If you’ve heard that P&O Cruises is cancelling 2026 sailings and wondered whether the line is shutting down, you’re not alone. The rumour mill has been active, but the reality is more about fleet adjustments than a shutdown.
Fleet size: 7 ships ·
Year founded: 1837 ·
Headquarters: Southampton, England ·
Parent company: Carnival Corporation & plc ·
Homeport: Southampton ·
Number of destinations: Hundreds globally
Quick snapshot
- 7 ships: Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Azura, Ventura, Aurora, Arcadia (P&O Cruises official site)
- Some 2026 sailings cancelled due to refit extension for Ventura (The Independent)
- Full refund offered within 14 working days for affected bookings (The Independent)
- Whether further cancellations will hit 2027 or 2028 sailings (Cruise Industry News)
- Exact reasons for specific cancellations (operational vs strategic) (Cruise Industry News)
- Validity of “P&O closing down” rumours — no official statement supports them (P&O Cruises)
- 1837: Founded as Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (Wikipedia)
- 2020: Iona, first LNG-powered ship, launched (P&O Cruises)
- 2025–2026: Select sailings cancelled on Ventura and Arvia (Cruise Industry News)
- Alternative itineraries K708N (Norwegian fjords) and K708P (Spain & France) on sale from 18 Sep 2025 (The Independent)
- New 2027 itineraries expected as fleet adjustments continue (The Independent)
- Official bookings open for 2026, 2027, and 2028 on P&O Cruises website
Six key facts define the carrier’s current standing.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1837 |
| Headquarters | Southampton, England |
| Parent company | Carnival Corporation & plc |
| Number of ships | 7 |
| Homeport | Sothampton (primary) |
| Sister brands | Princess Cruises, Cunard, Holland America |
The table shows the line’s core credentials, all of which confirm a stable operation.
What is the reason behind P&O cancelling cruises for 2026 and closure rumors?
Why are some 2026 sailings being cancelled?
P&O Cruises has cancelled a handful of voyages on Ventura and Arvia. The Independent (UK travel news) reported that Ventura’s four-night Amsterdam voyage in February 2026 and Arvia’s two-week sailing to Spain, France, and Italy departing 11 April 2027 were scrapped because the company extended a necessary refit for Ventura. Affected guests receive a full refund within 14 working days and can rebook alternative itineraries—such as the week-long Norwegian fjords trip K708N or the Spain and France route K708P—with up to £50 per person in onboard credit if they rebook by 24 October 2025.
Is P&O Cruises actually closing down?
There is no official evidence that P&O Cruises is closing. The parent company Carnival Corporation & plc (global cruise operator) continues to list P&O as an active brand. P&O Cruises’ official website promotes holidays to “hundreds of must-see destinations” for 2026, 2027, and 2028. The closure rumour appears to be unsourced—no regulatory filing, press release, or credible news outlet has reported a shutdown. Cruise Industry News (trade publication) notes cancellations only on two ships, not the whole fleet.
How are cancellations handled and what rights do passengers have?
When P&O cancels a sailing, passengers receive a full refund to the original payment method within 14 working days, according to The Independent. For voluntary cancellations, Port Journey (cruise information portal) explains that penalties follow a sliding scale: early cancellations may cost only the deposit, while late cancellations can forfeit the full fare depending on fare type. Booking conditions are outlined on the official site.
For the traveller who booked a 2026 getaway on Ventura, the immediate consequence is a refund plus a chance to switch to a new itinerary—not a cancelled holiday altogether. The pattern of cancellations on two ships signals that P&O is adjusting its deployment, not winding down.
What do common cruise ship terms like ‘wife on board’, ‘washy washy’, ‘ducking’, and ‘Charlie Charlie’ mean?
Meaning of ‘wife on board’ on a cruise
You might hear “wife on board” called over the ship’s intercom. It’s not a literal announcement—it’s a humorous code used during docking manoeuvres. The phrase signals that the captain or a senior officer’s spouse is on the bridge during a sensitive operation, and the crew should be on best behaviour. The term is widely recognised on cruise forums, though no official P&O documentation confirms it.
What does ‘washy washy’ mean?
