P&O Cruises has announced the cancellation of specific voyages scheduled for 2026 on two of its ships, the Arvia and the Ventura. These changes impact a limited number of guests and involve Mediterranean and short-break itineraries. The cruise line cited operational reasons, including an extended refit period for one vessel, as the cause for these adjustments.
Key Takeaways
- P&O Cruises cancelled two specific sailings in 2026.
- The Arvia's April 11, 2027, Mediterranean cruise was replaced with two shorter itineraries.
- The Ventura's February 23, 2026, Netherlands cruise was cancelled due to an extended refit.
- Affected guests will receive full refunds and onboard credit for future bookings.
- New booking options and compensation details have been communicated to passengers.
Arvia's Mediterranean Voyage Replaced
One of the affected cruises is a 14-night Mediterranean itinerary onboard the Arvia, originally set to depart on April 11, 2027. This voyage was planned as a roundtrip journey from Southampton, with stops in Spain, France, and Italy. The Arvia, a ship designed to accommodate 5,200 guests, will no longer offer this specific sailing.
Instead, P&O Cruises has replaced the single 14-night trip with two distinct seven-night itineraries. These new options will take guests to the Norwegian Fjords and Western Europe. Bookings for these replacement sailings are expected to open on September 18, 2025.
Arvia Cruise Details
- Original Departure: April 11, 2027
- Duration: 14 nights
- Destinations: Spain, France, Italy
- Replacement Itineraries: Two 7-night cruises to Norwegian Fjords and Western Europe
Compensation for Arvia Passengers
P&O Cruises has outlined compensation for guests impacted by the Arvia's itinerary change. Passengers who book a new cruise by late October will receive an onboard credit of £50 per person. Additionally, all affected guests will get a full refund for any amounts already paid for the original booking. These refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment.
"On occasion, it is necessary to change an itinerary from what was previously published, and we are sorry this change has impacted a small number of our guests," a spokesperson told Yahoo News UK.
Ventura's Short Cruise Cancellation
Another cancellation involves a four-night cruise onboard the Ventura, scheduled to depart from Southampton on February 23, 2026. This sailing was intended to visit the Netherlands, featuring an overnight stay in Amsterdam. The Ventura, launched in 2008, has a capacity for over 3,000 passengers.
The reason for this cancellation is an extended refit period for the Ventura. P&O Cruises stated that the original sailing would "no longer be possible due to an extension to a necessary refit for the Ventura at that time." Refits are standard procedures for cruise ships, ensuring they remain in optimal condition and meet safety standards.
What is a Ship Refit?
A ship refit is a scheduled period where a vessel undergoes maintenance, repairs, and often upgrades. This can include engine overhauls, interior renovations, technical system updates, and aesthetic improvements. These periods are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and guest experience.
Ventura Passenger Refunds and Credit
Guests booked on the cancelled Ventura cruise will also receive a full refund for all payments made. In addition to the refund, P&O Cruises is offering onboard credit to these passengers. The first two guests in each cabin will receive £25 per person in onboard spending money if they book a new cruise. This offer is valid for new bookings made by October 24, 2025.
"We understand this news is disappointing and would like to apologize for this change," P&O stated in its communication to booked guests. "As a further apology for this cancellation, we'd like to offer the first two guests booked in your cabin £25 per person onboard spending money."
These actions aim to mitigate the inconvenience for affected travelers. The cruise line emphasizes that these changes impact a small number of its total guest base for the year.
Impact on Travelers
While cancellations are infrequent, they can disrupt travel plans. Passengers are advised to regularly check communications from their cruise line. P&O Cruises has committed to providing clear information and compensation options for those affected by these specific cancellations.
The company's approach includes offering both monetary refunds and incentives for future bookings. This strategy seeks to retain customer loyalty despite the operational adjustments. Travelers who are impacted should review all details provided by P&O Cruises to understand their options for rebooking or receiving compensation.
- Full Refunds: All payments made for the cancelled cruises will be returned.
- Onboard Credit: Incentives for rebooking, varying by ship and offer.
- New Itineraries: Alternative options for the Arvia cruise available for booking soon.
These changes highlight the dynamic nature of cruise line operations, where factors like vessel maintenance and itinerary adjustments can lead to schedule modifications. P&O Cruises continues to manage its fleet and schedule to ensure operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
