P&O Cruises cancels all Dubai and Arabian Gulf cruises – 15,000 passengers affected

All cruise passengers impacted by the change will receive a full refund, PO have clarified.

The customers have also been given an exclusive offer on 2020-21 Dubai and Arabian Gulf cruises and well as this season’s Caribbean fly-cruises.

PO Cruises President, Paul Ludlow said: “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 program this winter season.

“We have therefore taken the unusual step of withdrawing Oceana from the region for the upcoming season.”

“Whilst we appreciate our guests will be disappointed, the safety of our guests and crew is absolutely paramount and given our UK status, coupled with the uncertainty in the region, we have had to make this difficult decision.”

PO only launched its first Arabian Gulf programme this year. Oceana was based in Dubai for fly-cruises to destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Oman from January and April.