Oceania Cruises has set a new record for a booking day following the launch of its 2022 Europe & North America Collection of voyages.

The culinary and destination-focused cruise line had more than a 20% increase in bookings for its Europe & North America season over last year.

The most bookings were seen on cruises to the Mediterranean and Baltic regions as well as the line’s longer “Grand Voyages” that spans multiple weeks and, in many instances, multiple continents.

Steve Odell, SVP and Managing Director Asia Pacific, Oceania Cruises & Regent Seven Seas Cruises told Cruise Passenger he believed news of a possible vaccine against COVID-19 helped boost confidence.

“It was a confidence booster for sure and certainly is another positive step on the road,” he said.

Bob Binder, President and CEO added: “The tremendous response from our loyal repeat guests, our travel partners, and first-time guests underscores the tremendous pent-up demand for immersive, destination-focused cruises and our acclaimed small-ship experience that features The Finest Cuisine at Sea”.

One third of the reservations were from new-to-brand guests, while the other two thirds were repeat customers with a small number using future credit from cancelled voyages.

As a result of demand for voyages in 2022, Oceania will be opening its 2023 Around the World voyage for reservations in January 2021, followed by the full season of 2022-23 collection of itineraries in February.

In 2021, the cruise line will open the inaugural season of the first of its highly anticipated Allura Class newbuilds for sale.