p&o cruises news uk

Hundreds of passengers to be flown home after P&O cruise liner 'crashed into petrol tanker'

More than 300 passengers will leave the ship after a small number of people were injured during a "weather-related" incident off the coast of Mallorca on Sunday.

Monday 28 August 2023 20:56, UK

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More than 300 guests who were on board a P&O cruise liner which reportedly crashed into a petrol tanker will have their holiday cut short and be flown home.

A small number of people were injured in the "weather-related" incident in Mallorca on Sunday - with footage taken by a passenger showing fierce gusts sweeping across the waves from the ship's window.

The P&O ship, which moored off the coast of the Spanish island, will return to Southampton on Friday morning with a reduced number of passengers, a spokesperson for the company has said.

They added that this was because one of the ship's lifeboats had "sustained structural issues" and therefore maritime regulations meant it would have to return to the UK.

The ship, called Britannia, was carrying thousands of passengers but 321 of them will now leave the ship and be flown back to their original starting point.

The nationality of those who will return is not clear but some will be flown to Southampton.

The rest of the guests will conclude their trip on Friday as planned.

Storm in Palma Mallorca breaks it’s moorings and pushes P&O Britannia into another ship and onto rocks. Ship not compromised and being pushed back into position by tugs pic.twitter.com/0RbdQIhPRT — Stephen Marsh (@millermanuk) August 27, 2023

Port authorities in the Mallorca capital Palma said Britannia had collided with a petrol tanker.

In a statement, P&O said its Britannia ship "was impacted by severe weather when alongside in Palma de Mallorca" on Sunday.

"Following inspections, our third-party surveyor has confirmed that one of Britannia's lifeboats has sustained structural issues and cannot be repaired onboard," it added.

"We are so sorry but these extraordinary circumstances mean that the ship is required, by maritime regulation, to return to Southampton with a reduced number of people on board."

The spokesperson said "a limited number of guests and crew" had been advised they would be leaving the ship and would be flown back to their starting point.

Read more UK news: Passengers face severe delays after air traffic control fault Glitch 'remedied' but flights cancelled - air traffic control chaos latest

P&O Cruises had earlier told Sky News on Sunday that the ship was involved in a "weather-related incident" alongside the port in Palma.

The company added that a "small number of people" sustained minor injuries and were being treated by their onboard medical team.

Britannia, which entered service in 2015, is 330 metres long and weights 143,000 tons, according to the company's website.

It has 13 guest decks and an operating capacity of 3,647 guests and 1,350 crew.

Cruise And Ferry

P&O Cruises’ Paul Ludlow takes ‘far-reaching experience’ to lead Carnival UK

Sture Myrmell steps down as president of UK unit after 30 years with Carnival Corp

Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival Corp brand P&O Cruises, will soon take the helm at Carnival UK as well.

Ludlow, who joined Carnival in 2002, will assume the role of Carnival UK president on Thursday to replace outgoing president Sture Myrmell.

“Paul is a 21-year veteran of the company with far-reaching experience across every commercial department and multiple brands in our portfolio of world-class cruise lines,” Carnival Corp chief executive Josh Weinstein said in a statement.

“That deep expertise, coupled with Paul’s proven leadership and track record of outstanding results, make him the clear choice to support our entire UK organization and to drive our return to strong profitability.”

Carnival did not say why Murmell is stepping down as Carnival UK president after also serving as president of P&O Cruises and as a Cunard officer over three decades.

“Sture’s dedication and contributions to our company have been significant,” Weinstein said.

“We wish him well.”

Ludlow will assume commercial and operational responsibility for Carnival UK, which oversees P&O Cruises and Cunard, in his new consolidated leadership post. P&O Cruises owns seven ships, while Cunard owns three vessels.

Katie McAlister, the chief marketing officer for German travel brand TUI Group whom Carnival tapped to lead Cunard in August, will report to Ludlow.

“There has never been a more auspicious time for our two brands. P&O Cruises continues to deliver outstanding success and is clearly at the forefront of contemporary, mainstream holidays.

Ludlow said he is looking forward to Cunard growing its small fleet to four ships when it takes delivery of the 3,000-berth Queen Anne in 2024.

“I am confident that the arrival of Katie McAlister to lead the Cunard team will build on the demand for Cunard voyages in the UK and across the world,” Ludlow said.

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P&O to restart UK cruises this summer - but only for vaccinated passengers

Short-sailings around UK with dining and entertainment to restart but ships will not call at ports

P&O Cruises is to restart domestic holidays this summer, but only for UK residents who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

After its fleet has been grounded for over a year, P&O is dipping its toes back in the water by offering passengers short sailings on two of its ships around the UK coastline. Coronavirus restrictions mean the ships will not call at any ports, although there will be the usual onboard dining and entertainment programme.

