Virgin Atlantic did not fly P&O Cruises customers during the winter 2023/24 season but it has since partnered with the cruise line for the past two Caribbean fly-cruise programmes.

Between October 2026 and March 2027, Virgin Atlantic will operate an Airbus A330 whole plane charter in a three-class configuration from Manchester every 14 days for Arvia's guests joining in Barbados on a Friday.

Norse Atlantic will operate Saturday flights from Manchester and Gatwick to Antigua on selected departure dates.

It will also offer flights to Barbados from Gatwick, Manchester and regional flights from Cardiff, Glasgow, and Newcastle on selected departure dates.

Tui Airways will operate Friday and Saturday flights to Barbados from Gatwick, Birmingham, and Manchester and will also offer regional flights from Belfast, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, and Newcastle on selected departure dates.

Both Tui Airways and Norse Atlantic have modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners with economy and premium economy cabins.

Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “For our fly-cruise guests, their holiday begins at the airport, so getting the flight experience right really matters to us. That’s why we’re delighted to be continuing our long‑standing relationships with Tui, Norse Atlantic, and Virgin Atlantic."

He added: "Together, these partnerships mean our guests can enjoy consistently high‑quality journeys, with the comfort and care they know and love from P&O Cruises, right from take‑off.”

P&O Cruises passengers flying on any of the three airlines will be offered the following: a choice of economy or premium economy, plus upper class with Virgin Atlantic; luggage allowance of 23kg, in addition to 10kg of hand baggage; and in-flight entertainment. 

Prices for Arvia’s 14-night Eastern Caribbean Islands Fly-Cruise currently start from £1,659 per person based on two people sharing an inside cabin.