A group of British holidaymakers is facing uncertainty aboard a cruise ship circling Barbados following recent events involving Venezuela and Donald Trump. The travelers embarked on the P&O cruise ship Arvia from Barbados on January 2, 2025, with scheduled stops at various destinations, including Martinique, St Kitts, and the British Virgin Islands.
However, due to military actions in Venezuela linked to Trump’s recent actions, passengers claim they have not ventured more than 30 miles from the shore and have had to return to Barbados three times to accommodate passengers affected by flight cancellations or delays.
Lizzy Meadowcroft, 56, and her partner Mark Crowther from Morecambe, Lancashire, shared their experience, stating that the ship made its third stop in Barbados and is expected to depart for St Lucia later today. Many passengers missed the cruise due to flight disruptions caused by US Federal Aviation Administration instructions to avoid certain Caribbean areas after the military activities.
Expressing disappointment with the lack of clear communication, Lizzy mentioned the changing reasons given for the delays, which initially attributed to weather and aircraft issues before linking it to Trump’s actions. The uncertainty surrounding potential further developments in Venezuela has added to passengers’ concerns, with many feeling let down after saving for their holiday.
A P&O spokesperson reassured that all guests now have confirmed flight arrangements to and from Barbados following the disruptions caused by international air restrictions. The cruise line has arranged new flights for around 5000 guests and is prioritizing communication about the revised itinerary to ensure guests can continue their planned holiday smoothly.
Trump’s recent military actions in Caracas, Venezuela, represent a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the US and the Latin American nation. The President’s accusations of Venezuela flooding the US with drugs and the narco-terrorism charges against President Nicolas Maduro have fueled the strained relations between the two countries.