Updated Wednesday 23rd March 2021
P&O Cruises have made the exciting announcement that this summer they will be launching UK coastal cruises from their homeport in Southampton. While this does mean other cruises have been cancelled through August, and Iona and Britannia sailings through September, these replacement British cruises will allow guests to finally return to holidays at sea. Please read on for details on P&O or see here for a breakdown on all cruise lines' plans to return to cruising.
From short breaks to week-long itineraries, Paul Ludlow, P&O Cruises President, hopes that "there really will be something for everyone and the opportunity to spend precious and much-longed for time with family and friends."
Which ships will offer these 2021 cruises?
Iona and Britannia will be the two P&O Cruises' ships offering summer 2021 UK Coastal Cruises.
Where and when will P&O's Summer 2021 cruises sail?
Cruises onboard P&O Britannia will take place from July to September. These 3 and 4-night itineraries will not have any ports of call, instead giving you the chance to make the most of your time onboard. Britannia's final voyage will be 6-nights and will call at Liverpool where guests will be able to disembark and explore.
Cruises onboard P&O Iona will take place through August and September. These itineraries will be 7-nights long and will not stop at any ports. Iona's maiden voyage will sail to Iona in the Scottish Isles with an extended stay to soak up the sunset.
Why have P&O replaced their original cruises with UK itineraries?
Following on from the government announcement in February 2021 on the steps for easing lockdown, as well as the speed with which the vaccine programme is being rolled out, P&O Cruises want to be able to give everyone the chance "to enjoy a wonderful holiday this summer", even if uncertainty around international travel remains.
Will there be enhanced health and safety protocols onboard?
P&O Cruises follow all the latest guidance from the relevant authorities, including the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and UK Government. This means that until transmission rates are very low and stable across the country, P&O Cruises will continue to have protocols in place onboard designed to protect guests and crew, including facemasks for crew, and for guests in public areas, social distancing and enhanced sanitation Click here to find out more about P&O Cruises current health and safety measures.
Will I need to have had the vaccine?
Guests onboard these new UK sailings will need to be vaccinated. This means that guests must be able to prove that they have had both doses at least 7 days before their cruise embarks. These cruises are open to all ages, but the vaccine policy applies to every guest.
Will I need a passport?
All guests will need a passport to travel onboard these new UK coastal cruises.
I am worried about cruises being cancelled. Is there anything in place to help me book with confidence?
Thanks to P&O Cruises flexible booking terms, you'll be able to transfer your booking free of charge, as many times as you like, to any P&O cruise on sale. This also means that guests can transfer a different booking to one of these new UK cruises.
If you want to find out more about the latest changes to sailings, visit our dedicated page on P&O Cruise cancellations. While you're waiting to hear more about these exciting itineraries, browse other fantastic P&O cruise deals.
