Irish passengers left with just 24 hours notice of P&O cruise cancellation

James Cox

Nineteen Irish passengers were left disappointed when they were given just 24 hours' notice for a P&O cruises cancellation.

The adult-only Aurara cruise, with a capacity of over 1,800, was due to travel from Southampton in England to Zeebrugge, Belgium.

Scheduled to embark on Easter Monday, the cruise was cancelled the day before.

Niamh McCarthy from Gorey, Co Wexford, was looking forward to a trip with 18 of her friends to celebrate her 40th birthday.

Speaking to BreakingNews.ie, she explained that they were left out of pocket for a range of costs from childcare to dog kennels, while "most upsetting of all my 40th birthday was spent scrambling for alternatives".

The seven-day wait for reimbursement made it difficult to organise an alternative. "This was meant to be a joyful celebration with close friends and family, instead it was filled with stress and disappointment."

The group felt the offer of 20 per cent off further cruises was "frankly disappointing and inappropriate".

They were left out of pocket for various expenses including non-refundable flights from Dublin, airport parking, childcare, dog kennels, pre-paid nail, hair and makeup appointments.

They are hoping for a "realistic and respectful compensation package" for additional costs beyond the cruise.

A P&O Cruises spokesperson said: “We are very sorry but following a delay to Aurora’s refit, it is necessary to cancel Aurora’s R505 three night cruise from Southampton to Zeebrugge on 21 April. We appreciate how disappointing this is for our guests who were booked to travel.

”All guests will receive a full refund and a Future Cruise Credit of 20 per cent of monies paid.”