Due to tensions in the Persian Gulf, P&O Cruises UK has cancelled its Middle East winter programme on board the 2,016-guest ‘Oceana’.
Guests already booked will receive a full refund, the company said.
P&O Cruises President, Paul Ludlow, explained: “The increased tension in the region highlighted by the attacks on tankers in the Straits and the detention of a British-flagged tanker by the Iranian authorities means as a British company flying the Red Ensign it is not advisable for us to maintain our planned Dubai and Arabian Gulf programme this winter season.
“We have therefore taken the unusual step of withdrawing ‘Oceana’ from the region for the upcoming season,” he said.
The company said it will announce ‘Oceania’s’ new deployment for the 2019-2020 season this week.