What was supposed to be a festive New Year’s cruise turned into a frustrating experience for many guests sailing aboard P&O Cruises’ Britannia, after the cruise line confirmed it would not offer refunds or compensation following major itinerary disruptions.
The 16-night Caribbean cruise, which departed on December 26, 2025, was affected by a technical issue that forced the ship to return to Barbados and cancel multiple planned port visits. Instead of offering compensation, P&O Cruises told guests they should contact their travel insurance providers for any financial claims.
That response has not gone over well with passengers, many of whom say they paid premium prices for the holiday sailing and feel the cruise line has failed to take responsibility. Several guests shared their anger online, saying the decision left them feeling ignored and undervalued.
One passenger described the situation as “deeply disappointing,” while another said their family had spent thousands of pounds on the trip and felt the experience fell far short of expectations. Many also called for clearer communication, saying information on board was limited while the situation unfolded.
How the Cruise Unraveled Mid-Voyage
Britannia, carrying more than 3,600 guests, began the sailing on a positive note with successful stops in Grenada and Curaçao. Trouble started on December 31, when the ship skipped a planned visit to Aruba due to high winds, replacing it with an unplanned day at sea.
Shortly after, a technical issue emerged that required repairs. The ship reduced speed and returned to Barbados, where it remained docked for nearly three days. Passengers described the vessel as “limping back” while plans continued to change.
As a result, additional ports, including St. Lucia and Antigua, were cancelled. Martinique was added as a replacement, but many guests said it did little to make up for the lost destinations. By the end of the trip, Britannia had spent six of its 16 days in Barbados, far more than originally planned.
P&O Cruises later issued an apology, acknowledging passenger frustration and pointing out that only two ports were missed. The cruise line highlighted the extended stay in Barbados as a chance to enjoy the island more fully.
The situation stands in contrast to recent milestones celebrated by the brand, such as MS Iona marking five years of service for P&O Cruises, highlighting how quickly onboard experiences can shift from celebration to frustration.
For many guests, that explanation didn’t sit well. Some reported shortages of food and drinks toward the end of the cruise, adding to their disappointment. Others questioned why mechanical issues were being treated as an insurance matter rather than a company responsibility.
While P&O Cruises faces other operational challenges in the region, passengers from this sailing say the experience has left them reconsidering whether they would ever book with the brand again.
