Severe weather and disruption in France have forced substantial changes to two cruises from Southampton, delaying departures aboard P&O Cruises' Ventura and MSC Cruises' MSC Virtuosa.
Ventura returned to Southampton a day later than scheduled on Sunday 25 October 2026, reducing its next seven-night holiday to six nights. MSC Virtuosa embarked guests on Saturday but remained alongside overnight, with two French calls removed and Vigo added to its revised itinerary.
The separate disruptions affected thousands of passengers during the school half-term period. Storm Austen and Storm Boelo were cited in communications concerning Ventura, while MSC Virtuosa's changes were attributed to weather in the English Channel and Bay of Biscay together with industrial action affecting France.
Ventura arrives one day late
Ventura had been due to complete its previous cruise in Southampton on Saturday 24 October. Rough conditions prevented the ship from returning according to its original schedule, and it instead arrived at approximately 6.07am on Sunday.
Guests booked on the following voyage were informed that embarkation would take place on Sunday rather than Saturday. Their allocated terminal check-in times were retained but moved to the new date.
The delay shortened the planned seven-night France, Spain and Portugal itinerary to six nights. Cherbourg, which was due to be the first port of call, was removed from the schedule. P&O Cruises also referred to protests and civil disruption in France when explaining the cancellation.
The remainder of Ventura's itinerary was expected to continue with visits to Porto on 27 October, Lisbon on 28 October and Vigo on 29 October before returning to Southampton on 31 October.
Future-cruise credit offered to Ventura guests
According to communications sent to affected passengers and reported by cruise-news outlets, P&O Cruises is providing future-cruise credit calculated on the value of the lost day.
The reported offer is a credit towards a future P&O Cruises booking rather than a cash payment. Guests should refer to their individual notification for the precise value, validity period and booking conditions attached to the credit.
The delayed return will also have affected travel and accommodation arrangements for passengers leaving the previous sailing and those waiting to board. Any independently booked hotels, transport or insurance claims will be governed by the terms of the relevant provider.
MSC Virtuosa remains overnight in Southampton
MSC Virtuosa was originally due to leave Southampton at 8pm on Saturday 24 October for a seven-night cruise to France and northern Spain. Passengers embarked, but the ship remained in port overnight as MSC assessed conditions expected along the route.
Departure was rescheduled for 7pm on Sunday 25 October. Unlike Ventura, the published duration of the MSC cruise remained seven nights, with the ship still scheduled to return to Southampton on Saturday 31 October.
However, the route changed substantially. La Rochelle, scheduled for Monday 26 October, was cancelled because of forecast sea conditions. The ship retained its calls at Bilbao on 27 October and A Coruña on 28 October.
Vigo was added as a replacement port for Thursday 29 October, with an intended call from 8am until 6pm. Le Havre, originally scheduled for Friday 30 October, was removed because of industrial action affecting the French port, turning that day into a sea day.
Excursion refunds on MSC Virtuosa
MSC-booked excursions for La Rochelle and Le Havre were expected to be cancelled automatically, with refunds credited to passengers' onboard accounts. Shore excursions for the newly added Vigo call were to be made available through MSC's onboard channels and the MSC for Me app.
Passengers who arranged private excursions in the cancelled ports will need to contact their tour operators directly. Refund rights for independent bookings depend on each provider's terms and conditions.
Weather and French disruption combine
The cruise alterations came during a weekend of widespread weather-related disruption across the United Kingdom. Met Office warnings for Storm Austen highlighted potentially damaging winds, large waves and likely disruption to road, rail, air and ferry services.
The Southampton situation demonstrates how disruption can continue even when ships and terminals remain operational. Cruise lines may alter arrival times, delay departure or change ports when conditions along the wider route make the original schedule unsuitable.
French disruption added a separate complication. MSC Virtuosa's lost Le Havre call and Ventura's removal of Cherbourg were not solely presented as weather decisions, with industrial action, protests or civil disruption also cited.
Passengers aboard both ships should continue checking cruise-line messages and onboard announcements because timings can change again as weather and port conditions develop.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Ventura delayed?
P&O Cruises cited the effects of Storm Austen and Storm Boelo when delaying Ventura's return to Southampton by approximately 24 hours.
Has Ventura's cruise been shortened?
Yes. The voyage beginning on 25 October is operating as a six-night cruise rather than the seven-night itinerary originally scheduled to begin on 24 October.
Which Ventura port was cancelled?
The planned call at Cherbourg was cancelled. Porto, Lisbon and Vigo remained on the reported revised itinerary.
What compensation are Ventura passengers receiving?
Reported passenger communications say guests will receive future-cruise credit equal to the prorated value of one cruise day. Individual conditions should be confirmed directly with P&O Cruises.
Why did MSC Virtuosa stay in Southampton?
MSC kept the ship alongside overnight because of expected weather conditions in the English Channel and Bay of Biscay. Its departure moved from Saturday evening to Sunday evening.
Which MSC Virtuosa ports were cancelled?
La Rochelle was cancelled because of forecast conditions and Le Havre was removed because of industrial action. Vigo was added as a replacement call.
Will MSC refund cancelled excursions?
Excursions purchased through MSC for La Rochelle and Le Havre were expected to be refunded to guests' onboard accounts. Independently booked tours are subject to the provider's own terms.
Weather, port conditions and industrial action can change quickly. Passengers should treat their cruise line's latest direct communication as authoritative.