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Pride of Britain launches with huge party as Florrie Bark shares hope for future
Pride of Britain launches with huge party as Florrie Bark shares hope for future

Daily Mirror

time2 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Mirror

Pride of Britain launches with huge party as Florrie Bark shares hope for future

A huge cruise ship party has kicked off the biggest search for Pride of Britain nominations with a splash - as previous winners and hosts joined the big bash on P&O Cruise's flagship Britannia It didn't matter what the British weather did when Pride of Britain launched its 2025 search for unsung heroes, because when last year's Child of Courage Florrie Bark whizzed on deck in her electric chair – her glorious smile brought the sunshine. With newly grown curls peeking out of her vintage towelling cap, Florrie wore her sunglasses – so come rain or shine, the party on top of P&O Cruises's flagship Britannia to kick off the biggest and best ever search for nominations was going to be a splash. Excited to be catching up with last year's winners again, Pride of Britain hosts Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo greeted winners and their families and all the guests as they came onboard. ‌ ‌ The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises have been celebrating remarkable people young and old for 26 years. And Carol has been there for all of them. 'I know I also say Pride of Britain is not a show – it's a family, but it genuinely is a privilege and a joy,' said a very happy Carol as she hugged old friends. Also delighted to be back at the helm, Ashley added: 'We can't wait to do Pride of Britain every year. This year's so special because normally after the October awards, everyone goes back to their lives, but this time, we get to catch up with everyone again to launch our hunt for Pride of Britain's class of 2025.' Looking amazing in a royal blue jumpsuit, beside Ashley in a black leather shirt, not even the early thunderstorms were going to rain on Carol's parade at the impressive Pride of Britain launch parade., docked in Southampton, glistened in the sunshine. Guests gathered on the sun terrace on the ship's 17th floor, bedecked with multi-coloured flags, fluttering in the warm breeze over the azure blue swimming and paddling pools. Florrie giggled as she joined the party and spotted the silver and purple clad stilt-walkers dancing, as a brass band played a medley of pop classics, against a distant backdrop of little boats bobbing in the sparkling quayside water. The Isle of White car ferry sounded its fog horn as winners' families happily roasted each other with champagne and orange juice. Last year's winners have been enjoying holidays of a lifetime, thanks to P&O Cruises. And the holiday atmosphere continued on this magical day. ‌ 'On the top deck in the sunshine, it felt like we were on holiday with all the winners,' said Ashley. 'We always say Pride of Britain is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, but actually the extraordinary things they have done make them extraordinary!' After the drinks reception, winners and guests mingled with celebrities in the ship's elegant crow's nest, with its plush carpets and gold rails. Everyone gathered for the photo-call with Carol and Ashley, but the kids kept losing their trophies, which just made Florrie giggle more. ‌ Little action man Jacob Newsom, who won Fundraiser of the Year, used the chairs in the lounge like an obstacle course, and was rolling around the floor as Carol and Ashley looked on amused. 'I like having an audience,' he yelled, possibly ruining the entire TV interview, but nobody minded. After losing his mum to breast cancer when he was seven, Jacob, now 11, has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities. 'I want to be a fighter pilot when I grow up – or a doctor, so I can cure cancer.' Eight-year-old Florrie feels the same. Cancer has touched her life and although her hair is now growing back, she is waiting for a lung transplant. 'I want to be a cancer nurse when I grow up – or like Barbie,' she said sweetly. Lunch was served in the ship's swish Limelight Club, where a pianist tinkled away on the grand piano. Carol chatted with Agnes Nesbitt and Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, who both won special recognition awards for founding their charities, over a delicious lunch of beef fillet or sea bream. ‌ Ashley and Molly Leonard sat together and caught up on how the award has changed the 27-year-old's life since she won Young Achiever of the Year for her mental health work through crafting. Jeff Brazier - this year's red carpet host - had everyone laughing as he interrupted Ashley's pudding and made him come up on stage to talk about what Pride of Britain meant to him - reminding Carol this was her 26th year. 'When this all began we had 20 categories – and it took four and a half hours on the night – so I pleaded for a co-host,' Carol told the audience, which included Emily Greenwood who was recognised for Outstanding Bravery after she risked own life to swim into icy winter seas in Cornwall. ‌ Carol's wish was answered when Ashley came on board five years ago. 'And I really need him when I walk down the stairs on stage in stilettos,' she joked. 'I am Carol's mobile banister,' agreed Ashley, revealing: 'I was asked to collect donations in a bucket for my first year,' he laughed. The Diversity choreographer admits it's changed his life. 