More disruption for P&O

P&O have just announced that they have had to withdraw the Oceana from their Dubai & Arabian Gulf Itineraries from October onwards this year. This will come as a massive blow to the schedule and also many passengers will be disappointed but hopefully they will understand.

Due to recent unrest in the area with attacks on tankers and the detention of a British flagged tanker, they cannot take the risk to the Brittish public by putting them in potential danger by cruising into these waters at this current time.

This is such a shame as I had many passengers do this Itinerary last year and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience with direct Emirates flights, great Weather, new Itineraries, so it’s sad to see this program not happening for this year.

It also puts P&O in a frantic position to be sourcing and structuring alternative routes for the Oceana to take for several months this Winter.

They are currently coming up with a range of Canary Itineraries, France and Spain from the UK. Not too sure existing customers on the original bookings will go for these but I’m sure we will find them something as an alternative.

Obviously this decision has not been rushed and P&O have been monitoring the situation very closely over the last few months and have taken advice from external Authorities resulting in this final disappointing but in my opinion ‘the right’ decision being made. After all the safety of P&O’s customers has to be the priority and I’m sure passengers will understand the decision that has been made.

P&O are offering full refunds to all passengers booked on these sailings, obviously offering them an alternative to book, however no compensation will be offered as this is a situation that is out of their control and they have acted on advice from the Government.

I wonder if other lines will follow suit, watch this space I will keep you posted………..