After an uncertain year for the cruise industry, P&O Cruises has taken the decision to replace their summer 2021 itineraries with UK cruises. While this means that other sailings have been cancelled through August, and through September for Iona and Britannia, guests will instead be able to enjoy short-break and week-long UK coastal cruises.
The decision to offer UK cruises follows on from government announcements in February 2021 detailing plans to ease restrictions, as well as the reassurance that has come from the speed with which the vaccine programme is being rolled out. Paul Ludlow, P&O Cruises President, hopes that "the UK 'ultimate escape' staycation option will have wide appeal" and "there really will be something for everyone and the opportunity to spend precious and much-longed for time with family and friends".
UK Coastal Cruises
UK coastal cruises will take place onboard P&O Iona and P&O Britannia, and will all embark and disembark from Southampton. Britannia will offer 3 and 4-night itineraries, and one 6-night itinerary for her final voyage. Iona will offer 7-night sailings, one of which will be her maiden voyaging to Iona in the Scottish Isles to watch the sunset. Excluding Britannia's 6-night cruise, there will be no ports of call for either ship. This will give guests the chance to enjoy relaxing at sea in the summer sunshine, as well as make the most of all of P&O's fantastic onboard facilities. It's important to note that although these are UK coastal cruises, all guests will need a passport to travel.
Keeping Guests Safe
When it comes to keeping guests safe onboard, health and safety protocols on each ship will be in line with government guidance at the time of sailing, and will include crew wearing facemasks, guests wearing facemasks in public areas, stringent sanitation protocols and social distancing. For these UK coastal cruises, all guests must have received both doses of the vaccine at least 7 days before their cruise. While there are no age restrictions on these cruises, the vaccine policy applies to all guests.
For those who feel uncertain about booking a holiday, P&O Cruises offer free flexible transfers in case any changes need to be made.
For further details, visit our dedicated page on P&O Cruise cancellations, and be sure to keep an eye out for more news on these exciting UK cruises.
For all the info on cruising restarting, please here to preregister your interest, browse all available UK Coastal Cruise sailings and see our comprehensive breakdown on the UK's return to cruising.