Walking into the buffet, you’ll often be greeted by a crew member cheerfully repeating “washy washy!”. It’s a friendly reminder to use the hand sanitiser station before entering. The phrase has become a beloved part of cruise culture, especially on family-friendly lines.
What is ducking on a cruise?
“Ducking” refers to a passenger-led game where travellers hide small rubber ducks around the ship—in stairwells, by the pool, or inside lounge chairs—for others to find. Participants often tag the ducks with hashtags and share photos. It started on P&O and other lines around 2018 and continues as a popular social activity.
What does Charlie Charlie mean on a cruise?
“Charlie Charlie” can refer to a specific flag hoist or signal used by the ship’s crew, often indicating a security or medical situation. In the context of passenger slang, it’s less common; some cruisers use it to refer to a bar call or a meeting point. The exact definition varies by context and line.
First-time cruisers who don’t know these phrases might feel left out of onboard culture. Learning just three—washy washy, ducking, and wife on board—can turn confusion into a conversation starter and make the holiday feel more inclusive.
What is the crappiest cruise line in the world? A balanced look at P&O Cruises.
How P&O Cruises compares with other lines
There’s no single “crappiest” line—rankings depend on personal taste. On Cruise Critic (passenger review aggregator), P&O sits mid-table: some reviewers call it the worst they’ve sailed, while others praise its itineraries and value. Compared to Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess, P&O tends to score lower on entertainment variety but higher on traditional British style.
What do negative reviews typically cite?
Common complaints include inconsistent food quality in main dining rooms, ageing décor on older ships like Ventura, and limited late-night entertainment. A one-star Cruise Critic review from 2024 described the experience as “worst cruise ever” citing poor food and service.
What do positive reviews highlight?
On the flip side, positive reviews emphasise friendly service, spacious cabins on newer ships (Iona and Arvia), and excellent itineraries to the Norwegian fjords and Mediterranean. Many families recommend P&O for its kids’ clubs and relaxed atmosphere.
The pattern: P&O divides opinion more than most lines. The same ship can attract both passionate loyalty and strong criticism—meaning the “crappiest” label says more about personal priorities than objective quality.
Which P&O Cruises ships are the best and how to book?
Overview of the P&O Cruises fleet
The line operates 7 ships, from the classic Aurora to the giant Excel-class vessels. Here’s a spec snapshot:
Seven ships, one clear pattern: the newest vessels (Iona and Arvia) bring modern features, while older ones (Aurora, Arcadia) offer traditional cruising.
| Ship | Year launched | Passengers | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arvia | 2022 | 5,200 | Excel-class, LNG-powered |
| Iona | 2020 | 5,200 | First LNG-powered P&O ship |
| Britannia | 2015 | 3,647 | Largest UK-built ship at launch |
| Azura | 2010 | 3,100 | Popular for Mediterranean itineraries |
| Ventura | 2008 | 3,100 | Recent refit extended |
| Aurora | 2000 | 1,878 | Adult-only, classic cruising |
| Arcadia | 2005 | 2,094 | Adult-only, traditional style |
The fleet table reveals a split: newer ships target families, older ones cater to adults seeking quiet voyages.
Top ships: Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Azura, etc.
For families, Arvia and Iona are the top picks: both have multiple pools, water slides, and entertainment complexes. Britannia offers a good middle ground for couples. Azura and Ventura are well-suited to Mediterranean and Caribbean routes. Aurora and Arcadia are adult-only, quieter options for solo travellers and seniors.
How to book a P&O cruise online
- Visit pocruises.com and enter your preferred dates and destination.
- Choose your ship and cabin type (inside, outside, balcony, suite).
- Select dining options and add-ons such as drinks packages or shore excursions.
- Review the total price and cancellability terms.
- Enter passenger details and pay the deposit to secure the booking.
Using the My P&O Cruises app
The My P&O Cruises app (official app page) lets you manage bookings, check in, view onboard account, and access excursion details. It’s available for both UK and Australia itineraries and includes real-time notifications for itinerary changes.
Upsides
- Fleet covers a wide range of ship sizes and styles
- Iona and Arvia are modern, fuel-efficient, and family-friendly
- Refund policy for line-cancelled sailings is clear and prompt
- Strong British atmosphere appeals to UK travellers
Downsides
- Some older ships (Ventura, Azura) show wear
- Food quality receives mixed reviews on mainstream dining
- Entertainment can feel limited compared to Royal Caribbean
- Sliding cancellation penalties can be costly if you cancel late
What should I know about P&O Cruises Australia and the My P&O Cruises app?
