Britannia Propulsion Fault Forces Return to Barbados and Itinerary Changes – 2 January 2026

Britannia propulsion fault forced the cruise ship to return to Barbados on 2 January 2026, after passengers were told that the planned St Lucia calls would be canceled.

The P&O Cruises ship was sailing a 14-day New Year in the Caribbean Islands cruise from Bridgetown, Barbados, when it departed Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Passengers were then advised that the ship would return to Barbados because of a fault requiring assistance ashore, inspection and repairs.

The itinerary had already been affected by the cancellation of the planned Aruba call. The unscheduled return to Barbados cast doubt on the remaining ports, including St Lucia, Antigua and St Maarten. P&O later confirmed that the itinerary had been amended because of a technical matter and that the ship required repairs.

Passenger accounts suggested that the difficulties involved the ship’s electrical power and propulsion systems. One account also described a loss of electrical power while Britannia was docked in Willemstad, Curaçao, before emergency systems restored electricity.

After the repair period, Britannia resumed its planned route. Martinique was added as a replacement call, while the ship also visited St Maarten before completing the amended itinerary.

This log records one reported propulsion and power incident. The available account does not report any passenger or crew injuries or deaths connected with the fault.