explore multiple European destinations during a single sailing.
Source: Royal Caribbean
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