Both P&O Cruises and Saga Cruises resumed sailings on Sunday for the first time since the pandemic halted all ocean-going passenger ships in March 2020.
P&O Cruises’ Britannia left its home port of Southampton on a four-night break while Spirit of Discovery, originally launched by Saga in July 2019, departed from Tilbury.
Britannia is not making any stops on its first UK coastal cruise while the Saga vessel has calls into Portsmouth, Portland, Isles of Scilly and Falmouth.
P&O Cruises ships anchored locally – Ventura, Arcadia and Aurora, and those of sister brand Cunard, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria – celebrated the occasion with a horn-sounding departure salute as Britannia left Southampton.
Britannia will sail a series of three, four and seven night UK coastal cruises until September 25, when western Mediterranean itineraries will start prior to a winter Caribbean season.
New ship Iona’s maiden voyage will be on August 7 with weekly seven-night scenic coastal cruises, before beginning Atlantic coast holidays.
Spirit of Discovery’s sister ship Spirit of Adventure will leave on its inaugural cruise on July 26.
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “We’ve been on countdown to this moment and are elated to be welcoming guests back on board.
“A huge thank you to our guests for their patience as we fully recognise that it’s been a period filled with anticipation and thwarted plans. We’ve spent this time working hard refining and enhancing our holidays so time on board can be enjoyed to its very fullest.
“Our restart is a celebration for crew, guests, our staff, Southampton and also the industry as we return to playing our key role supporting the array of local growers, suppliers, hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and taxis drivers for whom the cruise industry is so vital.”
Saga Cruises chief executive Nigel Blanks said: “Our guests are so excited to be back cruising again and our crew members are all looking forward to giving them an incredible experience on board.
“We have a great itinerary, taking in some of the most stunning parts of the west country. There really is no better place to see our beautiful coastline than from the sea.
“We work to the highest standards and every detail has been thought-through to respect current social distance rules from the on board entertainment to the dining experience, spa and fitness facilities and personalised customer service.
“All our guests can board knowing we take their health and well-being incredibly seriously. In addition to the observance of strict safety protocols, guests must have had both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine prior departure and all our crew on board have also been fully vaccinated.”