P &O Cruises has reported its strongest Wave ever, with a record-breaking number of bookings made during the period.

The most-booked itineraries during the Wave period of 15 December 2022 and 6 March 2023 were Norwegian fjords itineraries, with the Caribbean and Western Mediterranean also popular.

President Paul Ludlow said: “This year’s Wave season has surpassed all expectations with record-breaking days throughout the period.

“It’s particularly encouraging to see that guests who are new to cruising are recognising the excellent value for money, fantastic destinations and unique experience on a P&O Cruises holiday.“

Meanwhile, Hays Travel has jetted 1,800 passengers off to the Caribbean from their local airports on exclusive charters over the past few weeks to join P&O Cruises ships.

Hays chartered direct flights to Barbados from six regional airports to take customers ‘door to door’ on their dream cruise holiday. 300 passengers travelled on each of the flights, departing over the past two months from Bournemouth, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Belfast, and Bristol.

Hays Travel staff were on hand at all the airports helping passengers navigate their way through the check-in process.

The two-week cruises they were meeting were on board either Britannia or Arvia, with highlights including Antigua, Saint Lucia and Grenada. 

Hays Travel’s Cruise Development Executive Emma Craggs said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been able to bring this unique offer of our own direct flights to Barbados along with the amazing experience of a fabulous P&O Cruises Caribbean cruise.”

“All the sailings were sold out and we’ve had some fantastic feedback from customers.

“I think the convenience of flying direct from their local airport combined with the personal service of knowing Hays Travel staff are on hand both at the airport and onboard the cruise ship, has made people feel really well looked after.”

“We have another five charters booked for next winter from regional airports, three of which are already sold out, as well as another six for 2025.”