Why Is P&O Cruises Cancelling Ventura and Arvia Voyages? Here's What You Should Do if Your Travel Plans Get Affected

P&O Cruises has announced the cancellation of their two major sailings, Ventura's Amsterdam voyage in 2026 and Arvia's Mediterranean itinerary in 2027. The move has sparked disappointment among the passengers who were eagerly waiting to get on board for their high-end holidays with their family and friends.

At the same time, it has also raised questions about the reliability of the UK's largest cruise line. While the company is offering refunds and credits to soften the blow, the disruption has left many travellers wondering what their next steps should be.

Why Are Ventura and Arvia Voyages Cancelled?

According to P&O Cruises, the cancellations are linked to scheduled maintenance and operational adjustments across the fleet. The company says these measures are necessary to ensure the ships remain in top condition and continue to meet safety and environmental standards.

Ventura, a mid-sized ship popular with families, is reportedly being taken out of service for essential refurbishment. These updates are intended to modernise onboard facilities and enhance passenger experience.

The second cancellation is even more disappointing for those who were hoping for a longer adventure. Arvia's 14-night voyage across Spain, France, and Italy, originally set for April 2027, has been pulled from the schedule.

Instead, Arvia will now operate two new seven-night cruises: one through the Norwegian fjords and another covering Spain and France. These replacement itineraries go on sale on 18 September 2025.

While these explanations provide some clarity, critics argue that the timing and communication have left many passengers in the lurch. Travel forums and social media platforms have seen a wave of complaints from travellers who only found out about cancellations after booking flights, hotels, and excursions.

The Passenger Backlash

Unsurprisingly, the backlash has been swift. Many customers expressed disappointment at the short notice and limited clarity in official emails. Some passengers have described the cancellations as a 'holiday nightmare,' particularly those who had booked special occasions like weddings and anniversaries.

Consumer groups, including Which? Travel, stress that cruise lines have a duty to offer clear alternatives and compensation when cancellations occur.

In the competitive cruise market, such incidents risk damaging passenger trust, especially at a time when travellers are seeking certainty after years of pandemic disruptions.

What Should Passengers Do Now?

If your voyage has been affected, here are the immediate steps to take:

• Claim your refund promptly: Refunds are automatic, but it's wise to double-check with your booking provider.
• Consider rebooking early: The onboard credit offer is only valid if you book another cruise before 24 October 2025.
• Explore alternatives: If the replacement itineraries don't appeal, look into other cruise lines or consider land-based trips to the destinations you were hoping to visit.
• Stay updated: Monitor P&O Cruises' official site and newsletters for announcements about future changes or new itineraries.

Passenger Refunds and Compensation

To address the fallout, P&O Cruises is offering full refunds to all affected travellers. Refunds will be returned to the original payment method within 14 working days, according to the company's statement.

In addition, passengers who choose to rebook another cruise before 24 October 2025 will receive onboard spending credits. The compensation is modest, £50 ($68) for Ventura passengers and £25 ($34) for those booked on Arvia, but it may help soften the blow for some.

Still, for those who planned extensive holidays around specific destinations, credits can feel like a small consolation.

How to Protect Yourself in Future Bookings

For travellers impacted by the cancellations and those planning future cruises, there are a few steps that can help minimise risk:

1. Book with flexible options: Look for fares that allow easy cancellations or changes without heavy penalties.

2. Use travel insurance: Comprehensive insurance can cover costs of flights, hotels, and transfers if cruise plans fall through.

3. Monitor updates regularly: Cruise schedules are more fluid than flights, so checking official updates in the weeks before departure is essential.

4. Consider alternatives: Competitors such as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises may offer similar itineraries if your P&O sailing is disrupted

Should You Still Book With P&O?

These cancellations don't happen in a vacuum. According to reports, the cruise industry has faced mounting pressures in recent years, from COVID-19 disruptions to rising fuel costs and stricter environmental regulations. For a giant player in the industry like P&O, adjusting schedules for ship maintenance and compliance is crucial for staying afloat, but it's passengers who feel the immediate pinch.

However, despite the current uproar, P&O Cruises remains a strong player in the UK market. Its newer ships, including Arvia and Iona, continue to attract travellers with their modern features, while classics like Ventura offer a sense of familiarity.

For passengers, the best approach is to stay informed, book flexibly, and understand your rights.