P&O Cruises has cancelled the scheduled Le Havre port visit on its seven-night sailing of the cruise ship Iona departing Southampton on October 17, 2026. The alteration follows ongoing protests and civil unrest in France that prompted the cruise line to remove the October 18 stop and add an extra sea day instead.
Revised Itinerary Features Extended Stay in Spain
Originally, Iona was set to call at Le Havre on October 18, before visiting Vigo on October 20 and then A Coruña. After cancelling Le Havre, the cruise adjusted its Spanish calls by moving Vigo forward to October 19 and arriving in A Coruña on October 20
with an overnight stay until October 21. The overnight stop at A Coruña provides passengers additional opportunity for independent exploration and dining ashore.
Passenger Communication and Refunds
P&O Cruises informed Iona passengers of the itinerary changes prior to embarkation. Guests who booked shore excursions through the cruise line for Le Havre will receive refunds for those cancelled activities. Passengers with independently booked tours are advised to contact their providers separately.
Protests in France Impact Cruise Operations
The cancellation was attributed to widespread demonstrations in France, with over 600 protests planned for October 17, 2026, causing disruptions to public transport and tourist areas. Restrictions and curfews in some cities followed violent
outbreaks, influencing P&O Cruises’ decision to prioritise passenger safety by removing Le Havre from the itinerary.
Passenger Reactions to Itinerary Change
Reactions from Iona passengers varied. One noted on social media that “Swapping Le Havre for an overnight in A Coruña isn’t a bad trade,” highlighting the convenience of a longer stay near the Tower of Hercules lighthouse. Other passengers expressed support for safety-first decisions with comments such as “Better safe than sorry” and “Trust the captain.” Another passenger pointed out that around 1,700 children were aboard, reinforcing the rationale behind skipping the French port.
About Iona’s Itinerary and Vessel
The Iona, one of P&O Cruises’ largest ships with over
184,000 gross tons and capacity for 5,200 passengers, operates seven-night cruises departing Southampton and returning on October 24, 2026. The revised itinerary maintains the Bilbao-Getxo call on October 22 as planned, with the sole French destination now omitted.
Operational Safety Considerations Behind Change
P&O Cruises assessed the situation in France and determined that ongoing civil unrest posed safety risks for passengers both onshore and in transit between the ship and excursion sites. The cruise line prioritised operational and passenger safety by cancelling the Le Havre stop and redistributing time to a Spanish port where conditions remain stable.
