P&O Cruises has announced its expected deployment and phased re-start plan for the remainder of 2021 and into early 2022.
Britannia, left, will begin the planned western Mediterranean itineraries on 25 September and Iona will start her Atlantic coast holidays from the same date. These cruises will follow the series of UK coastal cruises beginning in June.
Ventura’s first cruises will be the planned programme of Atlantic islands holidays from 3 October.
Following the Mediterranean season, running until October, Britannia will reposition to the Caribbean for her winter season as scheduled, followed by Azura which will begin Caribbean fly/cruises from 10 December.
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “The UK Government has developed a traffic light system for holidays abroad this summer. The current situation means that while unfortunately there will be a number of cancellations of itineraries on some ships, we are looking ahead and planning for the future with vigour.
“We are confident that destinations will soon open up their borders both for UK travellers and also for cruise ships. Spain and its islands and the Caribbean are both looking very positive and we are seeing, one by one, countries publicly looking forward to welcoming us back.”
The length and complexity of Arcadia and Aurora’s planned long haul cruises from January next year has forced their cancellation. However a replacement itinerary for Aurora will be announced shortly.
In addition, P&O Cruises has reviewed its vaccination policy. For all cruises departing from 25 September to 31 December, all guests over 18 will be required to have completed their vaccination course a minimum of 14 days prior to sailing. All guests 17 and less will need to have completed their vaccination course a minimum 14 days prior to sailing or will require a negative PCR test within 72 hours before travel.
All guests will also require a negative COVID-19 test at the terminal. The PCR and COVID-19 tests will be complimentary.