67% of Indians favour multi-destination travel, driving interest in European cruises.
According to new research commissioned by Royal Caribbean, Indian tourists are very interested in multi-destination cruise as they hunt for methods to see more of Europe in a single visit. A YouGov study from the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India found that 67% of Indian respondents thought it would be interesting to take a cruise and see several European locations. The results coincide with Royal Caribbean’s latest Icon Class holiday, Legend of the Seas, which offers visitors fresh perspectives on exploring the Mediterranean from Barcelona, Spain, to Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.
The main attraction of cruising Europe for Indian tourists is the ease of navigating a multi-destination vacation. The most popular perceived benefit, mentioned by 45% of respondents, is being able to travel to several locations with ease. This is followed by safety and comfort (42%), meals and entertainment being included (40%), and avoiding airport procedures like check-in, security, and delays (39%). Almost nine out of ten respondents in the five areas polled reported at least one difficulty while travelling between various European destinations, which puts this preference against a larger regional backdrop of travel friction.
The results showed us how important it is for tourists to maximise their time when visiting Europe. Travellers are increasingly searching for vacations that are smooth, enriching, and full of adventure, whether they are travelling to famous locations, spending time with family, or just taking pleasure in the trip itself. Ben Bouldin, President, Greater China and Managing Director, Asia, Royal Caribbean, stated, “We think that is one of the reasons multi-destination cruising continues to resonate.”
Indian tourists continue to be drawn to Europe’s famous locations. With 51% of the European wish list, Italy is at the top, followed by France (48%), the UK (45%), and Spain (30%). The results show a desire for vacations that allow travellers to see more of Europe in a single trip, as many of these popular locations are dispersed among several nations.
Additionally, Indian tourists seem receptive to exploring non-traditional travel options in Europe. Trains continue to be the most popular option at 25%, while short-haul flights and cruises come in second and third, respectively, at 24% and 24%, placing cruising almost next to two of the most well-known modes of transportation between European locations. Buses and coaches (9%) and private vehicles (18%) are ranked lower.
The close split between trains, cruises, and flights, along with the discovery that 67% of Indian respondents find multi-destination European cruising appealing, indicates a chance for cruising to become a part of how Indian travellers plan and experience a European vacation, not just as lodging or transportation but as a vacation experience in and of itself.
The results indicate that Indian tourists are attracted to ideas that blend cuisine with entertainment, narrative, and a feeling of occasion in addition to the ease of dining on board.
