As Indian travellers look for ways to see more of Europe in one trip, new research commissioned by Royal Caribbean shows strong interest in multi-destination cruising. A YouGov survey across India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines found that 67% of Indian respondents find exploring multiple European destinations by cruise appealing. This comes as Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class ship, offers new ways to explore the Mediterranean from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.
Sailing to destinations including Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Provence, France; and Florence, Rome and Naples/Capri, Italy, Legend combines Europe’s popular destinations with Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class experiences, giving Indian vacationers more ways to explore Europe in one trip.
Making the most of time in Europe
For Indian travellers, the appeal of exploring Europe by cruise centres on making a multi-destination holiday easier to navigate. The ability to visit multiple destinations with ease is the leading perceived benefit, cited by 45%, followed by safety and comfort (42%), meals and entertainment being included (40%) and avoiding airport processes such as check-in, security and delays (39%).
This preference comes against a broader regional backdrop of travel friction, with nearly nine in 10 respondents across the five markets surveyed, identifying at least one challenge when travelling between multiple European destinations.
The findings point to a clear opportunity: Indian travellers want to see more of Europe without spending much of their holiday coordinating transfers, navigating airports or managing luggage. By bringing multiple destinations together in one trip, Legend of the Seas offers a more seamless way to explore Europe, turning the journey between destinations into part of the holiday itself.
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. We believe that is one of the reasons multi-destination cruising continues to resonate
“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,” Bouldin added.
Cruise travel rises as an easier way to experience Europe
Europe’s iconic destinations remain a significant draw for Indian travellers. Italy leads their European wish list at 51%, followed by France at 48%, the United Kingdom at 45% and Spain at 30%. With many of these sought-after destinations spread across different countries, the findings indicate an appetite for vacations that make it possible to experience more of Europe through a single journey.
Indian travellers also appear open to looking beyond conventional modes of travelling within Europe. Trains remain the preferred option at 25%, but cruises and short-haul flights follow closely at 24% each- placing cruising virtually alongside two of the most established ways of moving between European destinations. Private cars (18%) and buses or coaches (9%) rank lower.
Together with the finding that 67% of Indian respondents consider multi-destination European cruising appealing, the close split between trains, cruises and flights signals an opportunity for cruising to become part of how Indian travellers plan and experience a European holiday, not only as accommodation or transportation, but as a vacation experience in its own right.
Turning travel time into vacation time
On Legend of the Seas, the journey between destinations becomes part of the vacation, with entertainment, leisure and family experiences available as guests travel from one European destination to the next.
Among Indian travellers, America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas generates the strongest interest, at 42%, ahead of the five-market average of 39%. Interest in Surfside Neighbourhood stands at 37%, reflecting the appeal of dedicated spaces and experiences designed for families with young children.
Featured experiences include:
- America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas
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 Neighbourhood
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
The largest waterpark at sea, located in Thrill Island.
These experiences allow travellers to use the time between destinations as vacation time, combining the discovery of Europe with entertainment and experiences available throughout the journey.
Dining as part of the destination
The Indian appetite for discovery also extends to onboard dining. Royal Railway – Legend Station emerges as the dining experience Indian travellers are most excited to try, at 28%, ahead of the five-market average of 23%. Hollywoodland Supper Club also draws greater interest among Indian travellers at 20%, compared with the regional average of 15%.
The findings suggest that Indian vacationers are drawn not only to the convenience of having dining available onboard, but also to concepts that combine food with storytelling, entertainment and a sense of occasion.
Featured dining experiences include:
- Royal Railway – Legend Station
An immersive train-car dining experience that takes vacationers on a five-course expedition through the ancient Silk Routes. - Chops Grille
Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse serving premium cuts, fresh seafood and classic sides, along with brunch options. - Hollywoodland Supper Club
An elevated multi-course dining experience inspired by the golden age of Hollywood, featuring jazz, cocktails and elegant dishes.
Vacationers can now book Legend of the Seas Mediterranean holidays on Royal Caribbean’s website.
