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P&O cruises

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Blind friends kicked off cruise say they were treated ‘like criminals’

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Swapping one lockdown for another: Welcome to the new non-stop cruises

EasyJet launches domestic routes from Dorset

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Domestic cruises to begin on 17 May, says minister

P&O scraps all international cruises until autumn

P&O abandons cruises until early 2021

Cunard cancels all winter plans and hopes to start again in spring

Cruise ships stalled by coronavirus have become tourist attractions

Foreign Office urges travellers to avoid cruises

Cunard cruise line cancels all sailings to November

Air and cruise shutdown to cost UK more than £40bn

P&O and Cunard say ‘No cruises until August’

Coronavirus: When will cruises start again and should I book?

Three in 10 people say they would not board a cruise again, poll finds

Cruise ships still being turned away from ports worldwide

Cruise passengers calmly carry on drinking as water floods across deck

Cruise alcohol packages in spotlight following p&o brawl.

'There was blood everywhere': Mass brawl breaks out on cruise ship

P&O Cruises raises service charge by 17 per cent

Why Bermuda same-sex marriage repeal is a disaster for cruise ships

Air quality on cruise ships 'worse than world's most polluted cities'

What we need to know about travel after Brexit

British p&o cruise passenger dies in dominica bus crash.

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2024 QPRC Cruise

February 25-march 8, 2024 | roundtrip ft. lauderdale.

Join Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community on a 12-night cruise on the magnificent Holland America ms Rotterdam as we explore the Panama Canal!

Destination: panama canal.

Day 1 - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Day 2 - Half Moon Cay

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - Willemstad

Day 6 - At Sea

Day 7 - Cartagena

Day 8 - Panama Canal, Gatún Lake, Colon

Day 9 - Puerto Limón (San José)

Day 10 - At Sea

Day 11 - Georgetown, Grand Cayman

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Ship: Holland America Rotterdam

Holland America’s newest ship, Rotterdam, delivers the best of everything they do: exquisite cuisine, award-winning service, superbly appointed staterooms and suites, and world-class entertainment. Dance the night away at B.B. King’s Blues Club or relive your favorite rock classics at Rolling Stone Rock Room. Experience Rotterdam ’s Pinnacle Class luxury and find a mastery of the details that keep our guests returning again and again.

Elevate your voyage with a masterpiece of maritime luxury that redefines your journey at sea. Indulge in the allure of spacious and elegantly appointed staterooms and suites, offering the perfect sanctuary for relaxation. Delight your palate with a symphony of flavors at our diverse range of world-class dining venues, where culinary expertise meets artistic presentation. Rejuvenate your body and soul at the exquisite spa and wellness facilities, designed to offer the ultimate retreat. Engage in a myriad of enriching activities, from immersive cultural experiences to exciting explorations. With a legacy of top-notch service, the Rotterdam promises not just a cruise, but an unforgettable odyssey marked by sophistication and adventure. Set sail on the Rotterdam and discover a world where lavish comfort and thrilling exploration seamlessly intertwine.

Staterooms and Rates

• Complimentary 24-hour In-Room Dining
• Daily Housekeeping
• Generous Storage
• Safes for your valuables
• Deluxe bathrobes
• Elemis Aromapure bath amenities
• Complimentary fresh fruit
• Complimentary shoeshine service
• Complimentary ice service

Inside Stateroom

Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner’s Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms.

Ocean View Stateroom

Approximately 175–282 sq. ft

These expansive staterooms include include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our Signature Mariner’s Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, a host of amenities and an ocean view.

Verandah Stateroom

Approximately 228-405 sq. ft. including verandah

Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner’s Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and shower.

Rate Information

*Early Bird Registration Deadline is Friday, 9/29/23.  After this date the price will increase by $100 per person .

*Initial deposit of $750.00 per person due upon registration, $1,500.00 for single occupancy

*Final payment balance is due by November 17, 2023

*Rates are subject to cabin inventory and based on availability

*Rates include all accommodations, meals, and most non-alcoholic drinks on-board

*Single occupied cabins will be subject to double the cruise rate

*3rd and 4th rates are limited and based on availability. Please call for current rates and availability.

