It’s no secret that the popularity of cruising continues to grow, with everyone from couples and families to mature travellers and multigenerational groups getting on board to explore the world by sea.
Cruising with NCL offers a unique opportunity to combine visiting multiple destinations with ease and convenience while allowing plenty of time for relaxation and indulging in the activities that matter most to guests, whether that’s dining in a different venue every day, meeting new people, or unwinding in the onboard spa.
To delve into the reasons why cruisers love discovering destinations by sea, Norwegian Cruise Line surveyed almost 5,000 respondents from Australia and New Zealand, with the results confirming that cruising really is the best way to travel – according to 73% of responses. In fact, over a quarter would only choose a cruise for any future holidays, reinforcing that the future for cruise is bright. Furthermore, 78% of respondents are planning to sail again in 2025, and 26% are already planning their 2026 cruise holiday.
Ben Angell, VP and Managing Director, NCL APAC commented “Our research confirms that NCL is delivering more of the elements our guests value the most, such as over 400 destinations to explore, extended time in port and greater value with NCL’s More at Sea™ including more specialty dining, more premium beverages, more wi-fi minutes and shore excursion credits in every port.”
Cruisers are a curious bunch
NCL’s survey revealed that 95% of past cruisers like to go ashore in every port, with city sightseeing (77%), scenery (73%), history tours (70%), and cultural activities (56%) the most popular shore excursion picks. A quarter of those surveyed are keen on snorkelling excursions in tropical destinations such as Hawai’i, Tahiti, Fiji and The Maldives.
To ensure cruisers can make the most of every moment in port, many of NCL’s destination-rich itineraries in Europe, Asia, Alaska and Hawai’i include no sea days, or very few, so guests enjoy MORE time on shore to explore. As part of NCL’s new More at Sea™, guests receive a US$50 shore excursion credit in every port, making it even easier to experience more in each destination.
Why choose to cruise? Destinations, value & diverse dining
While survey respondents cite relaxation and leisure as the primary reason to travel (80%), followed by experiencing new cultures (68%), adventure and exploration (65%), and escaping the daily routine (39%), the top reason to cruise was the appeal of easily visiting destinations of interest (76%) – unpacking once and enjoying the convenience a cruise holiday provides.
After the destination, the exceptional value of cruising compared to land-based itineraries was the prime motivator (66%), with the quality of food and dining experiences on board also a high priority (65%). Guests on NCL cruises can enjoy a different dining experience almost every day of their cruise, from fine Italian fare in Onda by Scarpetta to prime cuts in Cagney’s Steakhouse, creative Japanese at Teppanyaki, Mediterranean seafood at Palomar, international favourites in the Indulge Food Hall or casual pizza and pub fare.
Eating and meeting are most worth repeating
The results also revealed that the experiences guests most look forward to onboard NCL’s 19-ship fleet are dining at the many specialty dining restaurants onboard (61%) and meeting new people (44%).
Exploring the Med with the one who shares your bed is the ultimate way to sail
The magical Mediterranean is the most sought-after destination overall for past cruisers (40%), followed by Asia (32%), Northern Europe and the Baltics (30%) with Alaska, the South Pacific and Hawaii also a popular choice for respondents. NCL has a range of ships sailing more than 250 European voyages during the 2025/26 seasons, visiting 117 ports across 28 countries in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Greek Isles, offering guests MORE time in port (an average of 10 hours), and MORE overnight stays (50) for an in-depth exploration of cities such as Reykjavik, Copenhagen, Livorno and Istanbul.
When it comes to favoured sailing companions, 69% of respondents prefer to hit the sea with their partner, rising to 77% for men, while 40% of cruisers like to share their cruise with friends, increasing to 45% for women. Immediate family members are the travel buddies of choice for 28% of respondents, while 15% enjoy taking a cruise with extended family, reflecting the continuing multigenerational travel trend and NCL’s ability to cater to all types of travellers. For nine per cent of respondents, the flexibility and independence of sailing solo is the way to go. A pioneer in the solo cruising space, NCL offers dedicated solo cabins, Studio Lounge social spaces for catching up with fellow solo travellers, as well as organised activities.
Stuck in a romantic rut? Cruising is the secret to rekindling your romance
According to NCL research, 47% of respondents say cruising is a great way to rekindle their romance. NCL offers MORE ways to ignite the spark with your loved one, including MORE specialty dining restaurants to celebrate together, MORE spa treatments to enjoy as a couple, and MORE bars and lounges for sunset cocktails and dancing. Idyllic itineraries for loved-up travellers include sailings in the South Pacific, Hawai’i and the Greek Isles.
Source: *NCL survey conducted in September 2024, with data collected and analysed based on 4,995 past guests and enquiries from Australia and New Zealand.
For more information or to book a cruise with NCL, please contact a travel professional; call NCL in Australia on 1300 255 200 or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283; or visit www.ncl.com.