Two vessels, the Britannia and the Iona, will take passengers on voyages of between three and seven nights around the UK, departing from Southampton between late June and September.

The first UK voyage on 27 June will mark the first time one of P&O’s ships has set sail from Southampton in 16 months.

The cruise line, which is owned by the Carnival group, said all passengers would have to have received their second dose of an approved coronavirus vaccination at least seven days before setting sail.

Passengers will have to provide proof of vaccinations and the dates they were administered before boarding. Those who fail to provide evidence will not be allowed to board the ship.

The company has yet to confirm what evidence it will accept as proof of vaccination.

The cruise operator said there would be enhanced sanitation measures on board, appropriate social distancing and the wearing of masks in certain areas of the ship, while the crew will undergo quarantine beforehand and regular testing while on board.

The pandemic brought most international cruises to a halt in early 2020, following several outbreaks of coronavirus on board several cruise ships. P&O repeatedly put its voyages “on pause” during 2020, while in May its owner Carnival cut hundreds of jobs in the UK.

P&O Cruises said the progress of the UK’s vaccination programme, combined with ongoing uncertainty about international travel, had prompted it to offer trips around the UK for the first time.

“We have every hope that our guests will be able to enjoy a holiday this summer. After the stresses and challenges of the past year everyone certainly deserves a treat,” said Paul Ludlow, the president of P&O Cruises.

“Whilst there is still uncertainty about holidays abroad this summer, we are delighted to be able to offer our guests the ultimate escape here in the UK”.

The company insisted that the unreliable British summer should not pose problems, promising to consult the weather forecast before each cruise and take its ships “where it is warm and sunny”.

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P&O Announces UK Coastal Cruise Details, Sailing in June

• March 17, 2021

P&O Cruises is now offering a series of short breaks on the flagship Britannia in summer 2021 and week-long cruises on the new ship Iona. This was announced in a press release.

The cruises will depart from Southampton between June and September, sailing around the UK coast, “where the sun shines brightest,” the cruise line said. The guests will have to be fully-vaccinated UK residents.

“Given recent announcements, we have every hope that our guests will be able to enjoy a holiday this summer. After the stresses and challenges of the past year, everyone certainly deserves a treat and this series of cruises will provide memorable and much-needed UK getaways,” said P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow.

“Whilst there is still uncertainty about holidays abroad this summer, we are delighted to be able to offer our guests the ultimate escape here in the UK with the reassurance that we will take care of everything. Also, we really will look at the weather forecast for each cruise and aim to take our ships where it is warm and sunny,” he added.

According to Ludlow, at the start of the Iona’s maiden seas, the Ultimate Escape series of holidays will include a seven-night maiden voyage sailing around the Scottish islands

“The Iona will anchor off Iona, the island after which she was named, with a celebratory extended stay until sunset for magical views of the historic shores,” Ludlow said.

The sailings will sail from Southampton. Guests will be offered gourmet dining and poolside bites, cocktails and coffees, shopping, spas, shows and endless sea views, P&O said.

The Britannia will offer three- and four-night breaks and one six-night holiday running from June 27, 2021, through to Sept. 19, 2021. Prices start from £449 per person.

The Iona offers seven-night itineraries running from Aug. 7, 2021, to Sept. 18, 2021. The Iona’s seven-night maiden voyage starts from £1,199 per person.

The cruise line said that given the advanced progress of the UK vaccination program and strongly expressed preference on the part of its guests for this series of UK coastal cruises, these sailings on the Britannia and the Iona will be for the UK resident COVID-19 vaccinated guests only. Travel insurance will also be mandatory for all guests.

All guests and crew will be required to follow enhanced health and wellbeing measures to protect everyone onboard on these cruises.

“As we have spent the majority of the last year at home, to be able to have a restorative and relaxing break, sit on deck with a sea view in the summer sunshine and then enjoy an indulgent dinner and show – it’s certainly what we all need this year and we cannot wait to have our guests back onboard,” Ludlow said.

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• P&O Cruises UK launches "Shine at Sea" seminars for travel...

P&O Cruises UK launches "Shine at Sea" seminars for travel agents (ship Iona)

P&O Cruises UK is set to host 100 agents on its inaugural seminars at sea for the year. The company has launched a fresh incentive program named Shine at Sea, where 50 travel agents will secure spots on each of two 7-night voyages aboard Iona ship .

