Tag Archives: Gatwick

P&O Cruises Unveils Onboard Spending Money and Low Deposit Promos

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P&O Cruises Unveils Onboard Spending Money and Low Deposit Promos

P&O Cruises has unveiled two promos: extra onboard spending money and low deposits on select cruises.  

As part of the first deal, guests get up to £500 extra onboard spending money on selected Caribbean fly-cruise holidays departing between October 23, 2026, and March 18, 2028. 

The offer applies to more than 100 Select Price fly-cruise voyages, available to book June 4–17, 2026, the cruise line said in a press release. 

“Our Caribbean fly-cruises are a real favorite with our travel agent partners and this latest offer gives them even more to shout about,” said P&O Cruises associate vice president of sales and distribution, Ruth Venn. 

The low deposit of £49 per person is valid for applicable Select Price and Early Saver holidays of up to 13 nights and £99 per person for selected sailings between 14 and 23 nights. 

The offer applies to bookings made before June 30, 2026, and is valid for cruises departing between September 1, 2026, and March 30, 2028. 

“With up to £500 to spend onboard and low deposits there’s a strong value story for customers. Add in just how easy these holidays are, with everything taken care of from flights to luggage and it makes them a really strong sell for travel agents this season,” added Venn. 

Example itinerary: 

Eastern Caribbean Islands fly-cruise (November 12, 2027) 

This 14-night holiday onboard the Iona starts in in Bridgetown (Barbados), before calling into Basseterre (Saint Kitts & Nevis), Tortola (B.V.I.), St. Maarten, Fort de France (Martinique), with an overnight in Antigua, Castries (St. Lucia), Grenada, and ends in Barbados. 

Prices start from £2,649 per person based on two people sharing a balcony cabin with a deposit of £99pp and include a £500 onboard spending money for the cabin. 

Economy flights from London Gatwick, transfers in Barbados, children’s clubs, full board meals and entertainment are included in the price. 

The company also launched its “Summer Sizzle” campaign for travel agents who are members of the Shine Reward Club. 

Upon making a 2026 or 2027 Select Price booking June 1–30, 2026, agents can enter for a chance to win one of four £150 gift vouchers, with prize draws taking place throughout June.

TUI Announces Nile Cruises with Fourth Ship

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TUI River Cruises is expanding its offerings with an announcement of a new Nile cruise program set to begin in Winter 2024.

The cruise line will introduce exclusive TUI charter flights from London Gatwick and Manchester Airports to Luxor, Egypt, making it the only tour operator to offer direct, non-stop flights from the UK to Luxor, according to a press release from the company.

The new Nile cruises will feature a fully refurbished five-star ship named TUI Al Horeya, meaning “freedom,” accommodating 145 passengers across 74 cabins, including singles, standard cabins, and suites. Embarking on seven-night, all-inclusive round-trip sailings from Luxor, guests will experience the Nile and visit landmarks like the Luxor and Edfu Temples.

Chris Hackney, Managing Director of TUI River Cruises, expressed enthusiasm for the new offering, noting that a cruise along the Nile provides an unforgettable experience with year-round sunshine, making Egypt the perfect destination for immersing oneself in ancient history, he said.

Hackney said: “TUI River Cruises is going from strength to strength, and we are so excited to introduce this latest offering on the Nile which we are confident our customers will love.

“A cruise along the Nile offers a serene and unforgettable experience with lush landscapes, traditional villages, and other iconic landmarks such as the Luxor and Edfu Temples. With year-round sunshine, Egypt is the perfect destination for exploring ancient history and allowing guests to immerse themselves in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Hackney said.

To enhance the customer experience, dedicated licensed Egyptologists will be on hand throughout the trip to provide insights and answer any questions about the historical significance of the sites visited.

The company said that the TUI Al Horeya boasts modern amenities, including a top-deck swimming pool, two whirlpools, an entertainment area, a restaurant, Al Fresco dining, a lounge bar, a wellness studio and a boutique shop.

Guests can also enjoy a day and night entertainment program and a range of expert-curated excursions that offer a journey back to the era of pharaohs and dynasties.

British Airways ‘may not operate at Gatwick after pandemic’

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History of British Airways - Wikipedia
British Airways at Gatwick Airport

British Airways has told its staff that it may not reopen its operation at Gatwick airport after the coronavirus pandemic passes.

A leaked memo written by the head of BA’s Gatwick hub, Adam Carson, was written after BA announced a consultation that could result in the loss of up to 12,000 jobs.

BA’s Gatwick operation, which is currently suspended amid travel restrictions, is about a fifth the size of its hub at Heathrow where it has a dedicated terminal.

The letter, seen by Travel Weekly, said: “As you know, we suspended our Gatwick flying schedule at the end of April and there is no certainty as to when or if these services can or will return. Today’s announcement outlines how we propose to ensure we are competitive and sustainable for the future, that we are the right size to meet demand and that we can be flexible and resilient to change.”

It also points to a “reduction in the size of our cabin crew community” and changes to pay and reveals that BA’s ground staff at Gatwick are expected to be transferred to BA subsidiary Gatwick Ground Services.

In a separate letter to pilots, seen by the BBC, BA said it cannot rule out suspending the rest of its Heathrow operation. The letter is quoted as saying that some of the airline’s rivals abroad are facing tough competition and reportedly suggests that a quarter of BA’s 4,300 pilots are set to lose their jobs.

BBC News said the letter from senior management says: “We need to ensure that our remaining operation is efficient, flexible and cost-competitive to enable us to survive in an increasingly lean and unpredictable industry.”

Travel Weekly has approached British Airways for comment.

On Tuesday, British Airways parent IAG said it could make up to 12,000 of the airline’s staff redundant in a restructure.

British Airways chief executive Alex Cruz said the “outlook for the aviation industry has worsened” over recent weeks, leaving the airline with no choice but to take action and “act decisively”.

Unions have criticised the move.

Responding to news that BA was considering its position at Gatwick, Brian Strutton, general secretary at pilots union Balpa, said: “As far as Balpa is aware, there is no truth in the rumour that British Airways will pull out of Gatwick and there has been no indication of that from BA to us. However, it is on our list of questions to ask them.”