Asian travelers are increasingly seeking easier ways to experience multiple European destinations on a single vacation. New research commissioned by Royal Caribbean and conducted by YouGov found that 74% of travelers across Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines consider exploring several European destinations by cruise appealing.

[Infographic] 74% of APAC Travelers Find European Cruising AppealingThe findings come as Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class vacation, introduces the Icon Class experience to the Mediterranean for the first time. The ship offers itineraries departing from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, connecting travelers with some of Europe’s most popular destinations.

The Mediterranean itineraries include stops such as Palma de Mallorca in Spain, Provence in France, and Florence/Rome and Naples/Capri in Italy.

Travelers Want to See More of Europe With Less Hassle

The research highlights one of the biggest challenges of planning a multi-destination European vacation: managing the logistics between destinations.

Nearly 9 in 10 respondents (87%) identified at least one challenge when traveling between multiple European destinations. Flight delays and cancellations ranked highest at 51%, followed by long layovers at 38%.

Other common concerns included managing luggage between countries (37%) and repeatedly packing and unpacking (34%).

Cruising offers an alternative for travelers who want to visit several destinations without constantly changing hotels or arranging transportation between cities.

Among the benefits respondents associated with European cruises, 49% cited included meals and entertainment, while 42% valued the ability to visit multiple destinations more easily.

Avoiding airport procedures between destinations was identified by 38% of respondents as a benefit, while 35% appreciated needing to pack and unpack less.

For travelers planning a European holiday, the appeal is clear. A cruise can combine transportation, accommodation, dining, entertainment, and destination visits into a single itinerary.

Philippines Shows Strong Interest in European Cruising

Interest in multi-destination European cruises was particularly strong among respondents from the Philippines.

Indonesia recorded the highest level of interest at 82%, followed by the Philippines at 75%, Malaysia at 70%, India at 67%, and Singapore at 66%.

Italy emerged as the most popular European destination overall, with 47% of respondents expressing interest in visiting the country. The United Kingdom followed at 43%, France at 41%, and Spain at 33%.

Preferences also varied by market. Indian travelers showed the strongest interest in Italy at 51%, while Filipino respondents showed their strongest interest in Spain at 43%.

The findings suggest that European cruising could appeal particularly to Filipino travelers who want to combine multiple countries and cities into a single international vacation.

Cruise Ranks as a Preferred Way to Travel Around Europe

The survey also found that cruise travel ranks first among preferred modes of intra-European transportation across the five Asian markets.

Cruising received 26% of the preference share, ahead of trains, short-haul flights, private cars, and buses or coaches.

Among respondents who had previously traveled within Europe, 80% found multi-destination European cruise travel appealing.

The appeal was also strong among families. Some 81% of parents with children under 18 said they found the concept appealing, highlighting the potential of European cruises for family vacations.

[Factsheet] Legend of the Seas

Legend of the Seas Brings Icon Class to the Mediterranean

Legend of the Seas combines Mediterranean travel with the experiences associated with Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class.

The ship offers travelers entertainment, water attractions, family spaces, restaurants, and other onboard activities while sailing between European destinations.

Research shows that 89% of respondents across the five markets are interested in onboard entertainment, while 85% expressed interest in the ship’s thrill and leisure experiences.

Among the most anticipated attractions are:

America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas

Interest in the show reached 39%. The production marks the first America’s Got Talent stage show at sea and features performers from the Got Talent universe.

Surfside

Designed for families with young children, Surfside features Splashaway Bay kids’ aquapark, a playscape with a climbing wall, and family-friendly dining options including Pier 7 and Surfside Eatery.

The neighborhood recorded 38% interest among respondents.

Category 6 Waterpark

The ship’s Category 6 waterpark attracted interest from 33% of respondents. It is positioned as the largest waterpark at sea and forms part of the ship’s Thrill Island area.

Legend of the Seas Cruise Ship

Dining Becomes Part of the Cruise Experience

Food is another major component of the Legend of the Seas experience. The ship features immersive dining concepts, family-friendly restaurants, and familiar Royal Caribbean favorites.

Royal Railway – Legend Station ranked as the dining experience travelers were most excited to try, receiving 23% interest.

The immersive restaurant is designed around a train journey, taking guests on a five-course culinary expedition inspired by the ancient Silk Routes.

Chops Grille

Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse attracted 19% interest. The restaurant serves premium cuts, fresh seafood, classic side dishes, and brunch options.

Hollywoodland Supper Club

Receiving 15% interest, Hollywoodland Supper Club offers a multi-course dining experience inspired by the golden age of Hollywood, with jazz, cocktails, and elevated dishes.

A Different Way to Explore Europe

Ben Bouldin, President, Greater China, and Managing Director, Asia, at Royal Caribbean, said the research demonstrates that travelers are placing greater value on maximizing their time during European vacations.

He noted that travelers are increasingly interested in holidays that combine destination discovery with convenience, entertainment, and shared experiences.

Legend of the Seas represents Royal Caribbean’s first Icon Class vacation in Europe. Its Mediterranean itineraries offer Asian travelers another way to experience multiple European destinations while maintaining access to the entertainment, dining, and leisure facilities onboard.

For travelers from the Philippines, the concept offers a practical way to combine several European destinations into one itinerary. Instead of arranging separate flights, hotels, and transfers between cities, travelers can unpack once and continue exploring as the ship moves between Mediterranean ports.

Legend of the Seas Mediterranean cruises are now available for booking through Royal Caribbean.

Want more Updates? Please follow #TeamOutofTown on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

Also Read: 

• 15 Ways to Save Hundreds on Your Next Cruise
• The Ultimate First-Time Cruise Guide: Everything You Need to Know
• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Cruise for Your Next Trip
• 10 Common Agoda Booking Mistakes Travelers Should Avoid
• Everything That’s Included When You Book a Cruise (And What Costs Extra)