P&O Cruises is confident agents’ clients will receive “consistently high” service following the start of Norse Atlantic Airways flights to replace the controversial Maleth Aero contract.
The first P&O Cruises charter flight by Norse Atlantic to serve ships in the Caribbean this winter left Manchester airport on November 1.
The low-cost long-haul carrier has replaced Maleth Aero, the subject of potential legal action after flight delays last winter. Agents’ clients also complained about a lack of premium seating and entertainment on Maleth Aero flights.
Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said the cruise line had taken on board feedback.
He said: “We’ve listened to our agents and guests about what they expect from a fly-cruise experience with P&O Cruises.
“We know flights play a key role in the overall holiday experience, which is why we chose to partner with Norse, alongside Tui Airways and Virgin Atlantic. These partnerships underpin our commitment to ensuring guests are as happy with their airline as they are on our ships, and we are confident guests will receive a consistently high level of service during every element of their holiday.”
Cruise.co.uk influencer Holly Crabtree, a former agent of 35 years, was among those on board the first Norse flight. Crabtree, who flew in premium economy, said: “I was surprised; the flight was incredible.
“When the seats reclined they were not far off a lie-flat bed and it was really spacious. There were more than 200 movies to watch, the food was really good and the friendliness of the crew stood out.”
Agents said they looked forward to clients experiencing the new charters after last year’s problems.
Henbury Travel owner Richard Slater said: “Lessons have been learnt. We have clients going soon and they have been reassured flights will be with well-known names, offering modern aircraft and comfy, spacious seats.”
Norse Atlantic’s aircraft will fly weekly on Fridays from Manchester to Barbados until next March. Saturday flights will also run on alternating weeks from Gatwick and Manchester to Antigua/Barbados.