Lois : 𝙽𝚘 𝙲𝚛𝚞𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕

Oh, the best news is to be announced today…

If you are a British Cruiser, who will be fully vaccinated against Covid19 by the summer… read on!

P&O Cruises offers Ultimate Escape UK holidays this summer and announces details of Iona’s “very special” new maiden cruise to namesake island.

P&O Cruises have announced that they are 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.”  

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow 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.”

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 offers seven night itineraries running from August 7, 2021 to September 18, 2021. Prices start from £449 per person for a three night break on Britannia. Iona’s seven night maiden voyage starts from £1,199 per person.

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.

*Vaccine policy
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.  For these cruises the definition of “vaccinated” is a minimum of seven days following the second dose of the currently approved Covid-19 vaccines being administered. Proof of vaccination and the dates given will be required (approved forms of evidence will be confirmed closer to time of departure) and this will be required to be shown at the terminal prior to boarding. Failure to provide this evidence will result in denial of boarding. 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 coordination 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.  Travel insurance will also be mandatory for all guests.**

**Travel insurance
As part of our health and wellbeing protocols it is mandatory for all UK guests to have suitable travel insurance cover in order to cruise with us. Travel insurance ensures that our guests can relax and enjoy their holiday with peace of mind that they are covered for most eventualities. This includes unforeseen incidents before their holiday, while travelling or while they are away. Typically, travel insurance covers cancellation of your holiday, stolen belongings and medical treatment. Insurance documents will be checked at the terminal and boarding will be denied, at guests’ own expense, for anyone without appropriate cover. We have partnered with Holiday Extras to offer cruise-specific cover for our holidays. When travelling with us, insurance must include medical and repatriation cover of £2 million minimum that includes cover for emergency evacuations and medical expenses related to Covid-19. To find out more, visit www.holidayextras.com/pocruises or phone 0800 093 3070 and quote PAOHX.

Ludlow added:

“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.”

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.

The cruises go on sale on Monday March 22, 2021 at 8.30am and will be available to book online on www.pocruises.com or telephone 03453 555 111 or through a travel agent.

Enhanced protocols
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 coordination with UK Government agencies.
In line with our requirement that crew wear face masks on board, guests will also be required to wear a face mask in certain public areas of the ship. Enhanced sanitation measures and social distancing will also be in place. Crew will undergo a strict testing and quarantine regime as well as regular testing during their time on board. These protocols are subject to change, as we will continue to work with our experts and with government bodies to ensure all of our policies 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.

Will you be booking something?

Having had my Ionafest cruise cancelled I can not wait to book myself onto that fabulous sounding Maiden Voyage where Iona and her namesake meet! Such exciting times! Keep reading and following my social media channels for Iona Maiden voyage content!