*If you wish to upgrade further above Veranda, please call for current rates and availability

*Does NOT include airfare, pre-cruise hotel, transportation, optional shore excursions or items of personal nature.

We will do our best to accommodate you in the category you request. All space is subject to availability.

Holland America reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement on all guests if the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel exceeds $65.00 per barrel.

TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EVENT—ALL CRUISE BOOKINGS, BUS, AND HOTEL ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE MADE THROUGH SOVEREIGN IN ORDER TO HELP MAINTAIN A HIGH LEVEL OF CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Frequently asked questions, what are the terms and conditions for the cruise.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Sovereign Cruises LLC and Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community (QPRC) act only as independent contractors acting on behalf of neither supplier nor the principals. They shall not in any way be held liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity in any vehicle, or through the act of default of any company, or person, engaged in conveying the passengers, or of any hotel proprietor, personnel, or servant or any other person otherwise in connection therewith. Sovereign Cruises LLC and QPRC do not own nor operate the hotels, airlines, cruise ships, motor coaches which comprise this tour. They cannot be held liable for changes and/or cancellations of the hotels, airlines, cruise ships, or motor coaches. Sovereign Cruises LLC is not responsible for price increases imposed by Holland America Cruise Line and/or service providers.

GUEST REQUIREMENTS: As a condition to sailing on the Cruise, each Guest will be required to: (i) agree to be bound by the Cruise Ticket Contract; (ii) complete Cruise Line’s Online Check-In Process, providing proof of citizenship and identification, and emergency contact Information as part of the process; (iii) agree to Cruise Line’s Health Acknowledgment related to COVID-19 (the “Health Acknowledgment”), which includes an acknowledgement of risk and an agreement to comply with Cruise Line’s Guest Health, Safety and Conduct Policy, as well as its health and safety instructions; and (iv) undergo COVID-19 testing and health screenings, according to the protocols and procedures outlined on Cruise Line’s website. Each Guest must agree to be bound by the Cruise Ticket Contract and to agree to the Health Acknowledgment upon being added to the Group. Failure or refusal by a Guest to do any of the foregoing will result in removal of the Guest’s booking and/or the denial of boarding, which may result in cancellation charges as specified under the Cancellation Fees section below.

CANCELLATION FEES: Th e following cancellation fees will apply based on the date the cruise is canceled:

Prior to 11/17/23: No cancellation fee. 11/18/23 – 12/18/23: 25% of total cost 12/19/23 – 1/19/24: 50% of total cost After 1/20/24: 100% of total cost (no refunds)

Cancellation penalties apply to all guests in a stateroom and are assessed in the event of either partial or full stateroom cancellations.

Cancellation of Fly-Aweigh guests may result in an additional penalty for the air portion, up to, but not limited to, the full air add-on amount, as imposed by the air carrier.

Percentage penalty charged applies to cruise fare, non-commission fare, air add-on, supplemental fare, cruise only transfers and pre and post cruise packages where applicable.

No refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by guests after the start of the cruise.

Additional fees may be assessed by the supplier for connections booked from your home city, as well as forced single occupancy due to roommate cancellation. Cancellation fees apply regardless of the reason for cancellation, including medical and family matters.

Please allow 4-6 weeks for refunds to be processed.

TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN: Make sure nothing gets in the way of your adventure with Holland America Travel Protection program benefits, including medical, baggage and Evacuation coverages to protect you during your trip. With the Holland America Travel Protection Program Cancellation Penalty Waiver (a non-insurance feature offered by Holland America), if your plans go awry and you cancel your cruise vacation (for specified reasons), Holland America will waive the non-refundable cancellation provision of your cruise ticket contract and pay you IN CASH the value of the unused portion of your prepaid cruise vacation. In addition, should you need to cancel for “any other reason” you may be eligible for credit toward a future cruise – up to 90% of the non-refundable, prepaid cruise vacation cost.

Because our liability for loss or damage is limited by the Cruise Ticket Contract, we recommend that all guests check their own insurance coverage or consider purchasing the Holland America Travel Protection Program.

