P&O Cruises launched its first charter flight with Norse Atlantic Airways from Manchester, marking a significant milestone.
- The flight carried over 300 guests to Barbados to begin a 14-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Britannia.
- This partnership with Norse follows P&O’s decision to end its association with Maltese carrier Maleth Aero.
- Norse Atlantic Airways will provide weekly flights to the Caribbean from Manchester and Gatwick between November 2024 and March 2025.
- The collaboration underscores P&O Cruises’ commitment to enhancing the travel experience for its guests.
P&O Cruises accomplished a major milestone with its first charter flight departing from Manchester in collaboration with Norse Atlantic Airways. This inaugural service, which transported over 300 passengers to Barbados, initiated a 14-night Caribbean cruise experience aboard the Britannia. Paul Ludlow, President of Carnival UK & P&O Cruises, expressed immense pride in the launch, highlighting it as the commencement of P&O’s winter Caribbean season.
This significant event follows a strategic decision by P&O to discontinue its arrangement with Maltese carrier Maleth Aero. Paul’s apology for prior “flight issues” during the winter 23/24 season led to this change, emphasising the company’s dedication to improving the overall holiday experience for its guests. By choosing to partner with Norse, along with TUI Airways and Virgin Atlantic, P&O aims to ensure a high standard of service across all facets of their cruising holidays.
The collaboration with Norse Atlantic Airways is not just a one-off initiative but a planned series of operations. Between November 2024 and March 2025, Norse is scheduled to operate weekly flights every Friday from Manchester to Barbados, syncing with P&O’s cruise schedules for the Arvia and Britannia. Additionally, there will be Saturday flights from both Gatwick and Manchester to Antigua and Barbados on alternating weeks.
Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways, expressed excitement for the venture, aiming to provide quality and affordability, aligning well with P&O Cruises’ commitment to offering unforgettable holiday experiences. He noted that these direct flights are designed to enhance passenger comfort, ensuring that the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
This strategic partnership between P&O Cruises and Norse Atlantic Airways signifies a new chapter in enhancing the passenger experience for Caribbean cruises.
