P&O Cruises to offer UK summer sailings, other cruises cancelled through August/September

UK comeback 

The coastal sailings will be from P&O’s homeport of Southampton, with company president, Paul Ludlow, commenting that ‘holidays here in the UK will be the first to become a reality’ before a ‘gradual return to international travel.’ 

He added, ‘We remain in very close contact with the UK government and associated bodies as we monitor the latest situation and guidance on travel. 

‘From the moment we see travel restrictions lifting we will begin the significant logistical task to restart our operations. It will take some time for the first ship to return to service, followed by the phased return of the remaining fleet.’ 

He added that passengers will have the ‘protection of effective protocols to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all crew and guests.’ 

UK’s vaccine rollout

Ludlow continued, ‘As the vaccine programme is rolled out across the globe we can all begin to feel a sense of reassurance and hope that this current lockdown period in the UK will come to an end. 

'Life can, we hope, slowly return to some semblance of our previous normality as hospitality opens up and summer holidays can be booked with confidence.'

Cancellations

Cancelled sailings on board Arcadia, Aurora, Azura, Ventura, Britannia and Iona result from being able to offer the UK summer cruises, according to Ludlow. 

Those impacted are to receive a 125% future cruise credit which can be redeemed for any new booking made by the end of December 2021, on any cruise on sale at the time of booking.