P&O Cruises has canceled the scheduled port call at Le Havre, France, for the cruise ship Iona due to continuing protests and civil unrest in October 2026. The decision affects the seven-night voyage departing Southampton on October 17, 2026.
Itinerary Changes Announced for October 2026 Sailing
The Iona was originally set to dock at Le Havre on October 18, 2026, allowing passengers to explore Normandy or take excursions to Paris. Following the cancellation, the cruise line replaced the French port call with an additional day at sea and revised the itinerary by advancing the Spanish calls.
Revised Port Schedule Includes Extended Spanish Visits
The port call at Vigo, Spain, moved forward to October 19
from October 20. Iona now arrives at A Coruña on October 20 and remains overnight until October 21. The weeklong cruise concludes with a scheduled call at Bilbao-Getxo, Spain, on October 22, unchanged from the original itinerary. The cruise returns to Southampton on October 24 as planned.
Passenger Impact and Refunds for Cancelled Le Havre Excursions
Passengers booked on the sailing were informed of the itinerary adjustments prior to embarkation. Those who arranged shore excursions through P&O Cruises at Le Havre will receive refunds. Travelers who independently booked excursions or transport to Le Havre must coordinate cancellations directly with their providers. The cancellation removes the only French stop, affecting
passengers intending to visit Normandy or Paris.
Protests in France Drive Safety Concerns
The decision follows an assessment of over 600 protests planned across France on October 17, 2026, which in some cases escalated into violent clashes and property damage. Authorities imposed curfews and travel alerts in parts of France amid the unrest. These conditions risked passenger safety and disrupted potential excursions from Le Havre.
Iona Ship Details and Importance of Le Havre Port
Iona is one of P&O Cruises’ largest vessels, measuring over 184,000 gross tons and carrying up to 5,200 passengers. Le Havre is a key port in northern France, serving Normandy tourism and providing access to Paris via excursions. Its removal altered
the cruise route substantially.
Cruise Line Safety Assessment and Operational Decisions
P&O Cruises stated that the cancellation was based on evaluations of ongoing civil unrest and safety risks at Le Havre and surrounding regions. The cruise line prioritized the security of passengers and crew in making the itinerary change.
Passenger Reactions to New A Coruña Overnight
Some passengers on social media noted positive aspects of the change. One passenger observed that “Swapping Le Havre for an overnight in A Coruña isn’t a bad trade. Paris was a 2.5-hour ride each way from the port anyway, and A Coruña has the Tower of Hercules, the oldest Roman lighthouse still in use, plus a full evening
ashore for seafood.”
Status of Other French Cruise Port Calls
Despite Iona’s itinerary modification, no reports indicate other cruises calling at Le Havre or French ports have canceled or altered their schedules due to unrest. The situation remains dynamic, and cruise operators continue monitoring operational conditions.
Official Advice and Refund Policy
P&O Cruises urged passengers to contact the company directly for information on refunds related to canceled shore excursions booked through the cruise line. The operator manages reimbursements for those tours, while independent bookings require contact with third-party providers.