Please contact Sovereign for detailed coverage and information.

DOCUMENTATION: Guests arriving at embarkation without proper documentation may not join the voyage and will NOT be entitled to a refund.

All guests must travel with a passport (valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel). Having a passport will enable guests to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port in the event they miss their scheduled embarkation or to fly back to the U.S. if they need to disembark the ship mid-cruise due to an emergency.

Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain further details. For more information or to obtain a passport application, visit www.travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center toll free at 1-877-487-2778.

RESERVATION CHANGES: Name changes are considered reservation cancellations and are subject to the above cancellation fees. Additional fees may be assessed by suppliers depending on the change requested.

PREGNANCY POLICY:

Holland America cannot accept guests  who will be more than  23 weeks  pregnant at any time during the cruise or CruiseTour.

The Guest and treating physician should consider before any cruise that there is no Obstetrician/Gynecologist available on the ship, and that pregnancies, when unstable and poorly controlled, are potentially life-threatening, especially without back up. A Guest may be at sea for several days without any immediate hospital and/or specialist back up, and that since the proposed itinerary is not within the U.S., and the availability of specialized shore side facilities can be problematic.

All guests are required to fill out a Public Health Questionnaire prior to arrival or at the pier attesting that they are not more than 23 weeks pregnant. If you have already booked a cruise or cruise tour and do not meet this requirement, please contact a Sovereign Agent.

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccination to cruise?

COVID-19 Vaccination is no longer required to sail on this sailing.

Will I have to take a COVID-19 test before or during my cruise?

Pre-cruise testing is no longer required to sail for this sailing.

Will I have to wear a face mask onboard my cruise?

Current mask policies are below. Mask policies are continually evaluated as public health standards and government regulations evolve. Booked guests will be advised of the latest requirements for their port of departure before sailing.

Onboard the Ship

Masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests. We expect unvaccinated children to continue wearing masks indoors and in crowded settings. Masks are required for all children age 2 and older while at the Adventure Ocean youth program. Guests under 2 do not have to wear a mask at any time.

While Ashore

At public ports of call, guests should follow all local mask regulations. Masks should also be worn at the cruise terminal during the boarding and screening process, as well as during disembarkation. Guests under 2 do not have to wear a mask at any time.

What documentations are required?

Guests arriving at embarkation without proper documentation may not join the voyage and will NOT be entitled to a refund.

Should I buy travel insurance?

Make sure nothing gets in the way of your adventure with Holland America Travel Protection program benefits, including medical, baggage and Evacuation coverages to protect you during your trip. With the Holland America Travel Protection Program Cancellation Penalty Waiver (a non-insurance feature offered by Holland America), if your plans go awry and you cancel your cruise vacation (for specified reasons), Holland America will waive the non-refundable cancellation provision of your cruise ticket contract and pay you IN CASH the value of the unused portion of your prepaid cruise vacation. In addition, should you need to cancel for “any other reason” you may be eligible for credit toward a future cruise – up to 90% of the non-refundable, prepaid cruise vacation cost.

Please contact Sovereign for current Travel Protection pricing.

Optional group excursions?

Optional Excursions

Shore excursions can be the highlight of any cruise – especially when you make plans in advance that allow you to be together with the QPRC group. That is why Sovereign is working with QPRC to create our own plans for shore excursions on this cruise so that you may have a more rewarding experience, altogether. Please stay tuned for details and registration.

What is the minimum age for infants on board?

Infants must be at least 6 months old as of the first day of the cruise/Cruisetour. On some cruises/Cruisetours, infants must be 12 months old.

Activities are provided for children and teens 3-17. Children must be fully potty trained (no diapers or pull-ups) to participate.

Can I cruise if I am pregnant?

All guests are required to fill out a Public Health Questionnaire prior to arrival or at the pier attesting that they are not more than 23 weeks pregnant. If you have already booked a cruise or cruise tour and do not meet this requirement, please contact your Travel Advisor

What is the onboard dress code?

When you’re onboard, the right look will vary by venue. But here are a few types of suggested attire you’ll see, grouped by item.

