In a statement, president Paul Ludlow said the process was “still continuing” adding, “no decisions will be made or communicated until we reach the conclusion at the end of the month”.

P&O parent Carnival UK announced last month a restructuring “across all levels" of its business.

Although the line declined to address individual cases, business manager Neal Hussey tweeted on Monday (15 June) to say he was being made redundant.

Hussey said: “A very sad day today as I am notified my role with P&O Cruises is to be made redundant at the end of June. 

“Those that know me professionally and personally will know how much both P&O Cruises and the cruise industry as a whole mean to me."

He went on to thank colleagues “all of who have made my time with P&O Cruises a dream”. 

https://twitter.com/NealHusseyUK/status/1272592632724762626

Ludlow insisted the line’s commitment to the travel trade “remains as strong as ever” and support from agents “will be vital” as it begins to redeploy ships. 

He said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has not only affected the holidays of our guests but it has also impacted every part of our business; our future deployment; the guest experience; our supply chain and our people on ship and on shore. During our pause in operations we have tried to create as much certainty and stability as possible for our colleagues in the office as well as those on board.  

"Unfortunately though and similar to many businesses, as Covid-19 has continued to impact our way of life it is necessary to make changes to our organisation to build a stable platform for the time we phase our ships back into service and for future growth.

“We appreciate it is a very difficult and unsettling time for everyone but we are following a clear and fair consultation process and considering the suggestions put forward by each individual. 

"I am so proud to see so many examples of absolute professionalism throughout this period with everyone supporting each other. The process is still continuing and no decisions will be made or communicated until we reach the conclusion at the end of the month. 

"Our commitment to the travel trade remains as strong as ever and support from agents will be vital as we develop our re-start plans."