P&O Cruises has confirmed the sale of its cruise ship Oceana, which has been part of the company's fleet since 2002 and previously sailed for Princess Cruises as the Ocean Princess. The Oceana underwent a refurbishment and renovation in December 2017, and after 18 years of service with P&O Cruises, it will leave the company in July of this year.
P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow commented: “While we and many of our customers will miss the Oceana, her departure will allow us to focus on the remaining ships in our fleet, as we look forward to the Iona later this year, followed by her sister ship, scheduled for 2022.”.
The cruise line also revealed that the sale aligns with the company's future growth plans following the Covid-19 pandemic. Ludlow added: “During this pause in our operations, we need to future-proof the fleet and ensure we have the right mix of ships once we resume sailing.”.
P&O Cruises will offer all customers with bookings for cruises on the Oceana a 125% credit or refund for future cruises, which they can use to book any ship or itinerary, including those offered by the new Iona after its launch.
