As Indian travellers increasingly seek to experience more of Europe in a single vacation, new research commissioned by Royal Caribbean highlights strong interest in multi-destination cruising. According to a YouGov survey conducted across India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, 67% of Indian respondents find exploring multiple European destinations through a cruise vacation appealing. The findings coincide with the arrival of Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class vacation, offering travellers new ways to explore the Mediterranean from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. Sailing to sought-after destinations including Palma de Mallorca in Spain; Provence in France; and Florence, Rome and Naples/Capri in Italy, Legend of the Seas brings together Europe’s iconic destinations with the signature experiences of Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, offering Indian travellers the opportunity to experience multiple destinations within a single holiday.
For Indian travellers, the appeal of exploring Europe by cruise is closely linked to convenience. The ability to visit multiple destinations with ease was identified as the leading perceived benefit by 45% of respondents, followed by safety and comfort at 42%, included meals and entertainment at 40%, and avoiding airport processes such as check-in, security and delays at 39%. The findings come against a broader backdrop of travel friction, with nearly nine in 10 respondents across the five markets identifying at least one challenge when travelling between multiple European destinations. The research suggests that travellers are looking for ways to explore more without spending a significant portion of their holiday coordinating transfers, navigating airports or managing luggage.
Ben Bouldin, President, Greater China and Managing Director, Asia, Royal Caribbean, said, “What stood out to us from the findings is how much travellers value making the most of their time when exploring Europe. 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. Legend of the Seas marks a pivotal moment as we bring an Icon Class vacation to Europe for the first time. It gives Indian travellers a more accessible way to experience Icon Class while exploring multiple European destinations in a single trip, expanding the ways they can explore Europe without having to compromise on the vacation experience.”
Europe’s leading destinations continue to feature prominently on Indian travellers’ wish lists, with Italy ranking first at 51%, followed by France at 48%, the United Kingdom at 45% and Spain at 30%. The findings also indicate growing openness to cruising as a mode of European travel. While trains remain the preferred option at 25%, cruises and short-haul flights follow closely at 24% each. On Legend of the Seas, the journey between destinations becomes part of the vacation, with entertainment, leisure and family experiences available throughout the sailing, allowing travellers to combine destination discovery with the onboard experience in one European holiday.