'Especially since becoming a dad. Just keeping it together is hard enough for me. 'When I see children like Florrie, I just don't know how parents cope. It really touches me.' Host Jeff chatted to last year's winners Molly and Michelle Tolley about how life changing it was to be nominated. Michelle, from Norfolk, turned 60 on her cruise to the Canary Islands. 'My husband and I renewed our vows for our 40th wedding anniversary – so I was queen of that ship!' ‌ Telling the audience she didn't know who nominated her for her work campaigning for victims of the NHS blood scandal, she said: 'There are so many amazing people in the world, there are not enough awards to go around. Infected with Hepatitis C after receiving transfusions, Michelle added: 'Being nominated was life affirming to me – it highlighted our cause and so many people got tested because of it.' Everyone gathered on the top deck to watch as Carol and Ashley cut the ribbon on the brand new nominations booths, which will be popping up all over the country, as the ship set sail on its cruise round the British Isles. ‌ For those thinking of nominating someone, Carol explained: 'None of our winners ever set off to win a Pride of Britain Award. Some are caught up in a moment and they find their courage and others are courageous for years and years and decide to help other people.' Finally, it was time for last year's winners to hand on the baton – a Pride of Britain trophy – to the Captain of P&O Cruises Britannia, Paul Brown, who proudly received it and will now sail around the British Isles looking for your nominations. Carol reminded everyone how Pride of Britain is needed more than ever now, saying: 'The world has got noisier and all the news is about people who have behaved badly towards each other. But Pride reminds us of how many good people there are.' Encouraging people to vote for their unsung heroes, she added: 'This is the launch of the nominations process – and then it's throttle to the floor now as we start contacting nominees secretly and surprise them with a celebrity ambush – like Ant and Dec!' ‌ As the day's festivities came to an end and the Pride of Britain party left the ship, genuine holidaymakers embarking for their cruise were wondering as they waited for lifts why Carol, Ashley and Jeff had come on their holiday. One traveller could be heard saying, 'Ooh look, it's Carol Vorderman. The entertainment's got an upgrade this year!' Our new look Pride of Britain has been bringing people together for 26 years. Over that time, core values of Bravery, Kindness, Love, Inspiration, Strength, Community and Empathy have become firmly established as the Awards DNA. Now, a stunning new visualisation of the Pride of Britain brand, which is set to be rolled out alongside a refreshed and reimagined logo, brings those values vividly to life. ‌ The new brand identity, developed with top creative agency BBD Perfect Storm, is being revealed alongside the official launch of nominations for the 2025 Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises. Each strand represents a core Pride Of Britain value that brings people together for these extraordinary awards, celebrating the very best in people and what they selflessly do for others. Pride Of Britain is the highest-rated Awards of its kind on British television, bringing some of the world 's most famous faces together to celebrate truly extraordinary achievements of people of all ages, from children of courage to lifesaving emergency workers, inspirational fundraisers and people who make the world a better place, in local communities and on a national or even global scale. ‌ Jason Foo, CEO at BBD Perfect Storm, said: 'It's been an honour to reimagine the visual identity of such an iconic and beloved event. The Pride of Britain Awards are rooted in values that speak to the very best of humanity – bravery, kindness, strength and community." The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises, hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo will be screened in primetime on ITV1 in the Autumn. ‌ Award categories Do you know a remarkable person who makes the world a better place? It only takes a minute to nominate them for a Pride of Britain Award at ‌ Don't worry if you're not sure which category to choose – our team reads every nomination and will make sure all nominees are considered for the most appropriate award. P&O CRUISES INSPIRATION WARD Celebrating a remarkable individual or group who inspire everyone around them, or the wider world, with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome adversity. They may deserve recognition for an extraordinary reaction to a defining or pivotal moment, or perhaps their actions have had an extraordinary impact. ‌ ITV FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR For tireless and inspirational charity fundraising, aged 18 and over. ‌ To reward a young person aged 17 and under for inspirational charity work. THIS MORNING LOCAL HERO For an individual or group that goes to remarkable lengths to help people around them in their local area ‌ LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale. ‌ For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty. For adults who risk their own safety to help others in danger. ‌ For battling against the odds to help others, or a courageous act to save someone in danger.

