Why did this US$40,000, six-month cruise sell out in a day? Covid-19 travel bans haven’t been lifted yet, but luxury travellers are digging deep for their next trip – even if it’s in 2023

Feb 20 , 2021

The Insignia in Hong Kong. Photo: Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises’ ‘Around the World in 180 Days’ cruise on the Insignia will take passengers to 33 countries, including Antarctica and 61 Unesco sites

Travellers can check out the Great Wall of China and Glacier Bay National Park in the US, and enjoy an on-board spa, putting green, casino and pool deck

On January 27, Oceania Cruises opened bookings for its 180-day long cruise set for 2023. The trip sold out within a day.

Covid-19 may have halted cruise sailings, but that’s not stopping people from booking future trips, even if the voyages are almost two years out. This includes people who have never sailed with the brand before: 33 per cent of the bookings were made by new guests instead of experienced Oceania travellers.

The Toscana restaurant on Insignia. Photo: Oceania Cruises

“Despite the challenges the world faces today, travellers are clearly bullish on the future and are embracing these new opportunities to travel the world and create lifelong memories,” Bob Binder, president and CEO of Oceania Cruises, said in a statement.

The grand staircase on the Insignia. Photo: Oceania Cruises

The number of new guests on the 180-day cruise and the speed at which it sold out reflects “tremendous pent-up demand”, Binder said.

And apparently, 180 days out at sea isn’t enough for some of its guests. According to the cruise line, 20 per cent of its world cruise guests have decided to lengthen the voyage to 218 days.

The sold out trip will span from January 15, 2023, to July 13, 2023, and will start and end in San Francisco.

The Insignia in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Oceania Cruises