The ongoing outbreak of cruise fever has now taken over 2018 as Silversea marked a record number of bookings for its Legends of Cruising – World Cruise 2020.

The cruise sector is seeing a strong demand this year: according to CLIA’s Cruise Industry Report, 27.2 million passengers are expected to cruise in 2018. As travellers flock to the docks, cruise companies are upping their game with major renovations, new ships, routes, and tailor-made experiences.

Since Silversea opened their Legends of Cruising – World Cruise 2020 last month, bookings have seen a meteroic rise, compared to the previous launches in the last five years. The company is yet to disclose the exact figure, but in a statement, it has announced a ‘record number’ of bookings. According to Silversea, the bookings have topped the charts with a record response rate, both from existing frequent cruisers and first-time Silversea customers.

“With larger cruise lines significantly reducing their capacity on World Cruises – Silversea is increasingly becoming the prime choice for world cruisers looking for real, in-depth destination experiences,” said Peter Shanks, managing director, UK & Ireland at Silversea.

The primary appeal of the world cruise – the Silver Whisper – is the first ship to visit all seven continents on a 140-day world cruise. It drove bookings so hard that even the Owner’s Suites, which cost £380,000 per booking, sold out immediately. Not only did it demonstrate the customers’ trust for Silverseas but proved how much they would spend for the experience.

“With rates starting at £49,000, the record number of bookings for the 2020 World Cruise demonstrates a growing demand for once in a lifetime, luxury travel experiences,” added Shanks.

A first in the history of cruising, the World Cruise 2020 will pass through both the Northern and Southern Fjords and include Antarctica in the itinerary. Up to 382 passengers are set to embark Silver Whisper for the World Cruise 2020.

Making cruise history, Silversea has over 62 ports in over 32 countries. Furthermore, there will be 40 new destinations on the 2018-2019 itineraries.