Pride of Britain launches with huge nationwide hunt for amazing unsung heroes
Pride of Britain launches with huge nationwide hunt for amazing unsung heroes

Daily Mirror

time3 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Mirror

Pride of Britain launches with huge nationwide hunt for amazing unsung heroes

Pride of Britain is back and it's bigger than ever as it launches this year's nationwide search aboard P&O Cruises flagship Britannia. If you know someone who is the Pride of Britain, you can nominate them here… Pride of Britain is setting sail to look for 'Heroes ahoy!' in its biggest ever search for extraordinary people around the British Isles. The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises have been celebrating unsung heroes young and old for 26 years. ‌ And today (Friday) co-hosts Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo will be welcoming some of 2024's winners aboard P&OC's flagship Britannia to launch the hunt for Pride of Britain's class of 2025. ‌ Carol, who has hosted every Pride of Britain since it began in 1999, is eager to see recent winners again. She says: 'When someone wins a Pride of Britain Award, they become part of the family, and I can't wait to catch up with some of our fabulous winners from last year.' Like the irrepressible bundle of fun Florrie Bark, who won a Child of Courage award for helping so many others while undergoing gruelling treatment for a rare form of leukaemia and waiting for a lung transplant. The eight-year-old TikTok sensation from Corby, Northants, had the nation smiling through their tears as she accepted her much-deserved Pride of Britain trophy in front of a host of famous faces at London's Grosvenor House last October, saying: 'This is for all the children with cancer who couldn't be here tonight.' And Jacob 'The Pilot' Newson, who lost his mum to breast cancer aged just seven, and was awarded Young Fundraiser of the Year, after the intrepid youngster trekked over mountains to raise hundreds of thousands for charity. The little boy, who loves planes and flying, captured the hearts of everyone as he told how he wanted to thank local hospice workers in Leeds who had cared for his late mum, saying: 'I just want to make Mummy happy in heaven.' ‌ They are just two of 2024's inspirational winners, who have gone above and beyond with their bravery and compassion for others – but we know there are many more amazing people out there. Now the Awards is launching its biggest ever search for the nation's unsung heroes – reaching every corner of the country, and covering every inch of the British coastline. ‌ Florrie and Jacob are part of a group of 2024 winners handing over the baton - in the form of an iconic Pride of Britain trophy, which they are delivering to Britannia today, as it embarks on a circumnavigation of Britain. Launching the history-making voyage, the 2024 winners will be catching up with Carol and Ashley before waving Britannia off to lead the search over land and sea around the British Isles. 'It's not just about finding out what they've been up to though,' adds Carol. 'They have the very important job of passing on the baton, and helping to launch our search for Pride of Britain's class of 2025.' ‌ Ashley hailed the fact anyone can nominate a hero for a Pride of Britain Award. 'One of the things that makes Pride of Britain so special, is that everyone gets the chance to tell us who they think should win – it's the ultimate people power,' says co-host Ashley. ‌ 'That's why we're making such a big noise about launching nominations. We want people in every corner of the country to tell us about the amazing unsung heroes in their communities.' It was nominations for outstanding members of the public that made sure last year's community hero winner Agnes Nisbett was recognised for her deeply personal work. Having experienced the trauma of stillbirth herself in 1973, when her tiny son was wrapped up and taken away from her, the now-retired midwife devoted her life to other grieving parents by founding the Born Whilst Sleeping programme at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, to give them time with their stillborn babies. ‌ 'I didn't want to let other women go through what I have,' said the pioneering nurse. Tearful actress Kym Marsh, who experienced a stillbirth herself, presented the trophy and thanked Agnes for, 'Turning her pain into her purpose". The selfless work of the Award winners can touch many people's lives, but sometimes an astonishing act of bravery will make the difference between life or death. ‌ Recognised for Outstanding Bravery last year, Emily Greenwood risked her own life to swim into icy winter seas in Cornwall to save a 10-year-old boy and a man ripped away by strong currents. At the Awards, Emily modestly said:'I just thought that I needed to help. I think most people would in that situation. We were all lucky. It could have ended very differently.' Guests and crew on the ship will be invited to nominate heroes, like Emily, onboard before the Britannia sets off around the coast, stopping off at key ports. A special nomination booth will also let the public nominate in cities across the country. ‌ The Pride of Britain team – along with some famous faces – will also scour the country in search of heroes, using