• Casual:  You’re on vacation – relax! Jeans, polos, sundresses and blouses are all the right amount of laid back. Please keep swimwear to the Pool Deck. Shorts are welcomed for breakfast and lunch.
• Smart Casual:  Think of this as a step up from your typical dinner wear. Dress to impress with collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits. Jackets, sports coats and blazers are snazzy and welcomed.
• Formal:  Make it a night out in your best black-tie look – suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns. There is 1 formal night during the sailing.

Formal nights

Think of our formal dress code as a night out in your best black-tie look — suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns are all acceptable options.

Main Dining Room/Specialty Dining Venues

• Bare feet are not allowed at any time in any venue and tank tops are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or Specialty Dining venues for dinner.

Casino Dress Code

• Shirt and shoes are always required. Cover-ups should be worn over bathing attire.

What should I pack?

Personal Items:

We suggest that guests transport all their medications in their carry-on luggage to minimize the potential for diversion or loss of medications and advise that all medications remain in their original, labeled prescription containers.  It is also advisable to pack at least three days of extra medication in the event of an unexpected change in the itinerary of the voyage.

When you’re on board, the right look will vary by venue. But here are a few types of suggested attire you’ll see, grouped by occasion. Shoes should be low-heeled for deck activities. Bring a few swimsuits (so you will always have a dry one). Ashore, you’ll need comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat for protection from the sun,

Casual : You’re on vacation – relax! Jeans, shorts, tees, tank tops, polos, sundresses and blouses are all the right amount of laid back. Please keep swimwear to the Pool Deck.

Smart Casual : Think of this as a step up from your typical dinner wear. Dress to impress with jackets, sports coats, blazers, collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits.

Formal : Make it a night out in your best black-tie look – suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns.

Last Night of Cruise : Bring an overnight bag for your last night at sea. Staff will collect your luggage the night before disembarkation and you will need an overnight bag to carry your nightclothes and toiletries.

What not to pack?

Weapons, illegal drugs, and other items that could interfere with the safe operation of the ship or the safe and secure environment of our guests and crew are prohibited. The United States Transportation Security Administration also recommends that you do not pack fragile or expensive items (such as jewelry) in checked luggage.

The following are examples of items that guests are not allowed to bring onboard. These and other similar items will be confiscated upon being found. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, explosives, and dangerous chemicals will not be returned.

• Firearms & Ammunition, including realistic replicas.
• *Sharp Objects, including knives and scissors.
• Illegal Drugs & Substances
• **Aerial Drones
• Candles & Incense
• ***Coffee Makers, Clothes Irons, & Hot Plates
• Baseball Bats, Hockey Sticks, Cricket Bats, Bows & Arrows
• Skateboards & Surfboards
• Martial Arts Gear
• Self-Defense Gear, including handcuffs, pepper spray, night sticks.
• Flammable Liquids and Explosives, including lighter fluid and fireworks.
• Hookahs & Water Hookah Pipes.
• Electrical Extension Cords
• Dangerous Chemicals, including bleach and paint.
• ****Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages
• Potentially hazardous food and/or food that requires refrigeration.

*Personal grooming items such as safety razors are allowed. Scissors with blade length less than 4 inches are allowed.

**Aerial Drones: guests are welcome to bring drones on their cruise for use on land only and outside of the port area. Drones are not to be operated onboard the ship at any time. Different countries may have different rules. Guests assume full responsibility for understanding all local authority rules related to drone usage and for obtaining ay required permissions for drone operations. Any liability, including environmental damage from drone usage is the guest’s responsibility. The cruise line assumes no liability for guests drones that may be confiscated by local authorities for violating local laws or for any accident or injury resulting from a guest drone flight. While onboard, drones must be stored safely in the stateroom. Drones used on the ship will be confiscated till the end of the cruise. A Guest Conduct Policy warning will be issued and guests may be subject to disembarkation at their own expense for onboard drone usage.

