P&O Cruises Cancels Two Iona Sailings for Early Dry Dock, Offers Full Refunds and £100 Onboard Credit

P&O Cruises has announced an unexpected disruption to its flagship ship, Iona, as the vessel enters dry dock earlier than planned. This early maintenance schedule has led to the cancellation of two highly anticipated sailings in October 2025. In response, the cruise line is offering affected passengers full refunds and £100 onboard credit per person for rebooking, aiming to minimize the inconvenience and provide added value for future trips.

Early Dry Dock Forces Cancellations

Originally scheduled for March 2025, Iona’s dry dock was moved up to October due to shipyard scheduling constraints. As a result, two sailings were impacted:

• 14-night Canary Islands cruise departing Southampton on October 4, 2025

• 7-night Northern Europe cruise departing on October 18, 2025

Iona, part of Carnival Corporation’s Excel-class fleet, launched in 2021 and is renowned for its luxurious amenities, entertainment, and itineraries. The early dry dock ensures essential maintenance, including hull inspections, technical upgrades, and safety checks, keeping the ship in top condition for passengers.

Passenger Compensation and Rebooking Options

P&O Cruises has committed to compensating affected travelers with full refunds and £100 onboard credit per person for rebooking. Passengers can apply the credit to alternative sailings, ensuring flexibility and extra value for future trips. The cruise line emphasized that the decision to move the dry dock forward prioritizes passenger safety and comfort.

Return to Service

Iona will resume operations on October 23, 2025, with a short two-night sailing, followed by a 7-night round-trip itinerary from Southampton on October 25, visiting destinations in Spain and France. These upcoming voyages are expected to restore passenger confidence and continue offering a premium cruising experience.

Industry Context

Cruise cancellations due to maintenance are a standard part of industry operations. Ships require regular dry docking to maintain safety, technical performance, and onboard amenities. P&O Cruises’ proactive approach, including transparency and passenger compensation, reflects an industry-wide trend of prioritizing customer satisfaction during unforeseen disruptions.

Looking Ahead

Despite the temporary interruption, Iona remains a cornerstone of P&O Cruises’ fleet. Passengers can continue to expect luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and exceptional service on future sailings. The early dry dock highlights the cruise line’s commitment to safety, operational excellence, and providing memorable vacation experiences.