P&O Cruises’ 15 year old ship Oriana is to switch to offer cruises exclusively to adults only. The change will come after the 1,818-passenger vessel returns from a regular refit in a year’s time.
From November 30, 2011, the British cruise market leader will operate child-free ships – Oriana, Arcadia and Adonia, which joins the fleet next May as a replacement for Artemis.
P&O Cruises will then have four family-friendly vessels – Azura, Ventura, Oceana and Aurora.
The company is contacting passengers explaining the changes to Oriana. Those booked with children on five cruises on sale which run after the change to Oriana will be offered alternative voyages or full refunds.
“We are totally committed to satisfying the holiday needs of both families and those travelling without children,” the line said in a note to agents.
A company spokeswoman said: “When Artemis leaves the fleet next May the number of holidays exclusively for adults available within the P&O Cruises programme will be effectively reduced as Adonia, her replacement, is a smaller ship.
“We therefore wish to add a third ship to offer this type of holiday. We feel we can do this as Azura, the most recent ship to be added to our fleet provides additional holidays for families.”