P&O Cruises Australia: separate brand?
Yes. P&O Cruises Australia operates under Carnival Australia and focusses on the Pacific, with itineraries from Brisbane, Sydney, and Fremantle. It is a separate brand from the UK line, though both share the Carnival parent. Bookings are not interchangeable between the two.
Key features of the My P&O Cruises app
The app (available on iOS and Android) allows digital check-in, onboard account monitoring, excursion booking, and restaurant reservations. For Australian itineraries, it also provides specific port information and local departure times.
Transferring bookings between UK and Australia
Bookings made with P&O Cruises UK cannot be transferred to P&O Cruises Australia, and vice versa. If you want to sail Down Under, you must book separately through the Australian website or a travel agent that handles that brand.
Timeline of P&O Cruises
- 1837 – Founded as Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (Wikipedia)
- 1970s – Transition into dedicated cruise line
- 2003 – Acquired by Carnival Corporation (Carnival Corporation official)
- 2020 – Iona, first LNG-powered ship, launched (P&O Cruises official)
- 2022 – Arvia, second Excel-class ship, launched (P&O Cruises official)
- 2025–2026 – Some sailings cancelled on Ventura and Arvia due to fleet adjustments (Cruise Industry News)
Confirmed facts vs what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- P&O Cruises is an active British cruise line owned by Carnival Corporation.
- It has a fleet of 7 ships.
- Some 2026 sailings have been cancelled (as reported by passengers and travel agents).
- Affected passengers receive full refunds within 14 working days.
- Iona and Arvia are the newest ships, launched 2020 and 2022.
What’s unclear
- Whether further cancellations will occur for 2027 or later.
- The exact reason for specific cancellations (operational vs strategic).
- Validity of “P&O closing down” rumours – no official confirmation exists.
Voices from passengers and the line
“We had the worst cruise ever on Azura – food was cold, entertainment was boring, and the cabin was dated.”
– Cruise Critic reviewer, 2024
“Our family loved Iona – the kids’ club was fantastic and the buffet had so much choice. We’re booking again.”
– Cruise Critic reviewer, 2025
“On occasion, it is necessary to change an itinerary from what was previously published.”
– P&O Cruises statement, via The Independent
The implication for anyone considering P&O Cruises in 2026: cancellations are limited and compensated, and the brand is fully operational. The real decision comes down to ship choice and timing. For the British traveller who values familiar style, value, and child-friendly facilities, the choice is clear: book a newer ship like Iona or Arvia early, ignore the closure rumours, and learn a bit of cruise slang before you sail. For the cruiser focused on nightlife and cutting-edge entertainment, a competitor like Royal Caribbean may be a better fit.
cruiseindustrynews.com, worldofcruising.co.uk, justanswer.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
Are P&O cruises all-inclusive?
Most beverages, tips, and excursions are not included in the basic fare. Drinks packages and specialty dining can be added when booking.
What is the dress code on P&O cruises?
Evening dress codes vary from casual to formal. Most ships have at least two formal nights per week, requiring suits or evening gowns.
Can I cancel my P&O cruise booking?
Yes, but penalties apply. Early cancellations may only lose the deposit; late cancellations can result in full fare forfeited. Check your fare type.
What is the best time to book a P&O cruise?
Early booking (six to twelve months ahead) typically gives the best prices and cabin selection. Last-minute deals may appear but with limited choice.
Do P&O cruises have child-friendly facilities?
Yes, especially on Iona and Arvia, which have dedicated kids’ clubs, splash zones, and family cabins.
How do I check in for a P&O cruise?
Check-in is done via the My P&O Cruises app or the official website. You receive a boarding time slot 30 days before departure.
What is the difference between P&O Cruises and P&O Ferries?
P&O Cruises is a holiday cruise line; P&O Ferries is a separate company offering short cross-channel ferry crossings. They share a historical name but are not related operationally.
David Sinclair is Culture & Features Editor at PublicReport, covering arts, media, books, film, music and British cultural life.