HOLIDAYMAKERS WASTE MONEY ON FORGETTABLE HOLIDAYS

Research by Royal Caribbean reveals Irish holidaymakers lack the know–how to find their dream getaway

• Average holidaymaker goes on the same holiday four times in their lifetime

• Almost 60% experience ‘holiday envy’

• The Great Wall of China tops list of sights Irish holidaymakers fear they will never see

Dublin, 11 January 2018 – Over half of all Irish holidaymakers admit they regret their holiday choices according to new research released today by Royal Caribbean International.

Almost three quarters (71 per cent) have specific regrets over the breaks they have taken, as a lack of confidence and destination know–how puts them off seeking new experiences, leading to forgettable getaways.

More than half (63 per cent) of holidaymakers say worries such as language barriers and not understanding the local currency and customs encourages them to play it safe by visiting places they’ve been to before.

The research* shows that the average Irish holidaymaker goes on the same holiday four times in their life, with a third admitting to regretting this, due to struggling to find new things to do and because of the initial excitement having worn off by their second visit.

Based on the poll, by the time holiday makers have reached their mid–50s they will have visited the same destination five times and a quarter of over 55s will have been to the same place 10 times or more. In fact, being stuck in the same destination is the biggest regret for almost one in ten.

Almost 60 per cent even admit to being jealous of a friend’s getaway and this ‘holiday envy’ is much more common among 18 – 34 year olds compared to those over 55 (60 per cent vs 24 per cent).

Meanwhile, one in five Irish adults moan they’ve been on getaways they didn’t want to go on because they were dragged there by their partner, while the average holidaymaker goes on three holidays that they could easily forget due to not doing anything out of the ordinary on their break.

The research also indicates that Irish holidaymakers fear they’ll never get to see a long list of extraordinary sights around the world with The Great Wall of China topping the list, closely followed by Egypt’s Pyramids and the Taj Mahal in India.

The top 10 list of sights Irish holiday makers fear they will regret never having seen:

• Great Wall of China                         44%

• Pyramids (Egypt)                              42%

• Taj Mahal (India)                              39%

• Chichen Itza (Mexico)                    33%

• Grand Canyon (Arizona, USA)     26%

• Niagara Falls (Ontario, Canada)  25%

• Statue of Liberty (New York)       16%

• Parthenon (Athens)                        15%

• Sistine Chapel (Rome)                    12%

• Coliseum (Rome)                             11%

To help consumers discover their holiday potential, Royal Caribbean has created the first ever interactive, theatrical cruise experience on dry land; Symphony of the Senses. The two day event in central London will offer an exclusive and innovative preview of what will be the world’s newest and largest cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas.

Ben Bouldin, Associate Vice President and Managing Director, UK & Ireland, for Royal Caribbean International said: “It’s sad to hear so many of us lack the inspiration we need to book the getaway of our dreams.

“We believe a holiday is too important to get wrong, which is why we have launched this event to give a taste of the extraordinary moments found onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, as part of our ‘This is How to Holiday’campaign. The Symphony of the Senses pop–up event promises to be a treat for all the senses, utilising sight, sound, feel, taste and smell to bring the wonders of our newest ship to life through cutting–edge innovation, West–End quality entertainment and magical activities.” 

Showcasing what is set to be the world’s most extraordinary cruise ship Symphony of the Seas, when she launches in April 2018, the Symphony of the Senses experience will bring together the award–winning and acclaimed features only found on Royal Caribbean.

Docking in Holborn, the pop–up event is free for all to attend on Friday 2 February and Saturday 3 February**. Guests can book their boarding time here now.

One lucky attendee at the event will win a family holiday onboard Symphony of the Seas when it launches next year***

–ENDS–

*Research conducted by OnePoll with 2,500 respondents, 500 of whom reside in the Republic of Ireland

**Tickets are subject to availability.

***Terms and Conditions apply.

Notes to editors: 

To contact the Royal Caribbean Office, please call +44 (0)2890 663000 or email royalcaribbean@aikenpr.com 

About Royal Caribbean:

At Royal Caribbean, our aim is to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. We are the pioneers of many firsts at sea, offering a playground of incredible experiences both off and onboard. With a fleet of 24 innovative and spectacular ships that visit 250 destinations over 77 countries and 6 continents, we truly have a holiday to suit everyone.

We are revolutionising the cruise industry to make sure that every holiday with Royal Caribbean is like no other. Whether that’s wowing guests with our robotic bartenders, exhilarating them with our skydiving and surfing simulators, or thrilling them with breathtaking destinations, we want to help them create unforgettable stories that they can tell over and over again.

What’s more, Royal Caribbean was recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2016 – a distinction granted to only 130 companies – highlighting our continued commitment and dedication to putting sustainability into the heart of our business.

Even better, Irish consumers and travel agents think we’re doing great things too – in 2016, Royal Caribbean was awarded “Best General Cruise Line” at the Irish Travel Trade Awards and more recently awarded “Best General Cruise Company” at the 2017 Irish Travel Industry Awards, as well as being named “Ireland’s Favourite Cruise Line” by readers of the Irish Independent.

Media can stay up–to–date by following @MyRoyalUK on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com.

For additional information or to make reservations, guests can visit http://www.royalcaribbean.ie  or call 0844 493 4005, or call their travel agent.