Latest news with #POCruises
The Independent
31-07-2025
- The Independent
Ease, not excess: What luxury cruising looks like when you're a disabled traveller
Room service arrived just after sunrise. The door slid open with the push of a button – no reaching, pulling or strain. I rolled out onto the balcony still wrapped in a blanket and watched the sky shift to pink and gold. Pastries, fruit and smoothies waited on a tray. Everything I needed was already there. That's what luxury looks like when you're a disabled traveller. I don't look for excess; it's ease that's most important. Cruising is often promoted as one of the most accessible ways to travel, but accessibility alone doesn't equal luxury. Accessible travel is too often defined by what's 'possible' rather than what's pleasurable. Usually, travel starts with a checklist: Have I sent the access email? Do I need to explain my wheelchair measurements again? Have I triple checked the itinerary? But on a supported cruise aboard P&O's Arvia, hosted by Limitless Travel, something unexpected happened. I stopped bracing for unexpected accessibility issues, because everything had already been thought through. The two-week sailing departed from Southampton and visited ports in Spain and France, including Barcelona, Málaga, Toulon and A Coruña. I travelled with my husband, Darren, as part of a small hosted group, supported throughout by Limitless's care team. The company works in partnership with P&O Cruises to coordinate adapted transport, accessible cabins, tailored excursions and personalised care packages – making sure disabled guests can experience everything the ship and shore have to offer, without the stress. What 'accessible luxury' really means Traditional luxury is about what you get – champagne flutes, spa menus, thread counts. Accessible luxury is about what you don't have to deal with. On this cruise, I didn't have to repeat my needs at check-in, I wasn't left hunting for ramps and lifts, I didn't map out accessible loos or exit routes before I could relax. It was all done, and that freedom – to move, to rest, to join in – felt radical. The roll-in shower didn't feel clinical. I could reach the balcony without getting stuck. A table space was cleared in advance so my chair glided in with no fuss. The waiter turned to me with 'Green tea, right?' before I'd even asked. I felt like I was part of the moment; enjoying inclusion instead of performing it. I dressed up to enjoy the celebration of black-tie nights, not because I felt pressured to, but because I could; because I had the energy and I felt like I belonged. The power of small details Accessibility onboard Arvia went beyond minimum standards to create an inclusive, high-end experience. Automatic doors led into spacious cabins with proper turning circles, wet rooms were finished with style, not hospital sheen, and balcony thresholds were flat, not fiddly. Around the ship, there was attention to detail. Staff quietly moved chairs before we arrived and remembered our favourite things to eat and drink. Limitless Travel's team saved spots in entertainment venues, like the Crow's Nest bar, where we sipped cocktails and listened to live piano music without fighting for space. Freedom – backed by support Physical access is just one part of accessible travel; the power of emotional ease is often forgotten. A truly rare luxury for many disabled people, who are more used to travelling with a constant internal 'What if...?' fear. Limitless offered concierge-level care that adapted to us. Want help into the jacuzzi at sunrise when it's less crowded? Already arranged. Prefer to skip the group port tour and explore solo? No problem. Support flexed around our choices. I travelled with my husband, who usually takes on the carer role. But here, he could rest too. That's a gift for both of us. What might have felt awkward elsewhere - asking for help, taking up space - was absorbed into the flow of the trip. No guilt, no fuss, and no need to explain. It was about being known, not as a special requirement, but as a guest whose comfort mattered – the essence of good hospitality. Choice is its own luxury Two standout restaurant experiences, Sindhu and The Epicurean, offered fine dining without compromise. Both restaurants had accessible entrances, spacious seating, and menus that felt celebratory, with options from fillet steak to lobster. Attentive waiters were happy to chat through guests' dietary needs. Entertainment, lounges, pools (with hoists), were all accessible, and Limitless staff on hand to assist where needed. But importantly, there was no pressure to join everything. Freedom to opt in or out created a rhythm that respected both autonomy and ease. Guest Vicky described the experience well when she told me: 'Accessible luxury, for us, is being taken care of so we can fully relax - knowing all our needs are considered and being treated with respect. That means spacious rooms, accessible ensuites, a choice of restaurants and entertainment, and venue entrances and seating that work for everyone.' Breaking the mould The idea of group travel, particularly with support, can conjure up limiting assumptions, especially around disability – but this trip defied them. It wasn't rigid or medicalised, it was joyful. Some guests explored the ship and ports independently, while others leaned into the community. Many did both. What emerged wasn't just an accessible cruise, but a better cruise - one that offered choice, connection, and calm for all. That's not only appealing to disabled travellers. It speaks to anyone who values stress-free experiences and thoughtful hospitality. Why this model matters The Limitless model proves that inclusion can be elegant, intuitive and scalable. It's about elevating service so everyone can feel welcome from the start. Travellers are ageing and expectations around inclusion are rising. And the idea that accessibility has to feel clinical or second-best no longer holds. If that sounds like a niche market, think again. Because when comfort and care go hand in hand, accessibility doesn't feel like an exception. It feels like a standard worth setting. Luxury is about ease. And when that ease includes everyone, the result is a universal premium experience. Luxury should not only be for those who arrive without barriers. It should be measured by how many it welcomes in.
