Oceania Cruises says its 2023 “Around the World in 180 Days” voyage sold out within one day of opening for sale to the general, prompting company execs to state that “travellers are clearly bullish on the future (of cruising).”

The booking bonanza, which took place on Jan. 27, follows Oceania’s Labour Day 2020 sale, which proved to be the most successful holiday promotion in the company’s history.

“The response to our epic 2023 around-the-world voyage clearly illustrates the enthusiasm that experienced travellers have for immersive and memorable travel experiences… despite the challenges the world faces today,” said Oceania Cruises president and CEO Bob Binder.

While world cruises typically attract legions of loyal repeat guests, Oceania Cruises’ 2023 world cruise saw more than one-third of all bookings come from first time, new-to-brand guests. This furthers a booking trend the brand has seen steadily emerging during the past year with some booking periods and promotions recording new-to-brand booking levels of close to 50 percent. Additionally, a full 20 percent of world cruise guests opted to extend their voyage up to a total of 218 days.

“The quick uptake… underscores the tremendous pent-up demand for immersive, destination-focused cruises and the strong allure of our acclaimed small-ship experience,” added Binder.

The line’s 2023 Around the World in 180 Days voyage calls in 96 ports in 33 countries across four continents, including three full days cruising in Antarctica and visits to more than 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The line has seen strong demand for its 2022 Europe and North America collection of voyages with bookings on longer, grand voyages that span multiple weeks or months. To satisfy demand from consumers and travel advisors who are booking farther out, the line will be opening its full 2022-23 winter collection of itineraries in March and will open the spring, summer, and fall 2023 Europe and North America voyages beginning in September.