P&O Cruises Hits a Bump with Iona’s Dry Dock, Cancelling Two Big Sailings, but Offering Passengers Full Refunds and One Hundred Pounds Onboard Credit for Rebooking

Published on October 12, 2025

P&O Cruises has faced an unexpected disruption with its flagship ship, Iona, entering dry dock earlier than planned, leading to the cancellation of two major sailings in October. This change, prompted by shipyard scheduling constraints, has left many passengers disappointed. However, in a bid to minimize the impact, P&O Cruises is offering full refunds along with £100 onboard credit for rebooking, ensuring that affected travelers are compensated for the inconvenience and given the option to plan future sailings with added value.

In an unexpected turn of events, P&O Cruises has announced the cancellation of two major sailings of its flagship vessel, Iona, due to an early dry dock scheduled for October 2025. This dry dock, which had initially been planned for March 2025, is now taking place earlier than expected, leaving many passengers disappointed but also benefiting from generous compensation packages offered by the cruise line. The decision has stirred a mix of reactions, with some passengers expressing frustration, while others appreciate the swift handling and compensation.

The Iona, a part of the Carnival Corporation’s Excel-class ships, entered service in 2021 and has been one of the most sought-after vessels in the P&O Cruises fleet. It boasts luxurious amenities, cutting-edge facilities, and a variety of itineraries that attract cruisers from around the world. However, the unexpected need for dry docking has forced P&O Cruises to cancel two sailings that were scheduled to take place in October.

Affected Sailings and Cancellation Details

The two impacted sailings include a 14-night Canary Islands cruise, which was supposed to depart Southampton on October 4, and a 7-night Northern Europe voyage, which was set for October 18. Both cruises were highly anticipated, with many passengers looking forward to a relaxing getaway to some of Europe’s most popular destinations.

For those who had booked these cruises, the news of cancellation came as a major setback. However, P&O Cruises has assured affected passengers that they will receive full refunds for their bookings. In addition to the refund, passengers will also be offered £100 in onboard credit, which is available to the first two guests per cabin. This onboard credit can be used for rebooking, offering those who are still interested in rescheduling their trip some added value.

The Reason Behind the Dry Dock Schedule Change

The decision to move the Iona’s dry dock forward was made due to constraints at the shipyard. Although the dry docking was initially planned for March 2025, it was moved up to October of the same year to accommodate the availability of the shipyard. Dry docking is an essential part of maintaining cruise ships, ensuring that the vessels are safe and in top condition for their passengers. During this time, a variety of maintenance tasks are carried out, from hull inspections to technical upgrades.

While passengers were understandably disappointed by the sudden schedule change, the cruise line has emphasized that these maintenance tasks are necessary to ensure the continued safety and comfort of passengers on board the ship. This proactive decision to address maintenance early rather than waiting until the originally scheduled dry dock in March 2025 highlights the company’s commitment to offering a safe and exceptional cruising experience.

P&O Cruises’ Response and Passenger Compensation

P&O Cruises has made it clear that the disruption caused by the dry dock will be handled with as much care as possible. The company has taken steps to ensure that passengers affected by the cancellation are well-compensated and that their plans are as minimally disrupted as possible. The full refund, along with £100 per person in onboard credit, is a thoughtful gesture aimed at mitigating the inconvenience caused by the cancellations.

Additionally, passengers who wish to rebook their cruises have the option to do so, either by selecting alternative sailings or by receiving the onboard credit for use at a later date. P&O Cruises has reassured customers that they are working diligently to make the rebooking process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

For passengers seeking a similar experience, Iona will resume service on October 23, 2025, with a two-night sailing. This will be followed by a 7-night itinerary on October 25, which will take passengers on a round-trip journey from Southampton, visiting Spain and France. The resumption of service after the dry dock will likely restore confidence in the vessel and provide guests with the opportunity to embark on their planned holidays.

The Impact of Cruise Cancellations on the Industry

The cancellation of these sailings is a reminder of the unpredictability of the cruise industry, where factors such as maintenance schedules, unforeseen technical issues, or logistical constraints can have a significant impact on travel plans. However, it also highlights the importance of transparency and customer service in the industry.

P&O Cruises’ approach to compensating passengers and offering rebooking options reflects a broader trend in the cruise industry of prioritizing passenger satisfaction, especially when unforeseen circumstances arise. As the cruise industry continues to rebound from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining trust with passengers is essential. The way in which P&O Cruises is handling the situation with Iona offers a positive example of how cruise lines can manage unexpected disruptions while still providing value to their customers.

The Future of the Iona and Other P&O Cruises Vessels

Looking ahead, the Iona will continue to play a central role in P&O Cruises’ fleet, offering travelers a premium cruising experience with its wide range of amenities, fine dining, entertainment, and expansive outdoor decks. As more ships enter service, P&O Cruises is expected to continue its efforts to maintain the highest standards of safety and service.

The dry dock of Iona is not a unique event for the cruise industry. All cruise ships, regardless of their size or luxury offerings, must undergo regular maintenance and refurbishment to ensure they remain safe and in top condition. For many travelers, the occasional dry dock is simply part of the cruise experience. These maintenance periods ensure that ships continue to offer memorable and enjoyable vacations while minimizing the risk of technical failures.

As for P&O Cruises, the company remains committed to providing unforgettable vacation experiences for its guests. With new sailings already scheduled for the latter part of October and beyond, Iona’s dry dock is expected to be a brief and necessary interruption in what has been a successful cruising season for the line.

P&O Cruises has canceled two major sailings of Iona due to an unexpected early dry dock, caused by shipyard scheduling constraints. Affected passengers will receive full refunds and £100 onboard credit for rebooking.

P&O Cruises has handled the cancellation of Iona’s sailings with care and transparency, offering passengers full refunds and onboard credit for rebooking. While the dry dock was unexpected, the decision to move the schedule forward reflects the cruise line’s commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and service. With the Iona returning to service in late October, passengers can look forward to enjoying this state-of-the-art vessel on its upcoming voyages to Spain and France. P&O Cruises has shown that, even when disruptions occur, the focus remains on delivering excellent service and ensuring that passengers can continue to enjoy the best cruising experiences.