***Items that generate heat or produce an open flame. This includes heating pads, clothing irons, hotplates, candles, incense and any other item that may create a fire hazard.  NOTE:  The only exception to this policy are curling irons and hair straighteners. Matches and normal lighteners are allowed onboard. However “torch lighters” and novelty lighters that look like guns are not allowed onboard. Torch lighters emit a powerful concentrated flame, and therefore are prohibited.

****Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from shops onboard will be stored by the ship and delivered to you on the last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned.

Can I bring liquor or non-alcoholic beverages (from home or from a port) onboard?

Guests are not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages onboard; with the exception of embarkation day when each guests are permitted to bring onboard with them up to two (2) bottles of wine (which are subject to a corkage fee) per guests. A corkage fee does not apply to guests with the Classic Beverage Package or Premium Beverage Package.

Security may inspect containers (including water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, canteens, etc.) at any time and will dispose of alcohol concealed in such containers. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased from onboard shops or in ports of call (which must be presented to security upon re-boarding), will be secured by ship’s personnel. Alcohol secured by ship’s personnel will be returned to guests just prior to the conclusion of their cruise vacation. Guests who are under the permitted drinking age will not have alcohol returned to them.

Are there laundry facilities onboard?

For safety concerns self-service laundry facilities are not provided onboard our ships, but we do offer washing, pressing and dry cleaning services. We do not provide irons in the staterooms as they constitute a fire hazard.

This is an additional service offered beyond our regular laundry service. Guests can now send smaller clothing items to be washed and folded for the fixed amount of $34.99 per bag. Fit as much as you can into the bag provided for you and we’ll take care of the rest. Please ask your stateroom attendant for more information. Availability may vary.

* All prices are in US. Dollars and are subject to change without notice.

How do I pay for onboard purchases?

An Onboard Expense Account, also known as your SeaPass® onboard account, is the cashless system used for all onboard purchases and services. Depending on your ship, SeaPass cards are handed out at the pier or will be in your stateroom waiting for you.

The account may be set-up with either a credit card or as a cash account. You may establish a master account and add guests from your stateroom or another stateroom as authorized purchasers on your account.

For each purchase made onboard the ship you will receive a receipt at the point of sale. Your SeaPass® onboard account can be viewed on your stateroom TV and the Holland America app. A final statement will be delivered to your stateroom on the final morning of your cruise vacation for your review. Please note all onboard prices are in USD.

Guests that set up a SeaPass account with a credit card should verify the statement. If all purchases are correct, they will automatically be billed to the credit card. Guests may notice pending charges or authorizations on their credit card. Just like some land-based hotels, guests can expect to see an initial $100 pending charge or authorization on their credit card. This pending amount is used to secure funds for anticipated onboard purchases. Purchases made onboard over the initial $100 will generate additional holds. While the holds aren’t charges, they do reduce your available credit. Most holds are released by the time your cruise ends and final charges are settled; however, some may take up to 30 days. Royal Caribbean International® doesn’t control how long the holds remain, your bank or financial institution determines the duration of these holds. If you register a card and change to another card or cash during your sailing, you may still see holds on the original card.

Guests on a cash account will need to settle their statement onboard prior to disembarking. The ship will provide you with specific details.

What internet options are available on board Holland America cruise ships?

There are 2 options to stay connected while onboard*.

1. VOOM Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi) All you need is a wireless device with wifi capability.

2. Wired (iCafes) Internet stations are available onboard, the location of which vary depending on the ship.

*Prices for internet access vary and are subject to change.

Drink Packages, Internet, and Onboard Purchases

You will be able to make Drink Package, Internet, and Onboard Purchases about 90 days prior to sailing through the online Cruise Planner by signing in with your cruise reservation number.

Questions? Please contact us

(877) 768-2784 ext. 123

[email protected]

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Passengers Angry About Sovereign

According to local media in Spain, hundreds of passengers have disembarked from the MS Sovereign cruise ship in Palma de Mallorca port, furious over the vessel's state and continuous work in progress onboard.

Quoting passengers, newspapers on Mallorca report that the ship, sailing for the Spanish cruise operator Pullmantur Cruceros , had left Palma for Naples on November 13 with workers immediately starting to rip off carpets und clean pipes both at day- and night-time. Chemicals used are claimed to have caused not only strong smells, but also poisoning symptoms among children and elderly passengers.