The Independent
02-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
P&O Cruises sued by passengers who fell ill on ‘filthy' ship
Passengers who claim they fell ill with severe gastric symptoms after travelling on a 'filthy' cruise ship are taking legal action against P&O Cruises. The 'growing group' of passengers are suing P&O Cruises' parent company, Carnival UK, following voyages on Ventura in May. Steve and Lynn Smith, a retired couple from Southport, paid over £2,500 for a two-week birthday break around the Canary Islands and Madeira onboard Ventura. Two days after boarding the voyage from Southampton on 10 May, Lynn reported vomiting and diarrhoea and was advised to stay in her cabin by the ship's medical centre. Steve suffered similar symptoms with vomiting and a high temperature later on in the cruise. The couple claim they have not fully recovered from the illness one month on. Mr Smith said: 'We didn't even get to leave the ship to go on any excursions as we fell ill pretty early into the holiday. 'We weren't the only ones either, and we even saw someone being sick in the restaurant. When I think back, it's no wonder really as the food was served uncovered and seemed to be repeated during different mealtimes. There were also flies on the food, which is really not something I'd expect on a cruise.' He added: 'Neither of us feel 100 per cent since coming home and we know there's nothing that can change what happened, but we need to know why.' Jason Howard, 53, and his two sons similarly fell ill during a one-week cruise around Spain and France after boarding Ventura on 24 May. The family from Worthing say they were also advised to isolate in their room after experiencing diarrhoea, vomiting, bloating, headaches and dizziness. Mr Howard said: 'Prior to getting on the ship, we were told that boarding was pushed back two hours for enhanced cleaning, but when we got on, our cabin was filthy. There was rubbish and used contact lenses on the floor, the skirting boards were dirty and it was clear the room hadn't been hoovered. I had to complain three times before it was cleaned properly. 'The public toilets on the 15th deck by the main pool were also filthy and we avoided using them altogether.' The personal trainer added: 'The whole ordeal was awful and I'm still not right to this day. All I want now are some answers; it's the least we deserve.' According to law firm Irwin Mitchell, recent complaints come after more than 60 passengers reported illness outbreaks onboard the cruise liner in 2024. Jatinder Paul, a solicitor at Irwin Mitchell specialising in international personal injury cases, said: 'The latest news of illness onboard the Ventura and the symptoms our clients are reporting is a concern. The effects of gastric illness should never be downplayed as, in some cases, it can lead to serious long-term and permanent health complications. 'While nothing can change what our clients have been through, we're determined to provide them with the answers they deserve. It's also vital that if any issues are found in relation to the Ventura, these are resolved immediately to prevent others from suffering similar illness.'
The Independent
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
‘Our organisation will contribute more than £2.5 billion to the UK economy,' says Carnival UK cruise boss Paul Ludlow
Going on a cruise is a great way to relax and discover different destinations but you could also be doing your bit for the UK economy, say Carnival UK. Research by the cruise company, which has brands including P&O Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Seabourn under its umbrella, was carried out by independent research group WPI Economics. The analysis by WPI Economics looked at the hundreds of calls that Carnival UK cruise lines made to the UK in 2024 to calculate the economic benefits these cruises brought to the UK economy, in terms of money that goes towards supply chains, fuel, port fees and taxes as well as job creation and passenger spend while in port. Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said the brand wanted to get under the surface of Carnival's operations and identify the areas where its business activities generate impact for the economy and society. He told The Independent: 'The single biggest reason people are happy to spend money to go on a cruise is the value gap. 'You could compare what you get for your money against a normal holiday, when you think about the quality, choice, enrichment, and like-for-like experiences. There is a quality guarantee. 'The economic benefits are felt not only in Southampton - where Carnival UK has its headquarters - but also in the wider UK economy. 'It's crucial for policymakers to recognise the value that cruise provides, and the potential for this to grow sustainably in the years ahead.' Here is how your cruise holiday could help the UK economy. Turnaround The busiest cruise passenger terminal in the UK is Southampton and money is generated for the economy every time a ship departs from and arrives at the port – known as a turnaround. Money that you spend on accommodation if travelling to a port the night before or restaurants and transport such as trains or taxis all feed back into the local economy. The analysis by WPI Economics suggests that a ship home-porting in Southampton contributes between £1.9 million for smaller vessels and up to £2.5 million to the economy on each visit from supply chain and guest spending. With more than 700 calls to the UK in 2024 by Carnival UK brands, carrying almost two million guests, this turnaround value equates to £505 million per year. Over the next five years, the combined value to the UK economy is projected to exceed £2.5 billion, according to the report. Ludlow added: 'We are extremely proud that our organisation will be contributing more than £2.5 billion to the UK economy over the next five years. 'This is particularly important given our impact in the Solent where we are the largest private sector employer in Southampton, especially at a time when economic growth is of utmost importance to the country.' Destinations Passengers also spend money in the ports that a cruise ship visits. The research estimates that 66 per cent of passengers get off a ship to explore a port. The report suggests £54 million is spent annually by passengers on visits to destinations including Southampton, Dover, Edinburgh, Invergordon, Greenock, Belfast and Liverpool. This spend averages at £280,000 per UK destination visit. Of the total, £28 million is spent in Scotland. Another £147 million of future tourism value is created every year by international visitors who have previously taken a cruise that calls in the UK with a Carnival brand and later return to the same destinations, the report suggests. Job creation From head office to call centre staff, almost 1,900 people are employed by Carnival Corporation in the UK, with 1,650 full-time employees based in Southampton. This is estimated to provide £351 million in direct gross value added for the UK economy. Other cruise brands such as MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean will also have an economic impact from the jobs they are creating in the UK. Matthew Oakley, founder of WPI Economics, said: 'The benefits of Carnival UK's operations provide a significant boost to Southampton's economy and flow far beyond it out into the rest of the UK. 'From the investment in skills through to the boost to tourism now and in the future, these impacts make an important contribution to growth.'
