The new study on travel trends commissioned by NCL reveals that Spanish travelers are opting for multi-generational vacations to enjoy quality time (68%) and shared experiences (37%). NCL's European itineraries are designed to make traveling with people of different generations easier, more flexible, and more satisfying.
Multi-generational travel is quickly becoming one of the most common ways families spend their vacations today, and Europe is increasingly proving to be an ideal destination for travelers of all generations. Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL) and its summer cruises in Europe offer grandparents, parents, and children a variety of experiences that allow families to spend time together in different ways, while also making it easier to travel between multiple destinations on a single trip.
A YouGov¹ survey commissioned by NCL reveals that 78% of Spaniards have already taken a multi-generational trip and that 53% plan to do so in the next two years. Among the main motivations are spending quality time with loved ones (68%) and creating shared experiences (37%).
What families look for in a multi-generational vacation
For Spanish families, an ideal vacation must offer flexibility, comfort, and good value for money. 80% consider flexibility essential, while 43% value being able to combine shared moments with time to enjoy the trip individually.
In addition, 75% consider simple organization important and 89% prioritize value for money. However, budget differences among family members (33%) and finding suitable activities for all ages (30%) remain some of the main challenges.
Cruises adapt to the way families want to travel today
Cruises meet these needs by bringing together accommodation, transportation, gastronomy, and entertainment in a single experience. For Spaniards, group-friendly accommodations (79%), quiet spaces (84%), and a variety of activities for all ages (75%) are particularly noteworthy.
On board NCL ships, each generation can enjoy their vacation in their own way thanks to a wide gastronomic offer, top-level entertainment, and spaces designed for both sharing and disconnecting. While the little ones enjoy water parks, slides, and race tracks, adults can relax at the Mandara Spa® or the exclusive Vibe Beach Club.
"What NCL is observing is a clear shift in how families want to travel," said Kevin Bubolz, Managing Director Continental Europe of Norwegian Cruise Line. "It's about creating shared moments while allowing each generation the freedom to enjoy their vacation in their own way. That balance of flexibility, simplicity, and variety of options is the essence of NCL's approach to designing its vacation experiences. With this offering in Europe, NCL has created itineraries and onboard experiences that make it easy for extended families to reconnect while discovering multiple destinations, without the complexity that often comes with planning these types of trips."
Europe, a natural choice for travelers of all ages
The survey confirms that 71% of Spaniards associate Europe with its cultural richness. During shared vacations, travelers wish to try local gastronomy (61%), explore cities (49%), relax on the beach (49%), and visit cultural sites (44%).
This summer, eight NCL ships, including one of the brand's newest, the Norwegian Viva®, will sail the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Greek Islands with departures from popular ports such as Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), or Athens (Piraeus). Most itineraries last seven days and have few or no sea days, allowing for the discovery of a new destination practically every day. Some routes also include overnight stays in cities like Reykjavik, Copenhagen, or Istanbul.
Among the highlighted itineraries for multigenerational families are:
Norwegian Viva: 9 and 10-day cruises through the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean
Departing from Istanbul (Turkey); Venice (Ravenna); or Rome (Civitavecchia) (Italy), these itineraries with numerous stops and no sea days allow families to discover a new destination every day. On board, 16 carefully selected dining venues, including the Indulge Food Hall, make it easy for families to gather on their own schedule, while attractions such as the Viva Speedway, splash zones, and the adults-only Vibe Beach Club offer each generation the freedom to design their own vacation experience.
Cruise details " Departure date: August 28, 2026 " Starting from €953 per person in an interior stateroom
Norwegian Epic - 7 days in the Western Mediterranean
These cruises with different departure and arrival points begin or end in Barcelona (Spain) or Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy), and offer a wide variety of renowned cultural cities and prominent coastal locations, in addition to onboard activities that every traveler will want to include on their wish list.
Cruise details " Departure date: October 25, 2026 " Starting from €720 per person in an interior stateroom.
Norwegian Star – Northern Europe and Iceland
Longer itineraries through Iceland, Scotland, and Norway, departing from Southampton (England) or Reykjavik (Iceland), offer the opportunity for a deeper cultural immersion with great logistical convenience. Scenic cruises, coastal towns, and overnight comfort on board the same ship facilitate exploration, while the longer itinerary duration allows for a more relaxed pace overall.
Cruise details " Departure date: September 3, 2026 " Starting from €1,122 per person in an interior stateroom.
To facilitate the planning of upcoming family vacations, NCL is launching a flash offer valid until June 30, 2026, with cruises in Europe starting from €699 per person. Passengers who book a balcony stateroom or higher category can add the Free at SeaTM package from €139, with a 50% discount, which includes benefits such as a beverage package, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi connection via Starlink
1 The data from this survey are based on online interviews conducted with YouGov panel members who had previously agreed to participate. A total of 1,050 people were surveyed between May 20 and May 25, 2026, in Spain. The survey was conducted using quota sampling, and the results were subsequently weighted accordingly. The results are representative of the resident population in Spain in terms of age, sex, and region.