Furthermore, the vessel’s doctor was accused of not speaking Spanish despite the fact that the ship is sailing for Pullmantur year-round. The cruise company itself has not replied verbally to the accusations but has announced it will answer individual inquiries in written form. On its Facebook page however, Pullmantur has meanwhile apologized for any inconvenience caused to those who feel “cheated”.

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Norwegian Fjords - G412

04 may 2024 7 nights.

Southampton to Southampton

£703pp

£559pp, norwegian fjords - g413, 11 may 2024 7 nights, £675pp, £578pp, norwegian fjords - g414, 18 may 2024 7 nights, £646pp, norwegian fjords - g415, 25 may 2024 7 nights, £829pp, £723pp, norwegian fjords - g416, 01 jun 2024 7 nights, norwegian fjords - g417, 08 jun 2024 7 nights.

Southampton to Southampton

Norwegian Fjords - G418

15 jun 2024 7 nights, norwegian fjords - g419, 22 jun 2024 7 nights, norwegian fjords - g420, 29 jun 2024 7 nights, norwegian fjords - g421, 06 jul 2024 7 nights, norwegian fjords - g422, 13 jul 2024 7 nights.

Southampton to Southampton

Norwegian Fjords - G423

20 jul 2024 7 nights, £752pp, norwegian fjords - g424, 27 jul 2024 7 nights, £800pp, £771pp, norweigan fjords - g425, 03 aug 2024 7 nights, £848pp, norwegian fjords - g426, 10 aug 2024 7 nights, norwegian fjords - g427, 17 aug 2024 7 nights, norwegian fjords - g428, 24 aug 2024 7 nights, £819pp, norwegian fjords - g429, 31 aug 2024 7 nights.

Southampton to Southampton

Norwegian Fjords - G430

07 sep 2024 7 nights, norwegian fjords - g431, 14 sep 2024 7 nights, £810pp, meet the luxury cruise experts.

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P&O Ferries seafarers told they will benefit from new French pay rules

Rivals had feared P&O could challenge legislation closing loopholes that allowed low wages

P&O Ferries seafarers have been told they will benefit from new French legislation that could double their pay, in what appears to be a significant U-turn by the controversial ferry operator.

The move comes more than two years after P&O enraged the UK and French governments by sacking 786 workers and then taking advantage of a legal loophole to hire replacements on pay rates of below the minimum wage.

The company claimed it had been forced into the dismissals in order to stay in business, with the P&O chief executive, Peter Hebblethwaite, telling a UK joint transport and business select committee at the time: “The business was not viable. This is the only way for us to save this business.”

London and Paris responded to the sackings by announcing new legislation, with France implementing fresh regulations last month requiring ferry operators to pay their crew at least £9.95 an hour and limiting seafarers’ time onboard ships to two weeks.

The French rules will come into effect after a three-month implementation period, while a similar UK law – requiring ferry operators to pay the UK minimum wage of £11.44 an hour – is expected to come into force this summer.

Rival cross-Channel operators had feared P&O could launch legal challenges to the legislation.

However, a letter sent to workers employed by P&O’s Maltese employment agency Philcrew Management last week, seen by the Guardian and ITV News, states: “The French Republic has recently adopted new regulation that applies to passenger ships operating between France and the UK, including therefore the vessels in our fleet crossing the Channel.

“Under such new regulation, the maximum duration of the embarkation is up to 14 days and [an equivalent] minimum rest period ashore … Serious consequences [for ferry operators] are provided for violating such new provisions.”

Last month the Guardian and ITV reported that P&O agency cross-Channel workers were in some cases making about £4.87 an hour – even lower than the £5.15 an hour the company had suggested was its lowest rate. Meanwhile, P&O crew members said they worked 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, for up to 17 weeks at a time . The workers said they had to remain on the ship until their contract ended.

The low rates being paid to P&O workers were achieved lawfully, with the company taking advantage of loopholes that exempted paying the minimum wage to maritime workers employed by an overseas agency and working on foreign-registered ships in international waters.