every mode of transport, from bikes and trains to scooters and skateboards, to make sure no stone is left unturned. Other 2024 winners taking part today include Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, who with her best friend's mum Diana Parkes, set up a charity to support children impacted by domestic abuse. After Diana's daughter Joanna was killed by her husband Robert Brown in a horrifying attack within earshot of her young children, not only did she provide a home for her grandchildren, but together with Hetti, from Swindon, they set up the Joanna Simpson Foundation. ‌ Queen Camilla credited Diana's story as her inspiration for raising awareness about domestic violence, and Hetti warned: 'So often people don't know domestic abuse is happening to those they love.' The public's nominations really count and makes all the tireless campaigning work done by people like Michelle Tolley worth it. Michelle, from Norfolk, along with Jason Evans and Andy Evans, won a Special Recognition award for helping victims and relatives of the HIV and Hepatitis C blood scandal. ‌ 'The award feels like we've been heard by the people, and that's amazing,' said Michelle, who was infected with Hepatitis C, after receiving two transfusions following the birth of her children. Co-host Ashley says: 'Teaming up with some of last year's fabulous winners will also be a brilliant reminder of the courage, kindness, strength and empathy it takes to be a Pride of Britain winner. ‌ "I'm really looking forward to seeing them again, and kicking off the search for our 2025 winners.' The stars of the show are always the winners, but famous friends of the Awards will be getting involved too, sharing their own nominations and encouraging everyone else to do the same. 'We all feel a huge responsibility to make sure we do everything in our power to find the most extraordinary, inspirational winners, and this year will be our biggest search ever,' says Carol. ‌ She adds: 'The launch aboard Britannia is going to be a really exciting day, but it's just the start – watch this space.' Prepare to come aboard, people of Britain, because this time the Pride of Britain Awards will be arriving into the heart of your communities and welcoming nominations first hand. Our new look Pride of Britain has been bringing people together for 26 years. Over that time, core values of Bravery, Kindness, Love, Inspiration, Strength, Community and Empathy have become firmly established as the Awards DNA. ‌ Now, a stunning new visualisation of the Pride of Britain brand, which is set to be rolled out alongside a refreshed and reimagined logo, brings those values vividly to life. The new brand identity, developed with top creative agency BBD Perfect Storm, is being revealed alongside the official launch of nominations for the 2025 Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises. Each strand represents a core Pride Of Britain value that brings people together for these extraordinary awards, celebrating the very best in people and what they selflessly do for others. ‌ Pride Of Britain is the highest-rated Awards of its kind on British television, bringing some of the world 's most famous faces together to celebrate truly extraordinary achievements of people of all ages, from children of courage to lifesaving emergency workers, inspirational fundraisers and people who make the world a better place, in local communities and on a national or even global scale. Jason Foo, CEO at BBD Perfect Storm, said: 'It's been an honour to reimagine the visual identity of such an iconic and beloved event. The Pride of Britain Awards are rooted in values that speak to the very best of humanity – bravery, kindness, strength and community." The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises, hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo will be screened in primetime on ITV1 in the Autumn. ‌ ‌ Award categories Do you know a remarkable person who makes the world a better place? It only takes a minute to nominate them for a Pride of Britain Award at Don't worry if you're not sure which category to choose – our team reads every nomination and will make sure all nominees are considered for the most appropriate award. ‌ P&O CRUISES INSPIRATION WARD Celebrating a remarkable individual or group who inspire everyone around them, or the wider world, with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome adversity. They may deserve recognition for an extraordinary reaction to a defining or pivotal moment, or perhaps their actions have had an extraordinary impact. ITV FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR ‌ For tireless and inspirational charity fundraising, aged 18 and over. To reward a young person aged 17 and under for inspirational charity work. ‌ THIS MORNING LOCAL HERO For an individual or group that goes to remarkable lengths to help people around them in their local area LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT ‌ To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale. For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty. ‌ OUTSTANDING BRAVERY For adults who risk their own safety to help others in danger. CHILD/TEENAGER OF COURAGE ‌ For battling against the odds to help others, or a courageous act to save someone in danger.

