Here's why more millennials are hopping on cruise trips for their next holiday

Royal Caribbean is, without a doubt, a familiar name in Singapore. After all, not only is it one of the world’s largest cruise operators, with 27 vessels plying the seven seas, but it also typically has a ship that is home-ported right here at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre. 

This makes it a breeze to sail off on a leisurely vacation without dealing with complicated flight logistics. No wonder time-strapped millennials hankering for an effortless getaway are increasingly booking passage onboard a mega-ship, like the Quantum Ultra-class Spectrum of the Seas ship, which has been based here since 2022.

“Globally, we are seeing a growing trend of younger guests taking to the seas,” says Royal Caribbean International vice president and managing director of Asia-Pacific Angie Stephen.

“It is not just the action-packed lifestyle attractions and experiences onboard that they can share with family and friends that appeal to this group; they also love that they do not need to do a lot of planning to have an amazing time onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. The holiday starts as soon as they set foot onboard.”

As a millennial with elderly parents and a sister with a toddler, I had recently been thinking of suitable family vacation ideas for multi-generational families, and an inclusive cruise offering a wide range of activities, as Stephen had described, sounded like a good idea.

So, intrigued by the appeal of a mega-ship cruise, I embarked on the Spectrum of the Seas in Singapore on a 10-night cruise with several stops in Vietnam and Thailand before sailing back. 

Suite life

First, it is worth acknowledging that these gargantuan floating cities may not necessarily be immediately associated with a luxury vacation. With capacities that number in the thousands — Spectrum of the Seas can take almost 5,000 passengers — it would be unrealistic to expect the same level of personalised attention that one would get on a more boutique cruise line like Seabourne, Regent Seven Seas, or even Royal Caribbean’s sister brand Silversea.

But the perk of a large ship is multiple stateroom categories, which is a boon for millennials with differing personal budgets. For example, the higher-end suite category rooms have access to separate dining areas and lounges for introverted types who might prefer more exclusivity away from the perpetually bustling public areas.

Of note is the ship’s largest and most premium suite, The Ultimate Family Suite, which sleeps up to 11 and is in high demand. We hear many of Singapore’s business leaders and social set are enamoured with this suite for good reason. It has a two-storey slide, a private cinema and other entertainment options like karaoke and video games, and a capacious master bathroom, making it ideal for multi-generational getaways. 

Pro tip: To secure this suite, plan well in advance. Otherwise, there are many more suites and staterooms for couples or those with smaller families. 

Fun from dawn till dark

I quickly realised the best way to have a rip-roaring good time on a cruise is to leave all inhibitions on terra firma and unleash one’s inner child. After all, one of the biggest perks of a longer trip compared to the ever-popular but hectic long weekend three-night sailings to Penang is that it allows breathing space to enjoy all the ship has to offer, making this a timely reminder for working adults to slow down.

This is especially true since Royal Caribbean ships are known for their wide array of entertainment and activity options to cater to different interests. Facilities include rock wall climbing, a FlowRide surf simulator, a Ripcord by iFLY skydiving simulator, and a North Star glass capsule, which is said to be the tallest viewing deck onboard a ship.

There is geeky fun in taking part in the many trivia quizzes and varied music performances throughout the day. Alternatively, splurge on booking a private karaoke room for a private party with your crew. I also noticed wine aficionados gathering at the handsomely designed Vintages wine bar for nightcaps; this is where bottles from premium labels, including Opus One and Dom Perignon, are on the wine list. 

Food, glorious food

Foodies seeking a VIP dining experience can consider the speciality restaurants. While these require a certain amount of advance planning as reservations are required and meals are charged separately, the food quality is a cut above the general dining options on the ship. 

For instance, Chops Grille, a signature restaurant on Royal Caribbean ships, is as good as any upscale steakhouse in a city. Its lobster bisque is a crowd-pleaser, and the juicy 16oz prime ribeye steak will satisfy even the hungriest carnivore. 

And for social media addicts who have to let their cameras “eat” first, check out the quirky Wonderland. It offers creatively plated dishes cooked with molecular gastronomy techniques, like crispy crab cones topped with fluffy avocado mousse or deviled eggs served under a smoke-filled cloche. 

Land, ahoy!

Cruisers I spoke to often told me they enjoy the convenience of visiting different destinations with every port of call. 

Stephen agreed, saying, “Millennial travellers have been maximising their shore excursions to create envy-inducing holiday content on social media for friends and family back home to enjoy.”

Even in Southeast Asia, which well-travelled Singaporeans are well acquainted with, plenty of discoveries await the intrepid cruiser. After scouring the list of shore excursions the cruise line offers, I signed up for a country bike tour during our stopover in Nha Trang, Vietnam, to fit in some physical activity on my day out.

The half-day sojourn took us through lush, picturesque rice fields deep into idyllic Vietnamese villages, where curious children and friendly puppies often ran out of their homes to greet our small group of cyclists. We ended our 20km adventure through the countryside in a historic Vietnamese house, where we were rewarded with fresh-cut tropical fruits and well-deserved ice-cold beer. 

For those hankering for some local variety — something many millennials seek when they travel — it is also possible to “customise” a cruise vacation by booking a stay at a hotel on land when ships make overnight stops. So, on an overnight stop at Laem Chaebang, which is close to Pattaya, it was a no-brainer for me to hightail it to the new Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach resort.

Hailed as an upscale addition to Pattaya’s hospitality options, it is located along the tranquil Na Jomtien Beach, about 45 minutes from the port. Here, I finally got to enjoy a dip in the calm waters of the picturesque Gulf of Thailand, where we had spent the last few days cruising.

Certainly, it is not a stopover in Thailand without a glorious local Thai feast, and the resort’s offerings hit the spot. Its Thai restaurant, Wok Wok, serves various comfort fare from flavourful curries to crisp omelettes and delightfully wok hei stir-fries like pad Thai.

At night, I was wowed by the smokey coconut husk flame grilled seabass at the poolside Fish Club, which was served whole with its head intact but had somehow been skillfully deboned. I was so satisfied I did not feel the usual urge to venture into bustling Pattaya for street food.

Satiated and sunkissed after an indulgent overnight stay at the hotel’s Lagoon Access Room, which opens directly to a pool for quick access, I felt refreshed after a short getaway from the ship. Soon enough, it was time to return to Singapore. 

More to anticipate

While it is always bittersweet to end a voyage, there is plenty to look forward to. In April, Spectrum of the Seas will relocate its home port to Shanghai, where it will feature sailings to top Japanese destinations like Fukuoka, Okinawa, and Tokyo, which are perennially popular among Singaporeans. 

Plus in November, another Royal Caribbean ship, Anthem of the Seas, will sail in Asia for the first time from Singapore, with highlights like an eight-night Bali getaway and the return of three- and five-night fan favourites to Penang and Phuket.

Since every Royal Caribbean ship is designed slightly differently, the Anthem will offer new experiences and facilities. These include the Olivier Award-winning musical We Will Rock You and different F&B options — an appealing option for millennials seeking new experiences with each trip. 

That is exactly why those who cruise, just cannot help but return for more.