P&O Cruises Cancels Ventura and Arvia Voyages After Ship Refurbishment Delays
Passengers booked on two upcoming P&O Cruises sailings have been left disappointed after the cruise line confirmed cancellations linked to essential ship refurbishments.
The company announced that Ventura’s four-night Amsterdam itinerary scheduled for February 2026 has been called off due to an extension of the vessel’s planned refit. In addition, Arvia’s two-week voyage to Spain, France, and Italy, originally set to depart on 11 April 2027, has also been cancelled.
To offset the disruption, P&O Cruises has introduced two new itineraries as alternatives. A week-long trip to the Norwegian fjords (K708N) and another to Spain and France (K708P) will be made available for booking beginning 18 September.
While the new options provide fresh opportunities for travelers, many who had long-awaited their original bookings expressed disappointment at the sudden change.
A spokesperson for the cruise line acknowledged the frustration caused by the cancellations, explaining that changes to published itineraries are sometimes unavoidable when maintenance and safety come first. Guests who had already secured bookings will automatically receive a full refund within 14 working days, processed back to their original payment method.
P&O Cruises has also offered an additional gesture: passengers affected will receive up to £50 per person in future on-board credit if they rebook another sailing before 24 October 2025.
The cancellation news comes as P&O continues to adjust its operations and passenger offerings. Recently, the cruise line drew attention for altering its kids’ club booking policy. Families can now pay in advance to secure spaces at The Reef kids’ club before boarding, a shift from the previous system where reservations were made for free on the ship itself. Prices for early bookings begin at £4.95 for daytime sessions and £8.95 for evening slots, though free spaces remain available on a first-come, first-served basis once on board.
While the cancellations have disrupted travel plans for some, P&O Cruises maintains that the ship refurbishments are essential to ensuring passenger comfort and safety. With alternative voyages now open for booking and compensation in place, the cruise line is working to balance guest satisfaction with operational needs.
For travelers who remain flexible, the new itineraries to the fjords and Mediterranean ports may offer fresh experiences despite the unexpected changes.
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