P&O Cruises’ Iona will arrive earlier in Southampton this weekend due to adverse weather conditions, according to a statement sent to guests onboard.

Currently offering a 14-night cruise to Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands, the vessel was initially scheduled to arrive back at its homeport on Saturday morning.

The letter said that, with the change of plans, the Iona is now expected to return to Southampton on Friday afternoon.

Signed by the ship’s captain, Martin Allen, the statement notes that the decision was made due to predicted weather forecasts for Saturday morning at the British port being “less than favorable.”

“This will ensure that we are docked in front of the current weather system moving across the UK, providing a more comfortable final approach,” Allen was quoted as saying.

The captain added that, while the ship will be docked on Friday, the cruise won’t be over until Saturday morning.

As the Border Force won’t immediately clear the ship, guests won’t be able to disembark on Friday, he continued.

In addition to moving its arrival, the Iona also had to cancel a scheduled visit to Lisbon due to a port workers’ strike. The call was scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 3, and was replaced with a day at sea.

“Regrettably, due to industrial action by port workers, the call was no longer feasible, and with a lack of suitable alternative ports, the decision was made to remain at sea,” Captain Allen explained.

“I hope that you will appreciate the reasons behind my decision to bring the Iona alongside earlier than scheduled, and you will continue to enjoy the last few days onboard with us,” he added.

After departing from Southampton on Nov. 22, 2025, the 5,200-guest ship made visits to six destinations, including La Coruña and Cádiz.

The LNG-powered vessel also stops at Arrecife de Lanzarote, Puerto del Rosario, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.