Forbes
12-05-2025
- Forbes
When It Makes Sense To Book Cruise Line Shore Excursions
P&O Cruises' Aurora cruise ship docked in Olden, Norway. Shore excursions are a major part of cruising, offering a chance to experience the culture, history, and natural beauty of each destination on the itinerary. Deciding how to explore each port can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing the convenience and peace of mind of cruise line tours against the freedom and potential savings of going it alone. Many experienced cruise travelers mix and match, booking cruise line excursions for more ambitious trips or riskier destinations and doing their own thing in walkable cities or familiar ports. The key is to weigh the cost against the convenience, and always plan with the ship's departure time in mind. Here's when it makes sense to stick with the ship's own excursions. Most cruise ship port calls last most of the day. However, half-day port calls, often used as a 'pit stop' on the way to or from an itinerary's main destinations, make time ashore much tighter. Cruise line excursions are timed with the ship's schedule and come with a vital guarantee: if your tour runs late, the ship will wait. Independent travelers don't enjoy the same protection. Miss the 'all aboard' time and you'll be making your own way to the next port at your own expense. This safety net is often worth the higher cost, especially in destinations with unpredictable traffic, ferries, or long distances between the port and the main attractions. Some shore excursions involve more than a bus ride and a walking tour. Think glacier hikes in Alaska, guided snorkeling trips from a tender port, or multi-leg journeys involving trains, boats, or 4x4s. Cruise lines work with vetted local partners and handle all the coordination, leaving you to relax and enjoy the experience. Coaches lined up at Flåm cruise port ready for excursions. In remote or logistically complex destinations like Iceland's volcanic interior or the jungle ruins of Mexico and Central America, cruise line tours reduce the stress and risk of tackling these places on your own. In countries where safety is a concern or where few locals speak English, the comfort and structure of a cruise line excursion can go a long way. Guides are usually bilingual and you're less likely to be exposed to uncomfortable situations. Even in safer or better-known destinations, certain experiences are only available through the cruise line due to exclusive access or limited capacity. Examples include after-hours visits to historic sites or behind-the-scenes access at cultural institutions. If something catches your eye that you couldn't reasonably book yourself, it might be worth the splurge. Many cruise passengers receive onboard credit as part of a booking promotion, a loyalty perk, or compensation for itinerary changes. While this credit can be spent on anything from cocktails to spa treatments, using it on a shore excursion can be a smart move. That's especially true if it means ticking off a once-in-a-lifetime experience like a helicopter ride over a glacier or a guided tour of a world wonder. Since most cruise lines allow you to apply onboard credit toward excursion bookings, it's an easy way to offset the premium price while still getting the convenience and security of an official tour. That said, going it alone can be incredibly rewarding and often cheaper. If you're returning to a familiar port, simply want to wander a local town, or plan to hire a private guide with excellent reviews, an independent option may suit you better. The same is true for smaller ports, in which options for independent tours may be limited. Norway's Flåm Railway is a good example of an excursion that can be booked independently. The station is just a few minutes' walk from the cruise ship port, and independent passengers will share the train (albeit in different carriages) with people booked on official excursions. For independent options such as this, booking in advance is essential to avoid disappointment. Before booking a cruise line deal, check services such as Shore Excursions Group, Get Your Guide, or Viator to see what's available. Just be sure to leave plenty of time to return to the ship, keep an eye on local traffic or weather disruptions, and carry contact details for the port agent, the cruise line, and a local taxi company, just in case.
