After deciding not to extend its partnership with Malta’s Maleth Aero following reports that customers were not booking Caribbean cruises to avoid flying with the carrier, P&O Cruises has announced a partnership with three charter airlines, Norse Atlantic Airways, Virgin Atlantic and partner TUI Airways, which will take passengers to the Caribbean in winter 2024-25.
Paul Ludlow, chairman of Carnival UK and P&O Cruises, apologised for “problems with flights” during the recent winter season in a video message posted in February.
Tour operators had highlighted their concerns about Maleth Aero before Mr Ludlow’s video message, with some going so far as to say that booking levels had fallen due to P&O Cruises’ deal with the charter airline.
The situation was further exacerbated as a Maleth Aero charter flight carrying P&O Cruises guests back to Manchester on Christmas Eve suffered “horrific” turbulence, resulting in 11 passengers being injured.
On Wednesday 22 May, P&O Cruises confirmed that between November 2024 and March 2025, Norse Atlantic will operate a once weekly flight every Friday from Manchester to Barbados, as well as Saturday flights from Gatwick and Manchester to either Antigua or Barbados, depending on the week.
In addition, TUI will operate flights every Friday and Saturday to Barbados from Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester, as well as regional flights from Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Belfast, Bristol, Bournemouth, Glasgow and Newcastle on selected dates.
“Both TUI Airways and Norse Atlantic operate modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners with economy and premium economy cabins,” P&O Cruises said.
Virgin Atlantic will provide an entire Airbus A350 aircraft, in a three-seat configuration, from Heathrow Airport every fortnight for Arvia guests travelling to Barbados.
Passengers flying with any of the three airlines will be able to choose economy or premium economy class. While, those travelling on Virgin Atlantic can also opt for a seat in the airline’s upper cabin.
Meanwhile, each of the three airlines will provide in-flight entertainment.
“We recognise that flights are a key part of the holiday experience, so we are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with TUI Airways and introduce a tailored in-flight offer with Norse Atlantic, as well as fortnightly flights with Virgin Atlantic. This will ensure our guests have a consistent experience that meets the high quality standard they would expect from P&O Cruises,” Mr Ludlow highlighted.
