SINGAPORE, September 25 — Nearly three-quarters of travellers across five Asian markets say the idea of a European cruise calling at multiple destinations appeals to them, according to research commissioned by Royal Caribbean and released as the line prepares to base its newest ship in the Mediterranean. The YouGov survey of 6,223 adults in Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and the Philippines found that 74% were interested in exploring several European destinations on a single cruise. The story begins with a striking split across the region.
Indonesia recorded the highest appetite at 82%, followed by the Philippines at 75%, Malaysia at 70%, India at 67% and Singapore at 66%. Among respondents who had already travelled within Europe, 80% found multi-destination European cruising appealing.
The figure rose to 81% among parents with children under 18 — a group Royal Caribbean will read as its core family market.
The friction of moving between countries
What travellers say they want to escape is the logistics. The research found 87% identified at least one challenge associated with travelling between European destinations. Flight delays and cancellations topped the list at 51%, followed by long layovers at 38%, managing luggage between countries at 37% and repeated packing and unpacking at 34%.
Asked what makes a cruise attractive, 49% cited meals and entertainment being included, 42% pointed to the ability to visit multiple destinations and 38% to avoiding airport processes between destinations. On preferred modes of transport within Europe, cruises came first at 26%, ahead of trains at 24% and shorthaul flights at 22%.
Italy topped the list of destinations respondents wanted to visit at 47%, followed by the UK at 43%, France at 41% and Spain at 33%.
A new ship, and a pitch to Asia
Royal Caribbean is preparing 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. Interest in what happens on board runs high.
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%.
Ben Bouldin, president, Greater China and managing director, Asia, Royal Caribbean, said the findings showed how much travellers value making the most of their time when exploring Europe. He said that 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. For those involved, the numbers point to a straightforward calculation.
The region’s travellers are weighing the cost of a multi-country European trip against the friction of airports, luggage and repeated packing — and a large share appear ready to trade the airport for a gangway. What to watch next is whether that stated intent converts into bookings once Legend of the Seas begins sailing from Barcelona and Civitavecchia, and whether the Indonesian and Filipino appetite measured in the survey shows up in Asian passenger manifests.
