CARNIVAL Cruise Line has unveiled the results of its latest research and it makes for sad reading with 42% of Australians saying they’ve had less fun than usual in the last two years, and another 8% reporting they have had “no fun at all”.

The research was conducted in November 2021 by Pureprofile on behalf of Carnival Cruise Line, on a sample of over 1000 Australians, including 475 parents.

Kara Glamore, Carnival Cruise Line VP, says that Australians need to appreciate their relationship with fun and discover their “fun type”.

“What this research has shown is that Aussies need to find that fun- version of themselves again. Many of us no longer know what we like to do for fun after being deprived of it for so long.”

Carnival says Australia is in the midst of a “trans-fun-mational period”, with seven out of 10 of us saying that what we do for fun has ultimately changed.

Aussies now want to visit new places more than before (36%), spend more time with their loved ones (35%) and have learned how to relax and switch off (24%). These are closely related to what Aussies find the most fun with relaxing, kicking back and forgetting their worries (68%), experiencing and discovering new places (66%) and spending time with loved ones and creating new memories (60%) topping the list.

Aussies have also identified women as the most-fun gender at 61%. Although, both men and women think their gender has the most fun (55% of men vs 77% of women).

On the research findings, psychologist Jaimie Bloch says that it’s essential for Australians to rediscover what they like to do for fun to be able to reconnect with one another.

“It’s been a difficult two years for all of us, but what this time has allowed us to do is re-evaluate our idea of fun. The research clearly reflects this with 70% of Aussies saying that their idea of fun has changed.

“It’s also no surprise that we are eager for a break and adventure – especially considering that we’ve been stuck at home for so long.

“Holidays are a great space to have fun together, strengthen relationships with our friends and family and let our stresses and worries go,” Ms Block said.

On the relation between fun and holidays, Aussies are just as eager with over one in ten (15%) saying that they can’t even remember the last time they had a holiday. Nearly half of all Aussies (45%) also said that although their last holiday was ‘okay’, there was room to improve.

In terms of local holiday destinations, the Sunshine State is king with 33% of all respondents saying that Queensland would be the most fun Australian state or territory to visit. NSW follows at 18% and Victoria at 15%.

“We consider ourselves fun experts at Carnival. Whether you are the type to slide down waterslides and seek adventure every day or sit by the pool with a cocktail and read a book, we have the perfect holiday for you, no matter your fun type,” Ms Glamore said.