The first voyage is to the Norwegian fjords and is scheduled to depart on September 7th from Southampton England . The second voyage starts on November 2nd (Northern Europe itinerary).

Travel agents can participate in a prize draw to win these coveted spots by making and registering new bookings through the Shine Rewards Club. They will have the flexibility to choose which seminar at sea they prefer to attend and can also nominate a colleague to accompany them.

Moreover, bonus entries can be obtained by tuning in to a live video session on April 24 on the line’s dedicated trade Facebook page and by participating in a happy hour event tailored for homeworkers on May 14.

Ruth Venn (P&O's Sales Director) expressed her enthusiasm for Shine at Sea, emphasizing that offering agents the opportunity to experience the product firsthand is the optimal approach.

In addition to these seminars at sea, P&O Cruises has unveiled its most extensive ship visit program for 2024, with over 1,000 places available for agents. This initiative will complement the existing ship visit opportunities, allowing the cruise line to host 1,100+ agents on board throughout the year.

What’s New on BritBox in May 2024

B BC Studios has announced the titles coming to BritBox in May 2024, which include everything from new BritBox Originals to classic British fare. BritBox is a digital video subscription service offering the largest collection of British TV in the U.S. and Canada.

The May lineup includes the Sophie Rundle-led original After the Flood and the 2024 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises , streaming exclusively on BritBox in North America. Several notable BritBox series have been nominated for BAFTA TV Awards this year, including The Sixth Commandment , Time , Three Little Birds , Would I Lie to You , and Make It at Market , which will be returning for a second season on May 14.

BritBox is a digital subscription video-on-demand service offering the largest and most comprehensive, unmissable collection of British entertainment available all in one place.

BritBox delivers the UK’s favorite programs, ranging from brand new commissions to gems, across a variety of genres, including critically acclaimed drama, crime thrillers, classic comedy, and powerful documentaries, alongside reality hits and entertainment.

BritBox is available on multiple platforms, including the web, mobile, tablet, streaming devices, and connected TVs. The offering in each market showcases the depth and breadth of British creativity.

With the support of BBC providing a pipeline of exceptional content, made available as soon as it comes out of its broadcast and catch-up windows, BritBox is home to a wealth of titles from its parent companies, in addition to completely new original commissions from British production companies specifically created for BritBox.

BRITBOX MAY 2024 SCHEDULE

AVAILABLE MAY 3

Reilly Ace of Spies S1 | New to BritBox I 11 x 60’, 1 x 90’ | All at Once

Written by Troy Kennedy Martin (Ferrari) and based on a book by Robin Bruce Lockhart, this BAFTA-winning series dramatizes the life of Sidney Reilly, a Russian-born adventurer who became one of the greatest spies ever to work for the United Kingdom and the British Empire. Sam Neill (Jurassic Park, Tutankhamun, Doctor Zhivago) stars as the eponymous character.

Stath Lets Flats S1 | New to BritBox | 6 x 30’ | All at Once

In this BAFTA-winning comedy, Stath (Jamie Demetriou, This Time With Alan Partridge) is a Greek Cypriot lettings agent working at the family business. Stath is desperate to prove he can run the business when his eccentric dad retires. The only problem is that Stath is rubbish at letting flats.

His only support is his cheery sister Sophie, who dreams of being a dancer despite a complete lack of talent, and his painfully shy colleague Al. Can Stath earn his dad’s trust and take over the business?

AVAILABLE MAY 6

Lovejoy S3 | New to BritBox | 13 x 60’, 1 x 90’ | All at Once

Lovejoy (Ian McShane, Deadwood, Pirates of the Caribbean) is a trickster, a swindling art and antiques dealer who seems to get caught up in devious deals and `get rich quick’ schemes. But you can’t help liking Lovejoy, who has a talent for finding hidden treasures. When he’s not out for himself, he uses his skills as a con man to help the less fortunate and less sneaky.

AVAILABLE MAY 7

The Other Mrs. Jordan S1 | BritBox Original, North American Premiere, BritBox Exclusive | 3 x 60’ | All at Once

The Other Mrs Jordan tells the astonishing true tale of William Allen Jordan—bigamist, fraudster, father, conman—and follows the real-time manhunt led by retired US Marshal Tex Lindsey to track down the shady figure who left so much pain and confusion in his wake across the globe.

AVAILABLE MAY 10

Stath Lets Flats S2 | New to BritBox | 6 x 30’ | All at Once

Jamie Demetriou’s (Fleabag, The Afterparty) incompetent letting agent, Stath, is back to let more flats in this BAFTA-winning sitcom. Imbecilic agent Stath has just been denied a promotion at his family lettings business by his own father.

