Oceania Cruises announced on March 2 that it had set a new single-day booking record. According to a press release from the company, the new figure is nearly 12% higher than the previous record set in September 2021. The 2024 Around the World in 180 Days voyage aboard the Insignia set the record, selling out within 30 minutes of going on sale.

The company also stated that the “enthused response” to the other four new 72- to 82-day Grand Voyages in the Asia-Pacific region contributed to the increase in sales. “The response to our 2024 world cruise and new grand voyages clearly demonstrates the tenacity, enthusiasm, and passion that drives our guests to travel the world,” said Howard Sherman, president and CEO of Oceania Cruises. “The fervent demand for these globetrotting experiences is also a testament to our officers and crew, as well as our travel partners, who have tirelessly championed the global return to travel,” he added.

While world cruises typically have a high number of repeat guests, Oceania Cruises’ 2024 world cruise saw nearly half of all bookings come from first-time, new-to-brand guests, according to the company. The remaining 42% of guests on the current 2022 Around the World voyage rebooked for the 2024 voyage. “This continues a booking trend that the brand has seen emerge steadily over the last year, with some booking periods and promotions recording new-to-brand booking levels of more than 50 percent,” Oceania said.

In addition, 18% of 2024 world cruise passengers chose to extend their voyage to a total of 196 days. “The tremendous response from both our loyal repeat guests and new first-time guests demonstrates the epic pent-up demand for immersive, destination-focused cruises and the strong allure of our acclaimed small-ship experience,” Sherman added. Oceania’s 2023 Europe and North America programs are also experiencing “exceptional demand,” with bookings on longer, grand voyages that span multiple weeks or months increasing.

To meet demand, on May 4th, the company will launch a full year of voyages from October 2023 to December 2024. Another trend noted by Oceania was the “historically strong” response from travel advisors. “The vast majority of bookings were made through our valued travel partners, and this launch would not have been a record-breaking success without the support of travel advisors worldwide,” said Nikki F. Upshaw, Senior Vice President of Sales.