P&O Cruises Moves 2027 Caribbean Voyage From Ventura to Iona
The switch to Iona preserves the Caribbean journey for over 3,000 guests, reflecting P&O Cruises’ continued operational adjustments and ongoing trend of itinerary changes across its fleet.
P&O Cruises has announced the cancellation of its much-anticipated 35-night Caribbean voyage aboard the 3,200-passenger, Grand-class ship Ventura, originally set to depart Southampton, United Kingdom, on January 4, 2027. More than 3,000 guests received email notifications attributing the change to operational reasons, though no specific details have been provided. In place of the canceled departure, the cruise line has automatically transferred booked passengers to a 35-night Caribbean Winter Warmth voyage on Iona, departing one day earlier.
Automatic Transfer to Iona
All guests booked on Ventura have been automatically rebooked onto cruise G701 aboard the 5,200-passenger Excellence-class ship Iona. This sailing leaves Southampton on January 3, 2027, essentially preserving the original 35-night itinerary.
Detailed Itinerary
- Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Transatlantic crossing to St. Kitts
- Bridgetown, Barbados
- St. George’s, Grenada
- Castries, St. Lucia
- St. John’s, Antigua
- Tortola, British Virgin Islands
- La Coruña, Spain
The rebooking aims to offer a close match to Ventura’s canceled route, helping guests avoid losing out on planned Caribbean excursions and experiences.
Ventura’s Revised Schedule
P&O Cruises has not revealed detailed plans for Ventura’s newly vacant period between late December 2026 and early February 2027. The ship’s last published sailing ends on December 21, 2026, after a 14-night Christmas cruise to the Canary Islands. According to current schedules, Ventura’s next voyage departs on February 8, 2027, for a four-night Amsterdam getaway, leaving a gap in its deployment. There are indications that Ventura will operate three shorter itineraries during this period, likely available for booking beginning June 4, 2025.
Recent Pattern of Itinerary Changes
In an email announcing the cancellation, P&O Cruises stated, “On occasion, it is necessary to change an itinerary from the one previously published and we are very sorry that Ventura’s 35-night Caribbean itinerary departing January 4, 2027, has been cancelled.” This reflects a broader pattern of last-minute cancellations within the fleet. The cruise line has recently called off two Iona sailings in fall 2024 for an unexpected dry dock, a 14-night voyage on Iona in August 2026, and an Aurora itinerary in April 2025 with just one day’s notice to guests.
Guest Reactions and Next Steps
While many travelers have welcomed the seamless switch to Iona, some have voiced concerns about the frequency of late changes. Affected guests can accept the automatic rebooking, request a full refund, or explore alternative sailings with P&O Cruises or their travel agents. The line has yet to release specific details on compensation policies for passengers who do not wish to sail on the revised itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did P&O Cruises cancel Ventura’s 2027 Caribbean voyage?
The cruise line cited operational reasons, a broad term that can encompass maintenance, crew scheduling, or ship redeployment needs. Further specifics have not been disclosed.
What alternative itinerary has P&O Cruises offered for the canceled Ventura voyage?
All bookings have been automatically transferred to a 35-night Caribbean Winter Warmth cruise aboard Iona, departing Southampton on January 3, 2027, and calling at many of the same destinations as the original voyage.
Are passengers entitled to refunds or compensation for the cancellation?
While P&O Cruises has not yet shared detailed compensation or refund policies, guests can contact the cruise line or their travel agents to seek answers regarding refunds, onboard credits, or other possibilities.
How does this cancellation compare to industry trends?
Cancellations and itinerary adjustments are not uncommon across major cruise lines. In recent years, unscheduled maintenance, port restrictions, fleet redeployments, and logistical changes have driven similar disruptions at operators such as Norwegian Cruise Line, which canceled several months of Norwegian Sun sailings in 2023 due to redeployment strategies.
What options are available for affected passengers?
Guests may accept the transfer to Iona, request a full refund, or discuss other cruise alternatives with P&O Cruises or their travel agents. Further details, including any potential special offers or compensation, are expected to follow.
As cancellations reshape vacation plans, many travelers remain hopeful for a smooth transition to the new Iona itinerary or a flexible resolution from P&O Cruises. Ultimately, clear communication and proactive assistance will be key for travelers navigating these last-minute changes.
