New YouGov research commissioned by Royal Caribbean finds that 67% of Indian respondents are attracted to the idea of exploring multiple European destinations by cruise, as Legend of the Seas brings the cruise line’s Icon Class to the Mediterranean.
For Indian travellers looking to experience more of Europe in a single holiday, cruising is emerging as an increasingly appealing option. According to new YouGov research commissioned by Royal Caribbean, 67% of Indian respondents said they find the prospect of exploring multiple European destinations on a single cruise appealing.
The findings come as Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class ship, begins its Mediterranean season, sailing from Barcelona and Rome (Civitavecchia). The ship is the third vessel in the Icon Class and is offering Western Mediterranean itineraries during the European summer.
The survey covered 6,223 adults across India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, with fieldwork conducted between May 28 and June 8, 2026. Across the five markets, 74% of respondents found multi-destination European cruising appealing. Among Indian respondents, the figure stood at 67%.
Convenience Drives the Appeal
For Indian travellers, the attraction appears closely linked to the convenience of combining several European destinations in one journey. Forty-five per cent identified the ability to visit multiple destinations with ease as a leading benefit of European cruising. Safety and comfort followed at 42%, while 40% valued having meals and entertainment included. Another 39% highlighted the convenience of avoiding airport procedures such as check-in, security and potential delays.
The wider survey also points to the travel friction associated with multi-country European holidays. Across the five markets, nearly nine in 10 respondents identified at least one challenge when travelling between European destinations, including flight disruptions, long layovers, luggage management and repeatedly packing and unpacking.
For Indian respondents, Italy emerged as the most preferred European destination, selected by 51%, followed by France at 48%, the UK at 45% and Spain at 30%. When asked about preferred ways of travelling between European destinations, trains ranked first at 25%, while cruises and short-haul flights each recorded 24%. Private cars accounted for 18%, followed by buses and coaches at 9%.
A New Way to Experience the Mediterranean
Legend of the Seas offers itineraries that combine several destinations across Spain, France and Italy. Depending on the sailing, ports include Palma de Mallorca, Provence, Florence, Rome and Naples/Capri, allowing travellers to explore multiple European destinations while keeping their accommodation and onboard experience in one place. Royal Caribbean confirms Barcelona and Rome as the ship’s Mediterranean departure points.
The ship is also designed to make time at sea part of the holiday rather than simply a passage between ports. Its offering includes seven pools, eight neighbourhoods, more than 40 ways to dine and drink, live entertainment and the Category 6 waterpark.
Among Indian respondents, America’s Got Talent LIVE on Legend of the Seas generated the highest interest among the ship’s featured experiences at 42%, followed by the family-focused Surfside Neighbourhood at 37%. Category 6 Waterpark is another of the ship’s major attractions.
Dining as Part of the Journey
Food also features prominently in the onboard proposition. Royal Railway – Legend Station attracted interest from 28% of Indian respondents, while Hollywoodland Supper Club recorded 20%. Both concepts are positioned as immersive dining experiences, adding entertainment and storytelling to the culinary element of the cruise.
“What stood out to us from the findings is how much travellers value making the most of their time when exploring Europe,” said Ben Bouldin, President, Greater China and Managing Director, Asia, Royal Caribbean. He added that travellers are increasingly seeking holidays that combine convenience with enriching experiences and adventure.
The research offers a snapshot of changing travel preferences rather than a measure of actual cruise bookings. However, the findings point to growing consideration of cruising as another way for Indian travellers to experience Europe—particularly for those seeking to combine several destinations while reducing the logistical demands of a multi-country itinerary.
With Legend of the Seas now operating in the Mediterranean, Royal Caribbean is bringing its Icon Class proposition into one of the world’s most established cruise regions, pairing European destinations with an extensive range of accommodation, dining, entertainment and leisure experiences onboard.
