As the crisis in around the Strait of Hormuz shows no sign of abating, P&O Cruises has taken what it calls an “unusual step” suspend its winter 2019/2020 Dubai and Arabian Gulf programme.

According to media sources, the line’s 2,026-passenger Oceana was to return to Dubai for the winter season but now the bookings will all be cancelled and guests given a full refund.

P&O Cruises President, Paul Ludlow, was quoted as saying, “The increased tension in the region means as a British company flying the Red Ensign it is not advisable for us to maintain our planned Dubai and Arabian Gulf programme this winter season.

He added, “Whilst we appreciate our guests will be disappointed, the safety of our guests and crew is absolutely paramount and given our UK status, coupled with the uncertainty in the region, we have had to make this difficult decision.”

The winter programme for Oceana is being currently revised, though it has been confimed that the ship will offer sailings from from Southampton to Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands, as well as a pre-Christmas 35-night voyage to the Caribbean.