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne Buswell heartbroken over Chris McCausland as she goes 'solo'
BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne Buswell heartbroken over Chris McCausland as she goes 'solo'

Daily Record

time22-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Record

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne Buswell heartbroken over Chris McCausland as she goes 'solo'

The professional dancer revealed her sadness over her partnership with dance partner, turned friend Chris McCausland as she is left to go 'solo'. Dianne Buswell has revealed her 'sadness' around her partnership with Chris McCausland as she recently had to go 'solo' without her dancing partner. The duo, who took part in Strictly Come Dancing, have remained good friends away from the ballroom, since being crowned champions of the BBC One dance competition in December. ‌ More recently, Dianne was once again seen celebrating her joint success with comedian Chris, Strictly's first-ever blind contestant, months after they won the 2024 series of the hit dance show. ‌ Earlier this month, the pair received the Memorable Moment Award - which was voted for by the public - at the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises, the Manchester Evening News reports. Their moving Waltz to the Liverpool anthem You'll Never Walk Alone, which they performed again in the Strictly final, was the routine that earned them the nomination. In the emotional performance, Dianne stepped away from the ballroom floor to allow Chris to dance on his own, before she returned to spin in his arms in a tear-jerking moment. As Dianne took to the state to collect the award on her own, as Chris was committed to his stand up tour, Yonks!, which he had already delayed to take part in Strictly in the first place. While accepting their award, Dianne revealed that Chris had prepped her with a few words on his behalf just in case they won. She said: "Chris did have something he wanted me to say, and that is 'After 22 years in comedy, he wins a Bafta for dancing,"' before joking that he said it "hurts" ‌ Now, Dianne has posted a new photo from the night, looking stunning in a shimmering blue gown that paid homage to the costumes from their award winning performance, as she posed with their blue glass award. Alongside the post, Dianne wrote: "Love this pic so much taken by @rachell_photo at the @bafta the only thing that makes me sad is Chris is not in it," alongside a blue heart emoji. ‌ "But don't worry I will keep reminding him daily that he won a Bafta for DANCING @chrismccauslandcomedy," she continued. Fans were quick to take to the comment section, as one wrote: "It also makes me sad that Chris isn't in it, hopefully whenever you two meet up again you can do your own photoshoot together," Dianne replied: "Yessss 100 percent. How perfect if he was there with me." Meanwhile others were keen to comment to compliment Dianne on her outfit, with one writing: "I think this is my fav pic from the night! Gorg!!" As a second penned: "Beautiful. And so happy for you. Well deserved BAFTA. Huge Congrats and so much love Dianne." While another fan gushed over the colour of Dianne's dress, stating: "Out of any colour they could've chosen for the Bafta and they went with the blue, it was for sure an absolute sign! forever grateful to the producers who made the decision to partner you both. you deserve every bit of praise and recognition."

Helen Skelton's advice to Morning Live co-star amid her 'connection' with Gethin
Helen Skelton's advice to Morning Live co-star amid her 'connection' with Gethin

