Vaccination a condition of travel for P&O UK Summer Cruises

In preparation for a short series of UK coastal cruises this summer, P&O Cruises has confirmed it will need passengers to be vaccinated. Passengers must have received a second vaccine dose at least seven days prior to departure.

The policy was revealed when the line announced departures from Southampton aboard the new ships Iona and Britannia between June and September.

According to the company, proof of vaccination and the dates the doses were administered will be needed and must be shown at the terminal prior to boarding.

Iona will sail seven-night itineraries from 7th August to 18th September 2021, with prices from £1,199 per person for the inaugural voyage. On its first voyage, the ship will anchor off the coast of its namesake Scottish island.

From 27th June to 19th September, Britannia will sail three and four-night cruises, as well as one six-night itinerary. For the three night itinerary, prices start at £449 per person.

The cruises going on sale on 22nd March at 8.30 a.m and having travel insurance will be a condition of booking.

P&O released the following statement:

“Given the advanced progress of the UK vaccination programme, and strong expressed preference on the part of our guests for this limited series of UK coastal cruises, these sailings on Britannia and Iona will be for UK resident Covid-19 vaccinated guests only.

“There is no age restriction on this series of UK coastal cruises but all guests of all ages must meet the requirements of the Covid-19 vaccination policy. All other P&O Cruises holidays currently on sale do not require guests to be vaccinated,”.

“All guests and crew will be required to follow enhanced health and wellbeing measures to protect everyone on board on these cruises.

“These have been developed with guidance from our global medical and public health experts and scientists and in close co-ordination with UK government agencies.

“These protocols include enhanced sanitation measures, appropriate social distancing and the wearing of masks in certain areas of the ship.

“Crew will also undergo a strict testing and quarantine regime as well as regular testing during their time on board.

“Our protocols are subject to change, as we will continue to work with our experts and with government bodies to ensure all of our practices evolve in line with latest advice, with our primary focus always being to protect the health and wellbeing of our crew and guests and the communities we visit.”

Paul Ludlow, P&O Cruises president said: “Given recent announcements we have every hope that our guests will be able to enjoy a holiday this summer.

“After the stresses and challenges of the past year everyone certainly deserves a treat and this series of cruises will provide memorable and much needed UK getaways.

“Whilst there is still uncertainty about holidays abroad this summer, we are delighted to be able to offer our guests the ultimate escape here in the UK with the reassurance that we will take care of everything. Also, we really will look at the weather forecast each cruise and aim to take our ships where it is warm and sunny.

“As the start of Iona’s very special maiden season, the new Ultimate Escape series of holidays includes a memorable seven-night maiden voyage sailing around the Scottish islands. Iona will anchor off Iona, the island after which she was named, with a celebratory extended stay until sunset for magical views of the historic shores.

“As we have spent the majority of the last year at home, to be able to have a restorative and relaxing break, sit on deck with a sea view in the summer sunshine and then enjoy an indulgent dinner and show – it’s certainly what we all need this year and we cannot wait to have our guests back on board.”