P&O Cruises has reported its strongest start to the year ever, as well as an increase in average booking lead times

The most popular destinations booked throughout January were the Caribbean, the Norwegian fjords and the Atlantic Islands, while Iona was the ship that reported the most interest.

“The beginning of this year’s Wave has once again surpassed all expectations with record-breaking sales indicating a renewed confidence in the holiday market and the excellent value for money that you get with a P&O Cruises holiday,” said P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow.

“We entered 2024 better booked so we have less reliance on the lates market which is better for us and better for agents in terms of earnings potential.”

P&O Cruises isn’t the first line to experience a record-breaking January. Riviera Travel saw its wave period sales made through its travel agent partners rise by 50 per cent year-on-year, while Barrhead Travel achieved a record-breaking Sunshine Saturday, with bookings up by 20 per cent compared to the previous year.

Wave incentives still up for grabs

The line will continue to run a series of wave incentives for agents to help enhance their sales. Anyone booking an applicable Select Price or Early Saver P&O Cruises holiday with a 10 per cent deposit by 4 March 2024 can enjoy 20 per cent off a Classic drinks package (excludes inside cabins on cruises under seven nights).

In October last year P&O announced that it will return to 12 ports for the first time in five or more years in winter 25/26, with destinations including Los Angeles, Melbourne, Bali, as well as Bodo in Norway and Dunedin in New Zealand.

This followed the news of the line expanding its regional sales team for the north, west and east of England while also improving its wifi connectivity across its fleet with the roll out of SpaceX’s Starlink.