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Missing cruising? P&O Cruises offers the ultimate escape staycation for summer 2021.
This morning, P&O cruises released the exciting news that they will be offering a series of short break and week-long UK cruises as “the ultimate escape” staycation this summer. The cruises will go on sale later in March and cruises will have flexibility so that guests can book with confidence.
The offering comes on the back of the UK Government’s recent briefing which highlights the roadmap back for hospitality and travel and the emerging consensus that holidays in the UK will be the first to become a reality.
In a statement released by Britain’s favourite cruise line this morning, P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Following recent Government announcements and 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.
All the sailings will leave from P&O’s home port in Southampton and are set to sail around the UK coastal waters to take advantage of the summer sunshine. P&O cruises is due to release further details later this month of dates and prices along with the experience guests can expect on board.
What is now certain is that Iona’s launch may have to be put back to at least September.
The news release today comes as a ray of hope for UK cruisers who are keen to get back on board. Paul Ludlow, P&O cruises president said “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.
“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.
International cruising is still uncertain
Whilst the news is encouraging for local cruises, in terms of international cruising, the cruise line remains in close contact with the UK Government and associated bodies as it monitors the latest situation and guidance on travel. It is inevitable that it will take some time and significant logistical planning for the first ship to return to service as the cruise line restarts its operations and plans the phased return of the remaining fleet.
However Paul Ludlow said “We cannot wait to welcome everyone back on board with the protection of effective protocols to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all crew and guests.
Cancellations: News is a double-edged sword
It is inevitable that this exciting news comes as a somewhat double-edged sword. Whilst the government’s roadmap to easing restrictions works towards a June 21 timeline, P&O cruises has made the difficult decision to cancel some of its established programme of holidays for this summer as a result. 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.
Paul Ludlow added “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.”
All guests whose cruises have been cancelled will automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit worth 125% of what they paid. This 125% Future Cruise 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.
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