Europe remains one of the most sought-after destinations for Malaysian travellers, and as they look for more ways to make the most of their holidays in Europe, Royal Caribbean’s latest research reveals strong interest in multi-destination cruise holidays.

According to a YouGov* survey commissioned by Royal Caribbean, 70% of Malaysians are interested in exploring Europe through a multi-destination cruise, highlighting a growing desire to experience more destinations in a single holiday with greater ease. The finding comes as Royal Caribbean celebrates the Europe debut of Legend of the Seas, its newest Icon Class ship, with Mediterranean vacations sailing from Barcelona, Spain and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

Sailing to highly sought-after destinations including Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Provence, France; and Florence/ Rome and Naples/Capri, 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.

Making the Most of Time in Europe

For many Malaysians planning a multi-destination European holiday, making the most of their time is a key priority - to spend more time enjoying their trip and less time managing the journey. 88% of Malaysian respondents find some aspect of a European multi-city journey tiring or stressful, with flight delays and cancellations (57%) topping the list, followed by airport security screening (36%), managing luggage between countries (35%) and long layovers (34%). At the same time, Malaysian travellers value the convenience of cruising, with meals and entertainment included (47%), the ability to see multiple destinations with ease (41%), family-friendly activities (39%), and avoiding airport processes between destinations such as check-in, security and delays (37%) ranking among the top perceived benefits.

A European holiday continues to rank high on the wish list of many Malaysian travellers. Italy and the United Kingdom ranked at 45% as the top two European destinations that Malaysians want to visit, followed by France at 34%, Spain at 30% and Greece at 28%.

"A holiday to Europe is a bucket-list experience for many Malaysians, and the journey is just as important as the destinations themselves. They want holidays that feel effortless, allowing them to spend more time discovering new places and creating meaningful moments with family and loved ones. That is where we see increasing interest in multi-destination cruising,” shared Ben Bouldin, President of Greater China and Managing Director of 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 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.”

Cruise Travel Rises as an Easier Way to Experience Europe

Among the five markets surveyed, Malaysia ranked third in interest for multi-destination European cruising, reflecting a growing preference among local travellers for holidays that offer the opportunity to experience multiple destinations with greater ease.

The regional findings further suggest that multi-destination cruising appeals to travellers looking for a more seamless way to navigate Europe, particularly for those travelling with family or looking to minimise the logistical demands of moving between cities.

  • 80% of respondents who have previously travelled within Europe say they would consider a multi-destination European cruise.

  • 81% of parents with children under 18 find multi-destination European cruise travel appealing

  • Cruise ranks first among preferred modes of intra-European transport across the five markets at 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 holiday itself. For Malaysian travellers, 87% expressed strong interest in the ship's entertainment and family experiences, while 86% looked for thrill and leisure activities onboard.

Among Malaysian travellers, the onboard experiences generating the greatest interest include:

  • America's Got Talent LIVE (38%) – the first-ever at-sea residency featuring performers from the Got Talent universe.

  • Surfside Neighbourhood (37%) – a dedicated family neighbourhood with Splashaway Bay, Playscape and family-friendly dining.

  • Category 6 Waterpark (37%) – the largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking slides.

Dining Is 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, followed by a range of culinary destinations from steakhouse classics to innovative global concepts.

Dining experiences travellers are most excited to try include:

  • Royal Railway – Legend Station: 25%
    An immersive dining experience inside a life-size train car, featuring a five-course expedition through the Silk Route.

  • Chops Grille: 22%
    Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse, known for premium cuts, fresh seafood and classic sides.

  • AquaDome Market: 15%
    A food hall with global food stalls and all-day dining variety.

  • Izumi in the Park: 15%
    A casual Japanese street food window serving rolls, hot bites and sweet treats.

  • Surfside Eatery: 12%
    A family-focused dining venue in the Surfside neighbourhood.

  • Hollywoodland Supper Club: 11%
    A glamorous supper club inspired by the golden age of Hollywood, with jazz, cocktails and theatrical storytelling.

Vacationers can now book Legend of the Seas Mediterranean holidays at Royal Caribbean’s website.

About Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line’s game-changing ships and exclusive destinations revolutionize vacations with industry-leading innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills and ways to chill, to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer. Voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 23 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including Perfect Day CocoCay in The Bahamas and Royal Beach Clubs in Paradise Island and Santorini, plus Royal Beach Club Lelepa launching October 2027.

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visit www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to book, vacationers can visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com, call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN or contact their travel advisor.

Appendix: Survey Highlights (Malaysia)

Europe destinations Malaysian travellers most want to visit

  • Italy & United Kingdom: 45%

  • France: 34%

  • Spain: 30%

  • Greece: 28%

Preferred modes of intra-European transport

  • Train: 26%

  • Private car: 24%

  • Cruise: 20%

  • Short-haul flights: 20%

  • Bus/coach: 10%

Main benefits of exploring Europe by cruise

  • Meals and entertainment are included: 47%

  • Ability to see multiple destinations with ease: 41%

  • Activities for the entire family: 39%

  • Avoiding airport processes such as check-in, security and delays: 37%

  • Safety and comfort: 36%

  • No need to pack and unpack between destinations: 32%

Top stress points of multi-destination European travel

  • Flight delays and cancellations: 57%

  • Airport security screening: 36%

  • Managing luggage between countries: 35%

  • Long layovers: 34%

  • Packing and unpacking: 33%

  • Transfers between cities: 28%

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 minutes

European experiences Malaysian travellers most want to try

  • Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Florence: 45%

  • Relaxing on Mallorca’s Mediterranean beaches: 40%

  • Wandering Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain in Rome: 37%

  • Touring the Picasso Museum in Malaga: 36%

  • Visiting Gaudí icons like the Sagrada Família in Barcelona: 23%

  • Authentic Neapolitan pizza-making in Naples: 30%

  • Wine tasting in Provence’s vineyards: 16%

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.

Issued on behalf of Royal Caribbean by GO Communications Sdn Bhd

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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