Pisa Tower. Photo: Shutterstock Travelers in Asia are showing strong interest in combining several European destinations in a single vacation, according to new research commissioned by Royal Caribbean.
A YouGov survey across Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and the Philippines found that 74% of respondents consider exploring multiple European destinations during one vacation appealing.
Legend of the Seas. Photo: Royal CarribeanThe findings come as Royal Caribbean prepares to bring Legend of the Seas, its newest Icon Class ship, to the Mediterranean. The company recently chose retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson as the official godmother of the iconic ship, ahead of the ship’s arrival in Fort Lauderdale.
The ship will sail from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, visiting destinations including Palma de Mallorca, Provence (Marseille) and Naples.
For travelers, convenience appears to be an important part of the appeal of cruising between European destinations. Among respondents, 49% cited meals and entertainment being included as a benefit, while 42% valued being able to visit several destinations more easily.
Avoiding airport procedures between destinations was identified by 38% as an advantage, while 35% said reducing the need to repeatedly pack and unpack was appealing.
Italy was the European destination respondents were most interested in visiting, followed by the United Kingdom at 43%, France at 41% and Spain at 33%.
Malaga, Spain. Photo: ShutterstockAmong Indian respondents, Italy reached 51%, while Spain was particularly popular among Filipino travelers at 43%.
Among the European experiences travelers are interested in most, we can mention:
Trevi fountain. Photo: Amit Cotler
Sagrada Familia. Photo: ShutterstockInterest was highest in Indonesia, where 82% of respondents said they found multi-destination European travel by cruise appealing. The figure was 75% in the Philippines, 70% in Malaysia, 67% in India and 66% in Singapore.
The research also found that previous experience of Europe and family travel were associated with strong interest in cruising.
Some 80% of respondents who had previously traveled within Europe said they found multi-destination European cruise travel appealing. Among parents with children under 18, the figure was 81%.
Cruising was also the most popular choice when respondents were asked about transportation between European destinations, with 26% selecting it ahead of trains, short-haul flights, private cars and buses or coaches.
Royal Caribbean's research suggests that travelers are not only interested in reaching several destinations, but also in making the journey itself part of the vacation.
Across the five markets, 89% of respondents expressed interest in onboard entertainment, while 85% were interested in the ship's leisure and thrill experiences.
Among the attractions highlighted in the survey were the America’s Got Talent LIVE stage show, Surfside, Category 6 Waterpark, the AquaTheater production Shockwave and The Hideaway, which features a suspended infinity pool.
Family entertainment also includes a production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Dining is another part of the onboard experience. Royal Railway – Legend Station, an immersive train car restaurant, was among the dining concepts attracting the most interest. The venue offers a five-course experience inspired by the ancient Silk Routes.
Other dining options highlighted by Royal Caribbean include Chops Grille, the company's steakhouse, and Hollywoodland Supper Club, which takes inspiration from Hollywood's golden age.
The survey also points to some of the difficulties travelers face when moving between European destinations. Nearly nine in 10 respondents, or 87%, identified at least one challenge.
Flight delays and cancellations were cited by 51%, while 38% mentioned long layovers. Managing luggage between countries was a concern for 37%, and 34% pointed to repeatedly packing and unpacking.
Ben Bouldin, President of Greater China and Managing Director, Asia, Royal Caribbean, said the research showed how much travelers value their time when exploring Europe.
“Whether it is visiting iconic destinations, spending time with family, or simply enjoying the journey itself, travelers are increasingly looking for holidays that are seamless, enriching and full of adventure,” he said.
Legend of the Seas will offer Asian travelers another way to combine several Mediterranean destinations with the onboard experiences associated with Royal Caribbean's Icon Class.