Young Singapore travellers warm to European cruises over multi-city trips

A new YouGov survey, commissioned by Royal Caribbean, suggests younger travellers in Singapore are increasingly drawn to cruises as a way to see several European cities in one trip. Among Gen Z and Millennial respondents, roughly seven in ten said European cruises appeal to them, with the strongest interest coming from those who have already visited the continent.

The study also found that 91% of Singapore respondents expect difficulties when moving between European destinations. Flight delays and cancellations were the top worry, cited by 56%, followed by hauling luggage between countries (46%) and lengthy airport layovers (44%). Respondents said they think each flight involves close to five hours, or 295 minutes, of airport-related processes.

Convenience stood out as a key reason for the appeal of cruises. Just over half (52%) liked the idea of meals and entertainment being covered, 51% valued not having to pack and unpack repeatedly, and 48% liked sailing between ports without clearing airport procedures at every stop. Among parents with children under 18, 72% said a multi-destination European cruise sounds appealing.

What it means for travellers from India

• The survey covered Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and the Philippines, so similar preferences may hold for Indian travellers planning multi-city Europe trips.
• Travellers who find flight disruptions, luggage handling and airport waits a burden may want to weigh a cruise that keeps one accommodation throughout the journey.
• Cruise appeal in the study was higher among people who had been to Europe before, so first-time visitors may weigh the option differently.
• The results reflect stated preferences rather than actual bookings, and the study did not compare costs, travel times or environmental impacts between cruises and flights.