7 IN 10 MALAYSIANS FIND EUROPEAN CRUISING APPEALING, YOUGOV SURVEY FINDS

Royal Caribbean research reveals strong interest among Malaysians in experiencing multiple European destinations in one holiday

MALAYSIA, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- Europe remains high on the travel wish list for Malaysians, with many looking to experience more of the continent in a single holiday. New research commissioned by Royal Caribbean reveals strong interest in multi-destination cruising as a way to explore Europe with greater ease and less travel-related hassle. 
 
According to a YouGov* survey commissioned by Royal Caribbean, 70% of Malaysians are interested in exploring Europe through a multi-destination cruise, highlighting the appeal of experiencing several destinations within one holiday. 

Making the Most of Time in Europe 

For Malaysians planning a multi-destination European holiday, getting from one destination to another can be one of the more challenging aspects of the journey. The survey found that 88% of Malaysian respondents find at least one aspect of a European multi-city journey tiring or stressful, with flight delays and cancellations (57%) ranking as the biggest concern, followed by airport security screening (36%), managing luggage between countries (35%) and long layovers (34%). 

Against this backdrop, cruising offers an alternative that combines travel between destinations with the holiday experience itself. Among Malaysian respondents, the top perceived benefits of cruising include meals and entertainment included (47%), the ability to visit multiple destinations with ease (41%), family-friendly activities (39%), and avoiding airport processes such as check-in, security and delays between destinations (37%). 

Europe continues to feature prominently on the travel wish list, with Italy and the United Kingdom (45% each) ranking as the top European destinations Malaysians want to visit, followed by France (34%), Spain (30%) and Greece (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.  

Cruise Travel Rises as an Easier Way to Experience Europe 

The findings also point to strong potential for multi-destination European cruising among Malaysian travellers. 80% of Malaysians who have previously travelled within Europe said they would consider a multi-destination European cruise, while the appeal is even stronger among parents with children under 18, at 81%. 

Across the five markets surveyed, cruising also ranked first among preferred modes of intra-European transport at 26%, ahead of trains, short-haul flights, private cars and buses or coaches. 

Together, the findings suggest that travellers are increasingly looking beyond the traditional ways of navigating Europe, with cruising offering the opportunity to combine transportation, accommodation, dining and entertainment while visiting multiple destinations along the way. 

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%

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

SOURCE: GO COMMUNICATIONS B/P ROYAL CARRIBEAN

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Celine Lau
Tel: 012-962 2111
Email: celinelau@gocomm.com.my 

--BERNAMA