MSC Cruises has launched a brand-new reggae-inspired album, bringing a taste of the Caribbean to listeners wherever they are.
Now streaming on Spotify, from Taylor Swift and Harry Styles to Pharrell Williams, The Beatles, and Madonna, each track has been given a fresh reggae-infused makeover. Whether relaxing at home or dreaming of an escape to tropical shores on an MSC Cruises cruise, the album sets the perfect soundtrack for holiday mode.
New research from MSC Cruises reveals that music influences travel choices, with 76% of Brits saying tunes have inspired their holiday destinations. The Caribbean takes the top spot, driven by a nationwide love for reggae. The study also found that over a quarter (28%) of Brits always listen to music before heading on holiday, with pop (55%), holiday anthems (33%), and chill-out tunes (22%) battling it out for the number 1 spot on Brits’ playlists.
Topping the list of Brits’ happiest holiday songs is Katrina and The Waves’ 1983 Eurovision-winning hit Walking on Sunshine, followed by Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles (24%) and Pharrell Williams’ Happy (23%). The album also includes reggae-infused versions of Shake It Off by Taylor Swift (15%)-a Gen Z and Millennial favourite-alongside Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles (8%), Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish (5%), and timeless classics like Summer in the City by Lovin’ Spoonful (6%), La Bamba by Ritchie Valens (6%), and Uptown Girl by Billy Joel (12%).
Certain songs have the power to transport Brits straight into summer mode, with 40% saying music instantly gets them in the holiday spirit. More than 63% find that music lifts their spirits, and over half (53%) tune into sounds from their destination before they even start packing. In fact, 75% say music brings a place to life before they arrive, while 84% see it as a powerful way to connect with other cultures.
And with 40% of Brits inspired to visit the Caribbean through reggae music, MSC Cruises has created ‘Bbean Beats – the ultimate sunshine playlist, filled with island rhythms to transport travellers straight to the tropics.
Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales, MSC Cruises, said:
“Music is pure magic—it has the power to transport you to your dream destination, just like an MSC Cruises Caribbean cruise. It lifts your spirits, sets the tone for adventure and gets you into that summer mindset. Our new reggae-inspired playlist is the perfect way to kickstart the holiday excitement, and we hope it gets guests in the mood for their Caribbean adventure while celebrating the vibrant culture that makes this region so special.”
68% of music lovers say holiday playlists fuel their excitement for upcoming trips, with 53% blasting their favourite songs a few weeks before departure and 43% using music to power through packing. Nearly a third (29%) even create a brand-new playlist for every trip to set the mood (68%).
Music is also a travel essential during trip planning, with 26% listening while trying on holiday outfits, 25% while mapping out their itinerary, and 15% while booking excursions.
