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In this post I’ll give you all the information you need if you are taking a Fly Cruise to the Caribbean with P&O cruises using any one of their three airline partners for the winter 2024/25 Caribbean fly/cruises season.
After a turbulent 2023/2024 Caribbean season for P&O cruises in terms of their previous flight partners, (Maleth Aero), P&O cruises has confirmed its airline partners for the winter 2024/25 season of fly/cruises to the Caribbean will be TUI Airways, Norse Atlantic Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
At the 2024 CLIA conference in Southampton, Paul Ludlow (President of P&O Cruises (UK)) explained that the contract with flight partners is usually arranged many years in advance. The contact with Maleth Aero had therefore been made during the pandemic where capacity across all partners was low.
The news of a return to TUI and Virgin Atlantic has been well received across several social media platforms.
Which UK airports can I fly to the Caribbean with P&O Cruises?
Between November 2024 and March 2025 direct flights to the Caribbean will be offered from the following airports:
Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Heathrow and Manchester.
Regional flights are also available on selected dates from Belfast, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle
Who will fly from which Airports?
Norse Atlantic
Flying from: London Gatwick & Manchester
Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliners with economy and premium economy cabins.
- Manchester to Barbados: weekly Friday flight
- Manchester to Antigua/Barbados (alternating weeks) Saturday flights
- London Gatwick Antigua/Barbados (alternating weeks) Saturday flights
TUI Airways
Flying from: Birmingham, London Gatwick and Manchester. Plus regional flights from Belfast, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle on selected date.
Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliners with economy and premium economy cabins.
- London Gatwick to Barbados: Friday and Saturday flights
- Birmingham to Barbados: Friday and Saturday flights
- Manchester to Barbados: Friday and Saturday flights
- Regional flights from Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Bristol, Bournemouth, Glasgow and Newcastle are also available on selected departure dates.
Virgin Atlantic
Flying from: London Heathrow
Aircraft: Airbus A350 whole plane charter in a three class configuration
- London Heathrow to Barbados every 14 days for Arvia’s guests joining in Barbados on a Friday.
Who are Norse Atlantic?
While previous P&O passengers will; be familiar with Virgin Atlantic and TUI, guests may not be familiar with P&O’s newest airline carrier; Norse Atlantic.
Norse Atlantic specialise in long-haul, direct flights, with exceptional service on board modern and more fuel-efficient Dreamliners, catering to both business and leisure travellers.
What is it like to fly with Norse Atlantic: Norse Atlantic Reviews
Based on the experiences with P&O’s last airline partner, you may be wondering what it is like to actually fly with Norse Atlantic across to the Caribbean. Thrifty Traveler has provided a great overview of their flying experience with Norse Atlantic over the pond or, even better, you can check out this great video from Holly at Hollydaysatsea:
What inflight services are available on a flight to the Caribbean with P&O cruises?
No matter which of the three P&O airline partners you fly to the Caribbean with, you can expect the following services during the flight experience:
- In-flight entertainment
- A range of cabins
- Drink service
- Meal service
- Luggage allowance from 23kg (based on cabin class)
- Bonded baggage
Amenity kits are also provided in premium economy and Upper Class.
As P&O Cruises have worked with all partner airlines to offer a bespoke consistent in-flight experience to guests on their charter flights to the Caribbean, it’s worth noting that this may differ to that advertised on the usual scheduled service by individual airlines.
All three transatlantic charter partners offer premium economy cabins.
Accessibility assistance is also offered on all three airline partners. You will need to complete and return the “Your on-board needs” questionnaire to either P&O or your Travel Agent.
More information can be found on P&O Cruises Accessibility Hub.
What will the meal and drinks service be like on flights to the Caribbean with P&O Cruises?
A main meal will be service across all cabins as well as a lighter second meal according to time of day.
In-flight complimentary non/alcoholic drinks service will be available both pre-meal and with the main meal along with a complimentary bottle of water. Additional complimentary drinks is available according to cabin class.
For long-haul flights, P&O Cruises can accommodate vegan, vegetarian, diabetic, gluten free and also offer a children’s menu. You will need to notify P&O cruises or your Travel Agent of any requirements when booking your fly-cruise.
Luggage allowance for flights to the Caribbean with P&O Cruises.
| Cabin Class | Carry On Luggage Allowance | Checked Luggage Allowance |
| Economy | 10kg of hand luggage and a small carry-on bag | 23kg |
| Premium economy | 10kg of hand luggage and a small carry-on bag | 28kg |
| Virgin Atlantic Upper Class | 10kg of hand luggage and a small carry-on bag | 2 x 23kg |
Additional luggage can be pre-purchased in advance of a cruise or at the home airport check-in.
Infants have full hold/hand baggage allowance, and you can take also a pushchair and car seat free of charge. These will need to be checked into the hold.
On all three airlines there is an additional 5kg luggage allowance for the couple if you are getting married on board, you will need to show proof of getting married on board.
If you want to bring sports equipment on board, if flying with TUI, you’ll need to call 0203 451 268 to arrange.
If you are flying with Virgin Atlantic, you can include this as part of your allowance or if this is over your allowance, it will be charged as excess baggage.
If you are sailing with Norse Atlantic arrangements for bringing sports equipment are still to be confirmed.
If you need to bring medication and needles on board the aircraft and the ship (for example and medication, insulin, needles or a pen injection device) then you will need to complete a “Your on-board needs” questionnaire.
How can I upgrade my flight to the Caribbean with P&O Cruises?
You will be able to pick and purchase your seats through ‘My P&O Cruises’. You will receive an email when the Flight Seat Booker portal opens for your cruise. Seats are subject to availability.
It’s important to note that access to the airport lounges is not included in your upgrade and you will need to enquire and book directly with the airport they are flying from.
Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic flight out of London Heathrow are not available to pre book on Flight Seat Booker. If you want to upgrade to Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic, contact your Travel Agent to the customer contact centre to check availability to add this to your booking.
Do you have to fly to the Caribbean with P&O’s three charter partners?
No, you can source your own flight, but you will need to do this at your own expense, and it won’t make the cruise price any cheaper (the cost of your cruise remains the same).
If you are making your own arrangements then upon arrival, you will need to clear customs and immigration and collect your luggage from the carousal before making your own way to the ship.
If you are booking the flight yourself, you will also need to let the airline know of any dietary requirements.
Can you request which airline you’d like to fly with to the Caribbean with P&O Cruises?
You can request this, but it will all be dependent on the air city you wish to fly from, the ship you are joining, your cruise destination and availability. For example, for Antigua, we Norse Atlantic will be providing all flights to this destination.
Checking in for your flight to the Caribbean with P&O Cruises
You can check in for your flight at your UK departure airport on the day. You will also need to visit My P&O Cruises to complete your Online Check-in for your cruise.
Remember to bring your passport and the usual cruise documentation with you when you check in at the airport.
You will receive confirmation of your departure terminal on your flight confirmation and on ‘My P&O Cruises’ once your flights are confirmed.
What happens to my luggage on a fly cruise to the Caribbean with P&O Cruises?
All luggage checked in at the airport for your charter flight will be delivered directly to the cabin door on your ship in the Caribbean.
You will be taken directly from the flight to the ship with no need to go through immigration at the airport.
On the return journey your luggage is collected from outside your cabin door on the ship and you will collect your luggage at baggage reclaim upon arrival at your UK airport.
Videos you may enjoy:
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