The P & O Cruise liner was due to depart Southampton at around 18:00 today, 30th December 2023 ... but is stuck in port until January 1st 2024 - that's departing around 36 hours late due to safety concerns in very high wind.
From Facebook ...
News in - Iona not to sail today and to stay in Southampton for new year eve n day due to storm
P & O are actually very good at handling such situations and will, I'm sure, be providing food and entertainment for their customers who will have paid handsomely to be there.
Picture - from cabin 9633 at 05:00 this morning. We were on board and came in 3 hours early because of the weather forecast. Now at home.
Edit to add ... some data as to how they handle this
Q: What would that mean for people boarding today? Would they stay on Iona or would they go back home and come board on Monday? Also does that cut down the itinerary for them? Sorry for the questions just generally curious
A: They have all boarded as normal today, they will just be staying on Iona in Southampton until they sail. They may miss a port or the ports may be changed around a bit but there is sometimes catch up time available.
Q: ah ok, more chill time on the boat without the swaying. It’ll be awesome
Q: I don't know if they will be allowed to get off in Southampton (like in ports they visit) or if they'll need to stay on board.
A: Just seen on another group they are allowed to go ashore in Southampton between 8am-6pm.
Q: so they have to be home by six
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