We’re delighted to announce P&O Cruises is offering a series of short breaks on flagship Britannia this summer and week-long cruises on new ship Iona. These cruises will depart from Southampton between June and September, sailing around the UK coast, “where the sun shines brightest.” Paul commented:
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.”
Setting sail from Southampton, Guests will be able to enjoy the ultimate British break on Britannia and Iona – gourmet dining and poolside bites; cocktails and coffees; shopping, spas, shows and endless sea views.
Britannia will offer three and four night breaks and one six night holiday running from June 27, 2021 through to September 19, 2021. Iona will offer seven night itineraries running from August 7, 2021 to September 18, 2021. These new holidays go on sale Monday March 22, 08:30.
Example Ultimate Escape itineraries:
Prices for a balcony cabin and subject to availability
- Three night cruise on Britannia, from £449
- The price includes full board meals and entertainment on board. Departing from Southampton and returning to Southampton with coastal cruising along the south coast of England.
- Four night cruise on Britannia, from £499
- The price includes full board meals and entertainment on board. Departing from Southampton and returning to Southampton with coastal cruising along the south coast of England.
- Iona Maiden - Scottish Islands, 7 nights, from £1,199
- Seven night cruise on Iona (G126N) from £1,199 per person. Departing August 7, 2021 the price includes full board meals and entertainment on board. Departing from Southampton and returning to Southampton with coastal cruising to Scotland including the Inner Hebrides and the island of Iona.
- Voyage to the sun, 7 nights, from £779
- Seven night cruise on Iona from £779 per person. The price includes full board meals and entertainment on board. Departing from Southampton and returning to Southampton with coastal cruising past the Channel Islands and along the coast of France.
Read more about the new P&O Cruises Ultimate Escape holidays here.
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; our primary focus is always to protect the health and wellbeing of our fleet colleagues, our Guests and the communities we visit. Find out more on the Cruise with Confidence page here.
Today’s announcement is a moment to be celebrated and a reminder of just how much we’ve overcome in the last 12 months. It’s the first phase of our Return to Service plan where we’ll focus on three ships; Britannia, Iona and Queen Elizabeth, for three months (Britannia and Iona’s holidays sail June to September – more details on Queen Elizabeth’s UK voyages coming soon!)
By doing this we have space and scope to test and refine our new protocols – these 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.
We know you’re looking forward to a possible Iona shakedown and we still want to offer this, however it’s all dependent on the status of our complex and lengthy re-start programme. We can’t wait to share Iona with you and will keep you updated.
- To support fleet colleagues with any questions you might have about these new Ultimate Escapes, we’ve updated the Fleet Frequently Asked Questions page here.
- To help shoreside colleagues understand what this means for P&O Cruises discounted travel bookings, see our Discounted Travel page here.
Four week late availability window for discounted travel extended to 2023!
We’d like to take this opportunity to share the exciting news that the four week late availability window will now continue until the end of 2023 – the adjustment of the late availability window from two to four weeks was originally due to finish at the end of 2021.
This two year extension is great news for employee discounted travel opportunities as there is no cap on late availability cruises – in any one year you can take as many late availability cruises as your annual leave allowance allows, and all can be enjoyed at the employee discounted travel rate of 50% or 75% off the commercial fare.
You’ll find more information about late availability cruises, including eligibility and terms and conditions, in the Employee Discounted Travel policy.
Our countdown to cruising officially begins on Monday March 22, 2021 at 08:30 when these holidays go on sale!
P&O Cruises employee discounted travel bookings can be made via the dedicated booking line – 023 8065 7768. Please read the FAQs on our Discounted Travel page before booking.
Our countdown to cruising officially begins on Monday March 22, 2021 at 08:30 when these holidays go on sale!