MORE THAN 70% OF TRAVELERS EMBRACE THE “JOY OF MISSING” AS THE NEW WAY TO VACATION | News
After years of ‘revenge travel’ and packed vacations, a new mentality has emerged that is reshaping the way people think about vacation: the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO). Unlike tightly packed trips driven by the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), where travelers raced to check off destinations on their bucket lists and capture every moment for social media, JOMO embraces a slower, more intentional approach. According to a new survey conducted by YouGov1 on behalf of Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), more than 70% of travelers are switching from quick sightseeing to more restorative, meaningful escapes that prioritize personal well-being, flexibility and choice.
FOMO fuels a “do it all” culture, which often leaves travelers needing a vacation after their vacation (49%). On the contrary, JOMO celebrates the art of doing less and more meaningfully. Although over two-thirds of respondents (71%) prioritized ticking off as many sights and attractions as possible during their previous holidays, over a third (35%) admitted they returned home exhausted rather than refreshed. Now 77% say they consciously plan their upcoming vacation to be relaxing and peaceful, choosing presence over pressure and simplicity over schedules. JOMO travel is not about missing out, but about choosing what really matters.
This shift is especially pronounced among travelers fatigued by the hustle culture and hyper-connectivity. For the majority (67%), JOMO-style travel is a form of self-care that offers the chance to unplug and enjoy life at a slower pace (45%), escape the pressure to “see and do it all” (40%), take time for themselves (38%), embrace spontaneity over set plans (34%) and experience nature (32%).
These preferences closely match what travelers say they value most in a JOMO-style vacation: freedom from obligations (52%), time in nature (48%), and the ability to spend their days at their own pace (39%).
More than half of travelers (54%) agree that cruises provide the ideal environment for a JOMO-style vacation, making them a great choice alongside spa retreats, beach vacations and nature vacations. The Caribbean (30%) emerged as the top region for JOMO travel, thanks to its relaxed pace, natural beauty and abundance of opportunities to unwind. With its warm climate, tranquil beaches and easy access to nature, the Caribbean offers the perfect setting to embrace the joy of missing out, without missing a thing.
“We are seeing a meaningful shift in the way people want to travel, away from rigid travel agendas and toward more intentional and restorative experiences,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “The joy of missing travel is about choosing what matters most, and at NCL we make that easy. From thoughtfully designed onboard offerings that invite guests to slow down and enjoy every moment in our year-round Caribbean to trips that provide the perfect setting to unplug and recharge, we’re proud to offer the freedom and flexibility travelers today crave desire.”
How NCL delivers the ultimate JOMO travel experience
As this new mentality takes hold and travelers embrace the joy of missing out, NCL allows them to slow down and reclaim their vacation. Not by doing nothing, but by doing less of what is expected and more of what feels meaningful to them. NCL makes it easy to disconnect and enjoy every moment.
1. More freedom, flexibility and ways to relax
The cruise line offers guests the freedom and flexibility to create their most personal vacation. Whether it’s sleeping in, staying on board while others go ashore, or spending the day at the Mandara Spa, travelers can choose how much or how little they want to do. With no set schedules and no expectations, you can enjoy every moment.
2. Unparalleled Caribbean offering all year round
The relaxed rhythm, sun-drenched beaches and calm waters of the Caribbean make it the ultimate JOMO destination, where disconnecting is a given. NCL is sailing to the region with 18 ships, including the soon-to-debut Norwegian Luna™ and the new Norwegian Aqua™, carefully designed to bring guests closer to the sea and provide more space to relax. The brand’s Caribbean itineraries will run throughout 2027, departing from convenient home ports such as Miami, Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, New York City, Punta Cana (La Romana), Dominican Republic and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Guests can choose trips from four to fourteen days, each tailored to their pace and preferences.
3. Private Island Bliss on Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye
NCL’s exclusive private resort-style islands, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize, are featured on almost every Caribbean trip. Both destinations offer the ultimate escape to paradise, allowing guests to relax on world-class beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters or enjoy missing the stresses of everyday life. Great Stirrup Cay is currently undergoing enhancements to accommodate the JOMO travel trend, including the Vibe Shore Club, an exclusive adults-only area that offers a more upscale atmosphere with a private bar and premium lounge seating.
4. Onboard refuges to unplug and refresh
NCL’s award-winning fleet offers thoughtfully designed spaces that invite guests to take a moment for themselves. The Mandara Spa not only offers a full menu of treatments, from hot stone massages to rejuvenating facials, but also floor-to-ceiling windows allowing guests to enjoy soothing ocean views. Vibe Beach Club and Spice H2O are adults-only retreats where guests can relax in peace, sip cocktails and enjoy panoramic views while fewer people are around. For quiet reflection or a cozy escape, locations such as the Observation Lounge provide a serene environment to read, relax or just be. Even the Waterfront or Ocean Boulevard encourage mindful walks close to the sea, making it easy to disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with yourself.
5. Cruising made easy: Food, drinks, WiFi and more included
With NCL’s all-inclusive packages, guests enjoy the best value at sea, with an unlimited open bar, specialty dining, high-speed WiFi powered by Starlink and shore excursion credits. This seamless experience takes away the stress of budgeting and planning, allowing guests to focus on what really matters: recharge, reconnect and enjoy the journey.
Additionally, NCL sails to nearly 350 destinations worldwide, allowing guests to delve into JOMO travel beyond the Caribbean.
For more information about the company’s award-winning fleet of 20 ships and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.
1 The data from this study is based on online interviews with members of the YouGov panel who had previously agreed to participate. A total of 12,185 individuals were surveyed between September 12 and 23, 2025 in the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. Of these, 9,658 respondents are classified as travelers – defined as those who have traveled in the past five years and/or plan to travel within the next two years. In each country, the sample was controlled by age, gender and region, and the results were then weighted accordingly. The results are representative of the adult population (18+) living in each country.
