Multiple Destinations, One Seamless Vacation: 74% of Travellers From Asia Find European Cruising Appealing
New YouGov research commissioned by Royal Caribbean shows travellers across Asia are looking to experience more of Europe in one trip as Legend of the Seas brings Icon Class vacations to the Mediterranean for the first time.
As travellers across Asia look for more ways to make the most of their vacations in Europe, Royal Caribbean’s latest research reveals strong interest in multi-destination cruise holidays.
According to a YouGov survey* commissioned by the vacation brand across Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and the Philippines, 74% of respondents found exploring multiple European destinations in one vacation appealing. The findings come as Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class vacation, offers travellers new ways to discover the Mediterranean from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.
Sailing to highly sought-after destinations including Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Provence (Marseille), France and Naples, Italy, Legend combines Europe’s most iconic destinations with the signature experiences of Royal Caribbean’s revolutionary Icon Class, giving guests more ways to experience Europe in one vacation.
Beyond exploring multiple destinations, the research suggests travellers are looking for vacations that help them make the most of their time abroad while enjoying experiences that are part of the vacation itself. Among the top perceived benefits of exploring Europe by cruise are meals and entertainment included (49%), the ability to see multiple destinations with ease (42%), avoiding airport processes between destinations (38%), and reducing the need to pack and unpack between destinations (35%).
“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. We believe that is one of the reasons multi-destination cruising continues to resonate,” said Ben Bouldin, President of Greater China and Managing Director, Asia, Royal Caribbean.
“Legend of the Seas marks a pivotal moment as we bring an Icon Class vacation to Europe for the first time. It gives Asian travellers a more accessible way to experience the 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.”
Cruise Travel Rises as an Easier Way to Experience Europe
The survey points to a growing appetite for vacations that combine destination discovery with convenience. Across the five markets surveyed, Indonesia showed the strongest interest in multi-destination European travel at 82%, followed by the Philippines (75%), Malaysia (70%), India (67%) and Singapore (66%). Italy ranks as the top European destination respondents would like to visit at 47%, followed by the United Kingdom (43%), France (41%) and Spain (33%). Indian travellers show the strongest interest in Italy (51%), while Filipino travellers show the highest interest in Spain (43%).
The survey also found broad appeal among travellers already familiar with European travel and among families:
A majority of respondents (80%) who have previously travelled within Europe find multi-destination European cruise travel appealing.
For younger families, 81% of parents with children under 18 find multi-destination European cruise travel appealing.
Cruise ranks first among preferred modes of intra-European transportation across the five markets surveyed (26%), ahead of trains, short-haul flights, private cars and buses or coaches.
Turning Travel Time into Vacation Time
On Legend of the Seas, the journey between destinations becomes part of the vacation experience. Across the five surveyed markets, 89% of travelers are interested in onboard entertainment experiences, while 85% are interested in the ship’s thrill and leisure experiences.
Top experiences driving interest include:
America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas: (39%) The first-ever America’s Got Talent stage show at sea, featuring a dynamic lineup of unique acts by performers from the Got Talent universe
Surfside: (38%) A dedicated neighbourhood designed for families with young children, featuring Splashaway Bay kids aquapark, a playscape with a climbing wall and family-friendly dining at Pier 7 and Surfside Eatery
Category 6 Waterpark: (33%) The largest waterpark at sea located in Thrill Island
Shockwave: (33%) A high-energy AquaTheater production combining dance, acrobatics, stunts, synchronized swimmers and high divers
The Hideaway: (32%) Featuring the first suspended infinity pool at sea for adults, combining a bar, DJ beats and multi-level terrace to deliver beach club vibes
Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”: (31%) The hit Broadway musical for families of all ages
Dining as Part of the Destination
Dining is another way Legend of the Seas brings travellers together, whether through immersive concepts, family-friendly venues or familiar favourites. Among dining venues, Royal Railway – Legend Station emerges as the most anticipated experience at 32%, followed by a range of culinary destinations from steakhouse classics to innovative global concepts.
The top dining experiences travellers are most excited to try include:
Royal Railway – Legend Station: (23%) An immersive train car dining experience, taking vacationers on a five-course expedition through the ancient Silk Routes.
Chops Grille: (19%) Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse serving premium cuts, fresh seafood and classic sides, along with brunch options
Hollywoodland Supper Club: (15%) An elevated multi-course dining experience inspired by the golden age of Hollywood, featuring jazz, cocktails and elegant dishes
Making the Most of Time in Europe
The survey findings reinforce travellers’ desire to maximise their vacation time while exploring Europe. Nearly nine in 10 respondents (87%) identified at least one aspect of travelling between multiple European destinations as a challenge, including flight delays and cancellations (51%), long layovers (38%), managing luggage between countries (37%), and repeatedly packing and unpacking (34%).
By bringing multiple iconic destinations together in a single vacation, Legend of the Seas gives guests more opportunities to focus on the experiences that matter and spend quality time together.
*Appendix: Survey Highlights
Europe destinations travellers most want to visit
Italy: 47%
United Kingdom: 43%
France: 41%
Spain: 33%
India shows the strongest interest in Italy: 51%
Philippines shows the strongest interest in Spain: 43%
Appeal of multi-destination European cruise travel
Overall: 74%
Indonesia: 82%
Philippines: 75%
Malaysia: 70%
India: 67%
Singapore: 66%
Previously traveled within Europe: 80%
Parents with children under 18: 81%
Preferred modes of intra-European transport
Cruise: 26%
Train: 24%
Short-haul flights: 22%
Private car: 19%
Bus/coach: 9%
Philippines records the highest cruise preference: 34%
Indonesia follows: 30%
Main benefits of exploring Europe by cruise
Meals and entertainment are included: 49%
Ability to see multiple destinations with ease: 42%
Avoiding airport processes such as check-in, security and delays: 38%
Safety and comfort: 37%
No need to pack and unpack between destinations: 35%
Activities for the entire family: 32%
Top stress points of multi-destination European travel
Flight delays and cancellations: 51%
Long layovers: 38%
Managing luggage between countries: 37%
Packing and unpacking: 34%
Airport security screening: 32%
Transfers between cities: 25%
Average time spent per flight**
Unexpected delays at the airport: 71 minutes
Commuting to airport: 58 minutes
Waiting and boarding at the gates: 49 minutes
Immigration and arrival procedures: 44 minutes
Check-in and baggage drop: 38 minutes
Security: 33 minute
European experiences travelers most want to try
Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Florence: 45%
Relaxing on Mallorca’s Mediterranean beaches: 39%
Wandering Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain in Rome: 35%
Touring the Picasso Museum in Malaga: 33%
Visiting Gaudí icons like the Sagrada Família in Barcelona: 30%
Authentic Neapolitan pizza-making in Naples: 29%
Wine tasting in Provence’s vineyards: 23%
Methodology
The survey was conducted online by YouGov with a total of 6,223 respondents (aged 18 and above). The survey sample was set up to ensure representation across gender, age groups and geographic distribution within each market. Fieldwork was conducted from 28 May to 8 June 2026, in Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and the Philippines.
**Average time spent on aspects of a typical journey is based on derived estimates using midpoint calculations for time ranges, rather than on exact times reported directly in the survey.
(Multiple Destinations, One Seamless Vacation: 74% of Travellers From Asia Find European Cruising Appealing)
