P&O cancels some of its cruises abroad this summer so it can offer Britons staycation trips for the first time
- The trips are being billed by the cruise line as ‘the ultimate summer escapes’
- The cruises, which will sail from Southampton, will go on sale later in March
- In normal times, all P&O’s sailings have international ports of call
A fresh set of British summer staycation options will soon be docking – in the form of P&O cruises.
The firm will offer – for the first time – a series of short break and week-long UK cruises that it’s billing as ‘the ultimate summer escapes’.
The cruises, which will sail from Southampton, will go on sale later in March.
A fresh set of British summer staycation options will soon be docking – in the form of P&O cruises. Pictured is P&O ship Britannia. It’s not known yet whether this ship will be part of the staycation offer
The bad news, though, is that to free-up ships to sail around Britain, P&O is having to cancel some foreign trips.
In normal times, all P&O’s sailings have international ports of call.
The cruise line said that all guests whose cruises have been cancelled would automatically receive a ‘Future Cruise Credit’ worth 125 per cent of what they paid.
This credit can be redeemed against any new booking made by the end of December 2021, on any cruise on sale at the time of booking.
Alternatively, a 100 per cent refund is available through the form on www.pocruises.com and may be requested until December 2021.
Details of which ships will be used for the UK sailings and the itineraries have yet to be released.
P&O Cruises is having to cancel some foreign trips to free-up ships for staycation sailings. Pictured is a cabin on board the Britannia
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: ‘Whilst holidays here in the UK will be the first to become a reality we will, of course, gradually see the return of international travel but first we want guests to be able to enjoy a proper summer holiday at sea with the best in relaxation, entertainment and dining choice.
‘These sailings will leave from our home port in Southampton and sail around UK coastal waters enjoying the summer sunshine. More details of dates, prices and the experience on board will be announced later this month, but they will, of course, all have flexibility so guests can book with confidence.
‘We hope that the UK “ultimate escape” staycation option will have wide appeal and we will do our utmost to make it a very special time. There really will be something for everyone and the opportunity to spend precious and much-longed-for time with family and friends.
‘In order to offer these UK breaks it does mean that, unfortunately, we need to cancel some of our current published programme of holidays this summer. Cruises on Arcadia, Aurora, Azura and Ventura have been cancelled until the end of August and on Britannia and Iona until the end of September.
‘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 re-start our operations.
‘I really am so sorry for the disappointment these cancellations will cause but hope that the new UK cruises will enable everyone to enjoy a wonderful holiday this summer.’