Royal Caribbean revealed the ultimate holiday bucket list for 2021 and beyond, spanning 16,357 miles, taking 11 years to complete and costing a total of £35,790. A survey shows nearly half of UK holidaymakers’ bucket lists are longer than ever before since the pandemic, making it clear the UK’s zeal for holidays and experiences is greater than ever before.

The survey, commissioned by Royal Caribbean and coinciding with the cruise line’s global return to sailing, discovered the ultimate bucket list destinations for UK travellers includes Australia, Canada, Alaska, and the balmy islands of Barbados and The Bahamas. Seeing the northern lights, cruising in the Caribbean, and reaching the top of the Eiffel Tower are some of the most popular experiences holidaymakers are looking forward to today. However, half admit their itinerary is ‘increasing all the time’ and 70% are concerned they won’t ever complete it all.

Ben Bouldin, vice president, EMEA, Royal Caribbean International said: “Having had so much time without holidays, UK families have missed making memories with their loved ones. Royal Caribbean cruises are a great holiday option for those wanting to complete several adventures in one trip. Without even leaving our ships, guests can surf, sky dive, rock climb and go head-to-head with friends and family on the first bumper cars at sea. All of these incredible experiences are on board Anthem of the Seas, which is sailing the British Isles this summer.”

The bucket list survey results have been released on the heels of the return of the action-packed Anthem of the Seas. Earlier this month, the chart-topping cruise ship departed from Southampton for the first time in six years and marked a celebratory moment for the cruise line’s return to sailing in the UK after 20 months. Anthem is welcoming guests on a range of summer cruises around the British Isles to charming ports such as the vibrant city of Liverpool, England; the home of maritime heritage, Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Kirkwall, Scotland located off the enchanted Orkney Islands.

When adding a dream destination to their bucket list, UK holidaymakers are keen to ensure it has picture-perfect landscapes, activities, excursions, and opportunities to explore different cultures and delicious food. Just under half (49%) consider ticking off activities and experiences on their travel list as one of their biggest life goals. And as such, 56% said they always take into consideration how they can live out their bucket list when booking a holiday.

Ben Bouldin added: “Our research shows that the average UK holidaymaker has around 12 must-do experiences on their bucket list; with this list growing all the time, they will want to ensure their next getaway packs in as much adventure as possible. Royal Caribbean has a huge range of once-in-a-lifetime onboard experiences and adventures in every destination for families and friends to enjoy together.”

Island hopping in Greece, seeing Mount Fuji and swimming with dolphins are also among the nation’s top 20 bucket list activities. Many of those polled would also like to walk the Great Wall of China, travel on the Orient Express, stay in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, and take in the views from the Empire State Building.

Sailing with a fully vaccinated crew, Anthem’s limited summer itineraries to the British Isles are open for bookings and only available to UK residents 18 years and older who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and children under the age of 18 with negative test results. Royal Caribbean’s many layers of health and safety measures, including the vaccination policy and testing requirements, can be viewed here.

For more information on Anthem’s series of summer cruises, visit the Royal Caribbean website.

THE UK’S TOP 20 TRAVEL BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Alaska
4. Barbados
5. The Bahamas
6. New Zealand
7. Italy
8. Iceland
9. Japan
10. Brazil
11. Greece and the Greek Isles
12. North America (not including Alaska)
13. Thailand
14. Antigua
15. Norway
16. Bermuda
17. Portugal
18. Singapore
19. China
20. Cyprus

THE UK’S TOP 20 TRAVEL BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES

1. See the northern lights
2. Go to Disney World in Florida
3. Make it to the top of the Eiffel Tower
4. Visit Pompei
5. Drive Route 66
6. Go on safari in Africa
7. Go to a casino in Las Vegas
8. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge
9. Swim with dolphins
10. Travel on the Orient Express
11. Go island hopping in Greece
12. Pay your respects at Auschwitz
13. Climb the Empire State Building
14. Cruising in the Caribbean
15. Hike the Great Wall of China
16. Swim in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
17. See Mount Fuji in Japan
18. Rail trip around Europe
19. See a bear in Canada
20. Stay at an overwater bungalow in the Maldives