Now he and the team are being forced to work under the management of the high-end estate agents next door, led by his nemesis Julian (Dustin Demri-Burns, The Great). This second series centers around the hapless yet well-meaning Stath.

AVAILABLE MAY 12

2024 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises | North American Premiere, BritBox Exclusive | Live

The BAFTA Television Awards rewards the very best in television broadcast on British screens. Comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan will return to host the ceremony at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London on Sunday, 12 May 2024.

AVAILABLE MAY 13

After the Flood S1 | BritBox Original, North American Premiere, BritBox Exclusive | 6 x 60’ | 2x Weekly

When an unidentified man was found dead in an underground car park after a devastating flood, PC Joanna Marshall (Sophie Rundle, Peaky Blinders, Gentleman Jack) is commissioned to investigate the truth of the man’s death.

AVAILABLE MAY 14

Make It at Market S2 | BritBox Original, North American Premiere, BritBox Exclusive | 15 x 45’ | All at Once

Nominated for a BAFTA TV award this year, Make it at Market follows a select group of amateur makers as they are mentored through the practicalities and pitfalls of turning a hobby into a business. The expert mentors and show host will guide them through what it takes to transform their hobby into a business, giving them the knowledge and opportunity to transform their lives.

AVAILABLE MAY 17

Stath Lets Flats S3 | New to BritBox | 6 x 30’ | All at Once

Stath (Jamie Demetriou, Fleabag, The Afterparty) is an ambitious lettings agent. The trouble is, he’s absolutely rubbish at letting flats. The BAFTA-winning comedy returns. But that’s the least of his worries now. He’s just lost the love of his life. He’s about to become a dad. He needs a job and fast.

His cousin’s barbershop beckons… Unfortunately, no sooner is he there than he’s started a war with the rival letting agency opposite. And being newly single isn’t all plain sailing either. Could his father’s wedding be his one chance to win back the love of his life?

AVAILABLE MAY 19

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 | North American Premiere, BritBox Exclusive | 6 x 60’, 5 x 45’, 2 x 30’ | Daily following UK Broadcast

The annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show—the most prestigious flower show in the world, the highlight of the gardening calendar, and one of Britain’s special Summer events—is returning to the service. Over 13 exclusive episodes, On Demand coverage will include expert-led reviews of all the Show Gardens along with celebrity interviews.

AVAILABLE MAY 23

McDonald & Dodds S4 | BritBox Original, North American Premiere, BritBox Exclusive | 3 x 120’ | Weekly

Return to the beautiful city of Bath as the mismatched detective duo McDonald and Dodds are presented with more original and inventive crimes to solve. Season 4 features three new emotionally engaging feature-length crime stories told with flair and mischief.

In the first story, McDonald and Dodds begin to investigate when a middle-aged woman is found shot dead in a rented flat. The killer has removed all clues to her identity, but DNA reveals she went missing over 35 years ago. Where has she been all those years? And why has she been murdered?

Alongside returning cast including Tala Gouveia (Scream Street), Jason Watkins (The Crown, Archie), and Claire Skinner (Outnumbered), this first film features a star-studded guest line-up including Toby Stephens (Die Another Day, Black Sails), singer/songwriter Pixie Lott, Lydia Leonard ( The Crown , Gentleman Jack), Daniel Lapaine (Catastrophe, Zero Dark Thirty), Dipo Ola (We Hunt Together), John Gordon Sinclair (Traces), and Ace Bhatti (Line of Duty, EastEnders).

AVAILABLE MAY 31

Here We Go S2 | North American Premiere, BritBox Exclusive | 7 x 30’ | All at Once

The smart family sitcom with a home-movie feel returns. From the writer of Plebs, starring Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd, Doc Martin), Jim Howick ( Ghosts , Sex Education), and Alison Steadman (Ghosts, Sex Education).

The Jessop family can’t help but get things a little bit wrong a lot of the time. Matriarch Rachel tries to keep the family on track, as husband (and former Olympic archer) Paul tackles his own insecurities. Daughter Amy and Uncle Robin are still struggling with their love lives, and grandmother Sue threatens to move in.

The family faces everyday challenges alongside brilliantly bonkers situations, including sailing a sinking boat and selling ice cream from a hearse. Son Sam is on hand to film it all in this intimate comedy about a family whose indomitable spirit allows them to find moments of delight among the disappointment – and laugh in the face of disaster.

The post What’s New on BritBox in May 2024 appeared first on Vital Thrills .