P&O Cruises has stated that the first-week response to its 2022 itineraries “demonstrates both confidence in cruising and the desire people have to return to sea”.

The line’s 2022 programme, which was put on sale on 11 November, features more than 150 cruises from Southampton and Mediterranean fly/cruises. Cruises range from four nights in Amsterdam through to a 30-day sailing to North America and Canada.

Offers include a five per cent low deposit on all cruises, a 10 per cent discount for past guests, as well as a five per cent discount for new guests making a Select Price booking. All offers are available until 14 December 2020.

The line said that bookings show a rise in popularity for the line’s no-fly departures from Southampton, which will take place on all of P&O Cruises’ six ocean ships.

New ship Iona will also sail her second season to the Norwegian fjords in 2022, departing from Southampton.

Seven-night cruises on Iona for summer 2022 start at £599pp, sailing round-trip from Southampton and taking in ports like Stavanger, Olden, Ålesund and Haugesund.

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow praised the support the line has received from the trade, stating that agents have “really got behind” the programme.

He added: “The truly remarkable first week on sale of our 2022 cruises surpassed all expectations and clearly demonstrates both confidence in cruising and the desire people have to return to sea with us following this unprecedented year of virtually no overseas travel.

“The extraordinary take-up in the first seven days of us putting the programme on sale reflects an undying love for cruising with a trusted, quintessentially British brand.

“Travel agents have really got behind our extensive range of tempting early booking offers to deliver an exceptional launch for us.

“While it is still early days, we are extremely optimistic about the future and know our guests can’t wait to sail with us again.”