October 23, 2026 — Two P&O Cruises ships have changed their plans this week: Iona has lost two ports on a one-week sailing, and Arvia came back to Southampton a day early to stay ahead of Storm Austen.
Iona: two ports lost
Iona left Southampton on Saturday, October 17, 2026, on a seven-night cruise. Its Le Havre (for Paris) call on October 18 was skipped because of civil unrest in France. Its calls at Vigo and A Coruña were then adjusted. On Thursday, October 22, the Bilbao-Getxo call was cancelled because of Storm Austen. The ship spent the day at sea and sheltered off Brixham, but did not call there.
The captain told guests the ship would “cancel our call to Getxo and return to Southampton”. He warned that conditions in the Bay of Biscay could be uncomfortable at times. Iona is still due back in Southampton at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday, October 24. No compensation has been reported.
Arvia: back a day early
Arvia was due in Southampton on the morning of Friday, October 23. It arrived around 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 22 instead, changing course to stay ahead of the storm. Its next sailing is a 14-night transatlantic crossing from Southampton to Barbados, and no changes to it had been confirmed. The Met Office issued an amber wind warning for Friday morning in southwest England, with gusts of 60–70 mph possible.
| Ship | Sailing | Change | Return / next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iona | 7 nights from Southampton, Oct 17 | Le Havre (Oct 18) skipped for unrest; Vigo and A Coruña adjusted; Getxo (Oct 22) cancelled for storm | Southampton Oct 24, 6:15 a.m. (unchanged) |
| Arvia | Inbound to Southampton | Arrived Oct 22 about 7 p.m., instead of the morning of Oct 23 | 14-night Southampton–Barbados; no changes confirmed |
What it means for travelers
- Iona guests flying home on October 24: the ship is still due at 6:15 a.m., but storm-related delays at UK airports are possible. Choose later flights and check your flight status before you leave the ship.
- Joining Arvia’s transatlantic? Get to Southampton early, because Friday’s amber wind warning could slow trains and roads. The crossing ends in Barbados, so plan a one-way flight home from Bridgetown (BGI).
- No compensation has been reported for the missed ports. Check your P&O account for any onboard credit or refund of prepaid shore excursions.
Sources
- Cruise Hive: After French Unrest, Storm Austen Now Costs P&O Cruises Ship Its Last Port
- Cruise Hive: Storm Austen Forces Three Cruise Ships Into Southampton Early
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