By
Rebecca Gibson |
P&O Cruises has revealed that Oceana will leave the fleet in July 2020 to allow the brand to focus on its remaining ships and the delivery of newbuild Iona, which is scheduled for late 2020, and her sister ship which is expected to start service in 2022.
Originally ordered by P&O to serve as Ocean Princess in the Princess Cruises' fleet, the 2,016-guest ship was transferred to the P&O Cruises' brand in 2002 and was rechristened as Oceana by HRH The Princess Royal and her daughter Zara Phillips. Some of the vessel’s main passenger amenities include multiple bars and restaurants, a gym, sports court, casino, a theatre, a spa, four swimming and four swimming pools.
“During this pause in our operations we need to fit the fleet for the future and ensure we have the right mix of ships once we resume sailing," said Paul Ludlow, president of P&O Cruises. "I am so sorry to disappoint those guests who were booked on Oceana but I hope they will be able to find a similar alternative holiday, whether that is ex-UK from Southampton or a fly-cruise itinerary.”
All guests who have booked a holiday on Oceana will be offered a 125 per cent future cruise credit or refund.