Key Aspects:
- Iona will now be returning to Southampton on Friday afternoon instead of Saturday morning.
- This faster homeport return is due to poor weather expected in the region on Saturday.
- Guests are not permitted to debark the ship early, but onboard activities will continue.
Guests aboard P&O Cruises’ Iona will be arriving back to their Southampton homeport earlier than expected to conclude their 14-night voyage, but their cruise experience will sail on even if the ship is not moving.
Poor weather expected in Southampton on Saturday morning, December 6, has prompted the ship’s master, Captain Martin Allen, to accelerate the return to the UK so the 184,100-gross-ton vessel can dock safely.
“Due to the predicted weather forecasts for our arrival into Southampton on Saturday morning being less than favourable, we have made the decision to bring our arrival into Southampton forward to Friday, where we intend to be alongside by early afternoon,” Allen explained.
“This will ensure that we are docked in front of the current weather system moving across the UK providing a more comfortable final approach.”
The weather forecast for Southampton on Saturday morning is rain and winds at 10-20 miles per hour.
Conditions directly on the coast are likely to be even more severe, which could make it challenging for the ship to maneuver to the dock.
Cruise lines always keep the safety of the ship, guests, and crew members their topmost priority. While docking early may not be the vacation guests had hoped for, it is the safest option to ensure the ship is as comfortable as possible and there are no delays as she returns to Southampton.
In fact, this adjustment is almost one year to the day when Iona remained in Southampton for extra time instead of departing on schedule due to stormy winter weather. That change was also for safety.
Iona joined the P&O Cruises fleet in 2021. The Excel-class ship can welcome up to 6,685 guests onboard and is also home to approximately 1,700 international crew members.
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The ship is completing a two-week cruise that departed Southampton on Saturday, November 22, with ports in Spain and the Canary Islands to enjoy.
Iona was to have visited Lisbon, Portugal, on Wednesday, December 3, as the final destination of the sailing, but that stop was unfortunately cancelled due to ongoing labor issues impacting the port.
Early Debarkation Not Permitted
While Iona will be arriving back to Southampton the day before her planned debarkation, guests will not have the option to depart the ship early.
“While we will be alongside on Friday, Border Force will not be clearing the ship for disembarkation,” Allen confirmed. “Therefore, guests will not be permitted to disembark the vessel on Friday.”
This may be disappointing to travelers who might have hoped to start for home earlier than planned to beat the worst of the weather, or for anyone who could have enjoyed some extra time enjoying all Southampton has to offer.
Fortunately, a full schedule of entertainment and activities will still be available onboard Iona on Friday evening as planned and guests will be able to enjoy the last few hours of their cruise vacation in comfort and style.
To be clear, there are no mechanical problems with Iona, and her early return to Southampton is not related to any onboard systems or other difficulties.
Furthermore, the ship’s next sailing, another 14-night Spain, Portugal, and Canary Islands itinerary, should not be impacted.
The weather forecast for Saturday evening is smoother than the morning hours and the ship should be able to depart Southampton as planned. Guests will be informed if any delays are necessary.
Guests booked on Iona‘s December 6 sailing will still want to stay in close contact with P&O Cruises in case there do need to be any adjustments to their departure or itinerary.
