The popularity of the ‘grey gap year’ has been proved by P&O Cruses selling out its first autumn world cruise departure, the line claims.
The 84-night voyage offers an alternative to the usual January departure from Southampton with Oriana calling at 28 ports in 19 countries including Acapulco, Hawaii, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand.
Of the 1,710 passengers, one third are taking the full cruise, half of the remaining will be doing cruises to or from Australasia – such as 49-nights from Auckland to Southampton – with the remainder joining the ship at intervals for two or three-week sectors of the itinerary.
The world cruise, which departs on Thursday, comes as research for the company found that more than 80% of adults are now taking longer and more adventurous trips with 49% of 55-64 year olds saying they would like to take time out to travel.
The study reveals a 300% increase in ‘grey gap-years’ over the past five years with the number of pre-retirement gap years now reaching 200,000 annually.
Research into the over-65 market found that many envy the lifestyles of the young, with the majority (57%) saying they wished they had travelled more and 45% wishing they had quit their jobs and changed professions.
These are also being fuelled by redundancies and the 90,000 people who choose to take a career break every year, according to the line.
P&O Cruises’ managing director Carol Marlow said: “Our passenger research has shown that the grown up gap year is becoming increasingly popular as people evaluate their lives and recognise the value of seeing the world and revisiting the must-see destinations.
“Oriana’s autumn departure has been a popular choice, arriving home in time for Christmas.
“We are seeing increased demand for the full trip not only from regular cruisers but also from first timers looking for a different, once in a lifetime experience.”
Passengers will be entertained by Gary Wilmot, Les Dennis and Roy Walker, Des O’Connor and Tom O’ Connor, Matt Munro Junior and Lionel Blair.
There will be speakers on topics including maritime history, ornithology, murder mysteries and fingerprints.