P&O UK cut Britannia cruise ship's passenger capacity to meet government measures

   June 22, 2021 ,   Cruise Industry

P&O Cruises UK is offering FCC (future cruise credit) or cash refund to customers booked on early summer 2021 sailings on MS Britannia to try to reduce her passenger capacity and bring the vessel in line with the UK's government restrictions.

Due to the delay to "Freedom Day" (until July 19, 2021), cruise shipping companies must stick to the lowest of 50% capacity or 1000 passengers – limits that were expected to be relaxed from Monday, June 21.

P&O UK confirmed it had approached “a number of guests” booked on a number of sailings on Britannia before that date.

The 3650-passenger ship Britannia (max capacity 4406 pax) is scheduled to restart operations on June 27th and sail 6 voyages before July 19. However, P&O UK said not all sailings were affected by the decision of the government.

Affected vacationers will be contacted directly by the cruise line and offered either a 125% FCC or a 100% refund, the company confirmed.

P&O Britannia cruise ship

A spokesperson said they were sorry for those guests and hoped they would be able to enjoy a holiday with P&O Cruises later in the summer.

The cruise line declined to reveal how many passengers were affected.

MS Iona (P&O UK’s flagship) is scheduled to depart on her Maiden Voyage on August 7. The boat has passenger capacity 5200 (max 6264) but it remains to be seen whether MS Iona will sail at full capacity on the voyage which is due to visit Scottish islands including her namesake Iona.

The Scottish government banned cruise calls over concerns about the spread of the Delta variant. Travel agents and cruise bodies in Scotland called for clarity on the decision, which they dub ‘puzzling’.