News & Analysis

P&O Cruises and Cunard received a record number of bookings when its World Voyages 2011 programmes opened on July 1.

As many as 2,044 people booked voyages from the two programmes - 47% more than on the same day last year, when 1,385 bookings were made for 2010 world voyages.

P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale said: "We hope the figures for both companies are indicative of shoots of growth for the travel industry, and show the resilience of the cruise sector.

"The appetite to take that once-in-a-lifetime voyage is far from in decline, and for many experienced cruisers a world voyage is becoming a regular winter holiday experience.

"The success of this launch day suggests that cruising is more immune to the economic climate and that holidays are still a priority."

P&O Cruises' 2011 programme is its largest ever, with four ships offering itineraries. Highlights of Cunard's programme include its new ocean liner Queen Elizabeth making its maiden world cruise, and Queen Mary 2 undertaking its fourth Grand Voyage.