Louise Haigh, the shadow transport secretary, said: “P&O Ferries has refused to do the right thing from the beginning of this scandal, and they’ve only been dragged under the threat of criminal sanctions and hefty fines by the French government.

“They will never do the right thing until legislation is in place to protect seafarers’ rights, and that’s why it’s so important that the UK government put in place a binding seafarers charter. Otherwise, businesses that can profit from this business model will continue to undercut workers’ rights and legislation.”

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P&O Ferries did not respond to Haigh’s comments or answer questions about its apparent U-turn and how much the changes would add to the company’s costs.

A spokesperson for P&O has previously said its crew is well rested, that the company pays its cross-Channel crew members at least £5.20 an hour and that it pays “at least the minimum wage required by national and international law”.

It has stated: “We provide an industry-leading support package and work hard to ensure their welfare, wellbeing and mental health are properly cared for.”

Philcrew Management did not respond to requests for comment.

• P&O Ferries

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P&O Cruises Celebrates Coronation with Royal Offers

• May 5, 2023

To celebrate His Majesty The King’s Coronation, P&O Cruises unveiled a range of offers of up to £100 off per person.

Guests can save up to £100 per person based on a balcony cabin, enjoy £70 off per person on sea view cabins and £50 off per person on inside cabins. P&O Cruises’ offers are valid for seven-night sailings departing between October 2023 and November 2024, provided these are booked by May 9, 2023.

In addition to these offers, P&O Cruises will also be celebrating the coronation with a range of events onboard including a live broadcast of the coronation, a coronation party where guests will be encouraged to wear red, white and blue outfits, a special coronation Big Lunch where guests will be invited to join the entertainment team for games, live music and royal-inspired food and the Big Help Out, where guests will be asked to signing up to a 5km Trek the Deck challenge in honor of the Teenage Cancer Trust, P&O Cruises’ charity partner.

Highlighted itineraries include:

• A seven-night Northern European City Escape voyage departing February 10, 2024, with prices starting from £399 per person;
• A seven-night Canary Islands fly-cruise, departing January 6, 2024, with prices starting from £499 per person for an inside cabin.
• A seven-night Spain and Portugal cruise departing May 4, 2024, with prices starting from £529 per person.

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54 Ships | 122,002 Berths | $36 Billion | View

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• Cruise ships

• Entered service 01/01/1988
• Number of Decks 12
• Number of Pools 2
• Number of Crew 820
• Refurbished 01/01/2008
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Onboard Activities

Children's Facilities ( 3 )

Swimming ( 1 )

Restaurants ( 9 )

Entertainment ( 3 )

Bars & lounges ( 7 ).

Grumetes Club

Swimming Pool

360º Bar and Lounge

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El Duero Restaurant

Panorama Bar

Panorama Buffet

Wu Restaurant Fusion Bar Lounge

Zoom Nightclub

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Customer reviews for Sovereign

This was our First Cruise with Pullmatur Its an older Ship Ours was Sovereign But very well maintained the service and organisation throughout the cruise from The Cabin To Daily Excursions. Dining and Bar experience to the 5 Star Evening Entertainment was Excellent and would go on another Pullmatur cruise

I was planning to do a Norwegian cruise to the Western Med, but decided to opt for Pullmantur which operates virtually the same 7 day itinerary for almost £700 less. OK, there was mainly Spanish passengers onboard, but that didn't spoil the cruise as at dinner I was seated at a table with all English-speakers. Overall, this was a great value cruise, which worked out at under £100 per day for a single outside cabin on all-inclusive basis.

first time cruise. The price was good for a first time cruise to see if we liked it. we found the outside cabin very good and the service was excellent from all the staff. Although it was mainly Spanish people on the ship this was not a problem as all the staff spoke English and commentaries were in Spanish and English. Food was very good and there was plenty of space on the ship where you could find quiet areas for reading or relaxing. We were put on a table with 3 Americans for dining in the evening so we had no language problems. plenty of options with the tours as to just arranging transport or doing full tours. Overall a very good experience and would certainly do another cruise with this cruise line.

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