Amalfi Bay in Positano is a beautiful town that’s popular with tourists. — Photos: RAHIMY RAHIM/The Star
Cruising has traditionally been viewed as a luxury getaway for families and older generations, but this perception is rapidly changing. Today, it is becoming a trendy holiday for the Gen Z-ers, who are all about trying unique experiences and finding new ways to explore the world.
On my first cruise, I was surprised to see a significant number of Gen Z travellers on board the ship. Among them were sisters Hannah and Alicia, both 25, from Britain. On our first meeting aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Of The Seas, they wore matching pink Burberry outfits. We were on a European cruise package.
“We planned this for my sister’s birthday,” said Hannah. “All we wanted was to visit some cities around Europe without the hassle of constant travel.”
A recent report by the Cruise Lines International Association reveals that Millennials now account for over 20% of global cruise travellers. When combined with travellers in the Gen Z (ages 12 to 27) bracket, these younger holidaymakers represent 36% of all cruise passengers.
A major highlight of this particular cruise was the ability to visit multiple iconic European cities in just seven days. Our itinerary included stops in Naples and La Spezia (Italy), Barcelona (Spain), Palma De Mallorca (Balearic Islands), and Marseille (France).
The cruise began at Rome’s Cruise Terminal, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.
The embarkation process was seamless, thanks to the Royal Caribbean International App. We completed our check-in via the app in a short time, bypassing the long queues typical of an airport travel.
As one of the largest cruise ships in the world when it launched in 2009, the Oasis Of The Seas has an impressive range of activities and amenities onboard for passengers of all ages. With seven themed neighbourhoods – such as Central Park and the Royal Promenade – there is no shortage of experiences.
I was captivated by the Royal Promenade, which featured a “bionic bar”, a range of shops, lounges, restaurants, and even a Starbucks. The atmosphere was buzzing with music, and the bold, Instagram-worthy design catered perfectly to a younger crowd.
The cruise line’s attention to digital innovation and creative design made the experience completely immersive.
Itineraries on the Oasis Of The Seas seem to be catered to young adult travellers and young families, although people of all ages would still be able to enjoy cruising on board.
Modern and luxurious
For most passengers, a premium cruise needs to offer more than just the basic amenities, and this ship delivers. For starters, you get high-speed WiFi connection, something that’s important in today’s world of oversharing on social media.
My stateroom featured a spacious balcony, where I got stunning views of the European seascape. It was also perfect for enjoying sunrises and sunsets. The room itself was cosy, with a comfortable bed and small sofa fitted in.
Dining options were abundant; there were so many restaurants that it was impossible to try them all during our seven-night cruise. One highlight was Sorrento’s, a popular pizzeria that’s open all day. It’s hard to pass by this place without grabbing a slice.
Another standout was the Windjammer Marketplace, the main buffet line on the ship, which was open from early morning until late at night.
Meanwhile, the onboard entertainment catered to the younger passengers, with nightly performances like high-energy musicals, live DJ sets, and late-night comedy shows. A standout event was the Broadway musical Cats, which featured stunning stage design and world-class performances.
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is Gaudi’s biggest unfinished project. — Photos: RAHIMY RAHIM/The Star
Ports of call
The highlight of the cruise was the chance to explore new cities and cultures. Our first stop was Positano in Italy, a picturesque town that attracts around five million visitors annually. The town’s pastel-coloured houses cascade down the cliffs towards the Mediterranean Sea, making it a good spot to take photos.
We paused for a selfie at a scenic viewpoint before heading into the town centre. With its narrow streets and expensive parking, Positano certainly has a distinct charm, and its main attraction is its stunning beach with crystal-clear waters. Our guide explained that many yachts in the harbour belonged to wealthy individuals who frequent the area during the summer.
I stopped at a small cafe to enjoy an Italian coffee and later indulged in a local dessert called delizia al limone (lemon delight). I also explored artisan shops selling lemon-inspired products, a nod to the region’s famous Amalfi lemons.
The ship also sailed to Barcelona, where I got to sort of realise a dream of mine – to visit La Sagrada Familia, one of architect Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces.
I was unable to get tickets to enter as they were sold out by the time we got there (the number of tickets sold per day is limited, in order to preserve the place), but I still spent some time photographing the exterior.
I decided to head to the city’s Gothic Quarter after that, where I visited the Picasso Museum, which houses one of the most extensive collections of his works. The museum showcased Picasso’s early pieces, highlighting how the city influenced his formative years as an artist.
Though there was a bit of rain for a while, we made our way around the city using Barcelona’s reliable and fast train system.
Another highlight was visiting the world-famous Italian landmark, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. As I stood in the expansive Piazza dei Miracoli, the iconic tilt of the tower seemed almost surreal. Completed in the 14th century, the tower’s white marble construction and coloured inlays were awe-inspiring. I spent most of my time there trying to capture the perfect photo of me “holding up” the tower.
Afterwards, I grabbed a quick lunch of pasta (what else?) near the tower before continuing our journey.
Overall, this cruise provided the perfect mix of adventure, luxury, and social opportunities, tailored to a younger, dynamic audience, though older folks who are young-at-heart may also enjoy the journey.
