A recent survey by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) of nearly 5,000 respondents from Australia and New Zealand has reinforced the growing popularity of cruising, with 73 per cent of participants declaring it the best way to travel.
Key trends reveal that the Mediterranean is the top dream destination, onboard dining experiences take centre stage, and cruising is seen as a way to unwind, explore, and even rekindle romance.
Why travellers love cruising
The appeal of unpacking once and easily visiting multiple destinations is cruising’s greatest drawcard, with 76 per cent of respondents citing it as their primary motivator. For 66 per cent, the exceptional value of a cruise compared to land-based travel sealed the deal, while onboard dining ranked as a highlight for 65 per cent.
Ben Angell, NCL’s Vice President and Managing Director for Asia-Pacific, said, “Our research confirms that NCL delivers the elements guests value most—more destinations, more time in port, and exceptional value with our More at Sea™ offerings. Guests can enjoy specialty dining, premium beverages, and shore excursion credits in every port.”
Popular destinations and experiences
The Mediterranean topped the list as the most sought-after destination, favoured by 40 per cent of respondents. Asia, Northern Europe, the Baltics, and Alaska also ranked highly. With more than 250 European sailings in 2025/26, NCL is meeting demand with itineraries offering an average of 10 hours in port and over 50 overnight stays in destinations such as Reykjavik, Copenhagen, and Istanbul.
NCL’s survey also found that 95 per cent of cruisers prefer to go ashore at every port. Popular shore activities include city sightseeing (77 per cent), appreciating scenic landscapes (73 per cent), historical tours (70 per cent), and cultural experiences (56 per cent). For tropical destinations like Hawai’i and Fiji, 25 per cent of participants were eager to try snorkelling excursions.
Cruising to rekindle romance
Cruising was identified as a great way to revive relationships, with 47 per cent of respondents highlighting its romantic appeal. Couples can enjoy specialty dining, spa treatments, and sunset cocktails in idyllic destinations such as the Greek Isles, Hawai’i, and the South Pacific.
Solo, family, and multigenerational travel
Cruising also appeals to a diverse range of travellers:
- 69 per cent prefer travelling with their partner, rising to 77 per cent for men.
- 40 per cent enjoy cruising with friends, while 28 per cent favour immediate family as travel companions.
- Multigenerational cruising remains popular, with 15 per cent bringing extended family on board.
- Nine per cent prefer the independence of solo travel, with NCL offering solo cabins and dedicated social spaces.
Delivering more at sea
NCL’s More at Sea™ program enhances the cruising experience with benefits like shore excursion credits, premium dining, and extended port visits. Onboard, guests can choose from diverse dining options, including Italian at Onda by Scarpetta, Japanese at Teppanyaki, Mediterranean seafood at Palomar, and casual fare at Indulge Food Hall.
A bright future for cruising
With 78 per cent of survey participants planning to cruise again in 2025 and 26 per cent already eyeing 2026 voyages, cruising’s future looks promising. Whether it’s exploring exotic destinations, indulging in fine dining, or meeting new people, NCL continues to deliver what Australian and New Zealand travellers value most.