Daily Mirror

time22-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Mirror

Helen Skelton's advice to Morning Live co-star amid her 'connection' with Gethin

TV presenter Michelle Ackerley has opened up about her pregnancy after recently revealing that she's expecting a baby with her husband. The Morning Live star also spoke to us about advice she's received from her co-stars. Michelle, 40, announced her pregnancy live on the BBC show two weeks ago. Co-host Gethin Jones, 47, 'halted' an episode to give her the opportunity to share that she's four months along. Michelle, who is married to sports coach Ben Ryan, 53, has since spoken to the Mirror about how she's feeling and the support she's received from her co-stars. We caught up with Michelle at the BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises earlier this month. She joined co-stars from Morning Live, which was nominated in the daytime category, on the red carpet at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in London ahead of the awards ceremony. Speaking about her news, she said: "It's been so lovely. It felt so special to announce it on Morning Live just having all my friends there - we're like a big family! And I tell you what, in that group, you've got doctors, you've got lawyers, you've got nurses - you've got everybody to give you advice." Michelle then shared that she's been "quite emotional" over the reaction, particularly as she wasn't sure if she could get pregnant. She's previously spoken about being diagnosed with endometriosis, which can lead to fertility issues. "It's been quite overwhelming the messages that I've been getting. It's made me quite emotional, actually, because at the start of this year, I didn't even think that I could get pregnant and to be here now, y'know, my first time on the red carpet with my little baby, it's quite something," she said. Asked how she's doing, she said: "The morning sickness has been full on. I didn't actually realise that morning sickness is actually morning, night, afternoon." She went on to tease: "It's like ... the word 'morning' is a con. That's a scam!" Michelle - whose work also includes appearing on the One Show - continued: "So yeah, there's been a lot of nausea and headaches." She said her friends have been supporting her, including supplying her with ginger biscuits, and added: "Everyone here today has got my back, which is lovely!" She also revealed that she's taking advice from colleagues amid the pregnancy. Many of her Morning Live co-stars, including Helen Skelton, 41, and Kimberley Walsh, 43, who were with her on the red carpet, are parents themselves. Asked if Helen and her co-stars on the BBC One show have given her advice, Michelle told us: "Everyone has just been like 'strap in and go for it'. Helen's just been so lovely." Michelle then shared more advice she's had. She said: "Most of the women on Morning Live are parents, so they've just been really supportive saying 'take every moment as it comes, take it step-by-step and try and enjoy the process'." She said that it's "helped" hearing about their experiences. She said: "With the kind of morning sickness and the physical symptoms, when you talk to other people and realise it's not just you going through it, it's really helped." Michelle was joined by co-stars including Helen, Kimberley and Gethin on the red carpet of the awards ceremony on May 11. Their group, which also included colleague Xand van Tulleken, 46, posed for photos together at the venue. It's since been reported that pals Helen and Gethin left the BAFTAs together, with them said to have grown close whilst working on Morning Live. It's been suggested by the MailOnline that they have formed a close friendship off-screen. A source told the outlet: "Helen and Gethin have an extremely close working relationship and there's a feeling in recent months their friendship has blossomed into a deeper connection. They're both keen to keep a lid on it to avoid public scrutiny but there's no denying their closeness both on and off screen."

P&O cruise passengers left fuming after 35-night Ventura dream trip is axed out of the blue
P&O cruise passengers left fuming after 35-night Ventura dream trip is axed out of the blue

Daily Mirror

time19-05-2025

  • Business
  • Daily Mirror

P&O cruise passengers left fuming after 35-night Ventura dream trip is axed out of the blue

Holidaymakers have been left bitterly disappointed after P&O Cruises pulled the plug on a 35-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Ventura – just weeks after another cruise was scrapped. The long-haul voyage, which was due to set sail on January 4, 2027, has been cancelled due to what the cruise line is calling "operational reasons." It follows the recent axing of a 14-night trip on sister ship Iona, which had been scheduled to depart on August 30, 2026. ‌ In an earlier cancellation, the BBC reported on how cruise passengers hit out at P&O Cruises after two voyages scheduled for October 2025 aboard the Iona were scrapped to make way for a refit. ‌ The cruises, both due to depart from Southampton, were pulled from the calendar, with the company citing the need for maintenance work. Guests were offered full refunds along with on-board spending credit as an incentive to re-book another trip. But many said the gesture didn't go far enough – especially when they discovered that like-for-like holidays on different dates came with a hefty price hike. In an email sent to passengers affect by the recent Ventura cancellation, P&O said: 'Due to operational reasons, we're sorry to inform you that your cruise, departing 4 January 2027, is no longer going ahead. "We understand this news is disappointing and would like to apologise for the inconvenience this may cause. ‌ "To avoid you missing out on your holiday, however, we've automatically transferred you to an alternative cruise, G701, on board Iona.' Frustrated passengers have since taken to Facebook to vent their anger and sadness over the abrupt change, with many saying they were looking forward to the now-cancelled voyage. A spokesperson for P&O Cruises told the Echo: 'On occasion, it is necessary to change an itinerary from the one previously published and we are very sorry that Ventura's 35-night Caribbean itinerary departing January 04 2027, has been cancelled. "Where possible, we are pleased to offer affected guests to transfer to Iona's similar Caribbean sailing across the same dates. "Ventura will now offer three new itineraries, which go on sale on June 04, 2025.'

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