P&O cruises have banned unvaccinated holidaymakers from setting sail aboard their ships this summer.

With vessels currently moored off the Dorset coast P&O have said only UK residents who have received two doses of a coronavirus vaccine will be permitted to sail.

P&O Cruises will operate a series of short breaks on Britannia, while new ship Iona will conduct seven-night itineraries as part of their 'Ultimate Escape UK' holiday series.

Britannia has been predominantly moored in Weymouth Bay throughout the coronavirus pandemic, along with other P&O ship Aurora.

The cruises will depart from Southampton between June and September, sailing around the UK coast, “where the sun shines brightest.”

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Only UK residents who have received both doses of a coronavirus vaccine at least seven days in advance will be permitted onboard, the UK’s largest cruise line said.

Failure to provide proof of the jabs “will result in denial of boarding”, the firm warned.

This is a “strong expressed preference on the part of our guests”, it added.

Other measures introduced due to the pandemic include requiring passengers to wear masks in certain areas of the ship, and making travel insurance mandatory.

Bournemouth Echo:

Passengers can travel on the Britannia again this summer. 

There will also be enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing, while buffet food will be served by staff.

Cruise holidays are traditionally popular with older people, who have been prioritised in the UK’s vaccination programme.

Saga Cruises has previously announced it will require all guests to be vaccinated when it resumes operations in June.

The itineraries do not include stops at any ports, apart from one Britannia sailing which will visit Liverpool.

The Government has advised people to avoid all cruises since July 9, 2020, due to the virus crisis.

But maritime minister Robert Courts told MPs last week that domestic cruises could be permitted from May 17.

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Given recent announcements we have every hope that our guests will be able to enjoy a holiday this summer.

“After the stresses and challenges of the past year everyone certainly deserves a treat and this series of cruises will provide memorable and much-needed UK getaways."

The Government’s Global Travel Taskforce will provide a report to Prime Minister Boris Johnson on April 12 setting out recommendations for how and when foreign holidays could resume.

They could be permitted for people in England from May 17 under the Prime Minister’s road map for easing restrictions.