P&O Cruises Responds to Weather and Port Disruptions by Advancing Iona’s Docking, Preserving Luxury Cruise Experience

Published on December 6, 2025

P&O Cruises’ flagship ship, Iona, has adjusted its schedule to arrive in Southampton a day earlier than initially planned, responding proactively to adverse weather forecasts and port disruptions. The 5,200-passenger vessel, completing a 14-night itinerary across Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands, will now dock on Friday afternoon instead of Saturday morning. The move ensures a smoother, safer approach to the homeport while maintaining the high standard of luxury and comfort that passengers have come to expect throughout the voyage.

The adjustment comes as part of a proactive effort to ensure passenger comfort and operational safety. By arriving a day earlier, the Iona will navigate Southampton’s waters ahead of an approaching weather system, minimizing potential disruptions during the ship’s final approach. Although the vessel will be docked on Friday, passengers will not be able to disembark until Saturday morning, in compliance with border clearance procedures. In the meantime, travelers can continue enjoying the ship’s amenities, entertainment, and dining experiences.

Earlier in the cruise, the itinerary faced another disruption. The planned call at Lisbon on Wednesday, Dec. 3, had to be canceled due to industrial action at the port. With no suitable alternative nearby, the vessel remained at sea for the day. This unexpected change allowed passengers to take advantage of onboard leisure activities, turning a potential inconvenience into a relaxed day at sea.

The Iona departed Southampton on Nov. 22, 2025, and has since visited six ports, offering a blend of cultural, scenic, and recreational experiences. Stops included La Coruña and Cádiz in Spain, and Arrecife de Lanzarote, Puerto del Rosario, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Each destination presented passengers with opportunities to explore historic streets, local culture, and natural beauty, complemented by the comfort and amenities of the vessel itself.

As one of the first LNG-powered ships in P&O Cruises’ fleet, the Iona emphasizes sustainability without compromising luxury. Its eco-friendly design reduces emissions while providing passengers with a wide range of experiences. The ship boasts multiple dining venues, theaters, pools, wellness facilities, and recreational spaces, ensuring that guests remain entertained and comfortable even when unforeseen itinerary changes occur.

The revised schedule highlights the cruise line’s commitment to safety and operational flexibility. By adjusting the arrival time, the vessel avoids adverse weather, providing a more secure and comfortable docking experience. Meanwhile, the day at sea in place of the Lisbon visit demonstrated the line’s ability to adapt to unexpected circumstances while maintaining the quality of the voyage.

Passengers are encouraged to enjoy the final hours of the cruise, which continue to feature a full range of onboard activities. From live performances and entertainment shows to fine dining and wellness options, the Iona ensures that every guest experience is preserved despite schedule changes. These measures underscore the cruise line’s focus on delivering a seamless and enjoyable journey, even when external factors necessitate adjustments.

Overall, the Iona’s journey reflects the modern cruise industry’s capacity to combine luxury, flexibility, and sustainability. By responding effectively to weather forecasts and port disruptions, the ship ensures that passengers experience a safe, relaxing, and memorable voyage from departure to return. The early arrival in Southampton on Friday afternoon marks a carefully managed conclusion to a 14-night journey, allowing travelers to disembark in comfort while highlighting the operational expertise and guest-centric approach of P&O Cruises.