Two major lines have reported record demand for cruises, despite the continuing pause in itineraries.

Luxury line Regent Seven Seas claimed “the largest booking day” since the company’s launch for the 2022-2023 Voyage Collection, unveiled last week.

The record-breaking booking day beat the previous high set two years ago by 40%.
Among top sellers were exotic destinations like Africa and Asia – perhaps an indicator that the pandemic has made Australians more adventurous.

Steve Odell, SVP & Managing Director Asia Pacific, Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said the result was “fantastic news” and demonstrated the pent-up demand for 2022.

Close to home and Japan and SE Asia have been most popular. But the more adventurous bucket list locations have also proved hot sellers, like ocean cruises from Tokyo to Vancouver.

Even more surprising, perhaps, was the response to premium line Princess’s 2022 World Cruise, departing Sydney in May and featuring 51 destinations, 29 countries and six continents.

According to Helloworld, sales for the journey sent earnings to $32 million – double the figure for last year – with almost 75 per cent new passengers.

The Princess Cruises world cruise will cross the equator twice, feature 11 late-night calls including an overnight stay in Dubai, travel 34,000 nautical miles and visit 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Archaeological City of Petra from Aqaba and the historical city of Jerusalem.

Ports of call include the Panama Canal, Bermuda, Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Barcelona, Rome, Monte Carlo, Athens, Suez Canal, Singapore, Bali, Fiordland National Park, Pago Pago, and two stops in Hawaii.

Money does not appear to be a problem.

Mr Odell said the line had sold a number of Regent suites in Australia. As. An example of what that means, the Regent Suite on next December’s 18-night itinerary from Singapore to Sydney costs $138,060 on special.

All the suites on Coral Princess have gone for the 2022 world cruise, leaving junior suites at $9,499 pp and below left.