A group of British tourists aboard a cruise ship is facing uncertainty off the coast of Barbados following recent actions involving Venezuela linked to Donald Trump. The travelers embarked on the P&O cruise ship Arvia from Barbados on January 2, 2025, with scheduled stops in Martinique, St Kitts, the British Virgin Islands, and other destinations. However, due to military developments in Venezuela, the ship has been forced to return to Barbados multiple times, accommodating passengers affected by flight cancellations or delays.
Passengers like Lizzy Meadowcroft, 56, and her partner Mark Crowther from Morecambe, Lancashire, shared their concerns as the vessel remains docked in Barbados until the evening before continuing to St Lucia. The disruption has left many passengers stranded, with aircraft instructed to avoid certain Caribbean areas by the US Federal Aviation Administration in response to the unfolding events. Meadowcroft expressed disappointment over the lack of clear communication, citing initial explanations of weather-related delays and aircraft issues before attributing the setbacks to Trump’s actions in Venezuela.
Amid the chaos, P&O Cruises has been actively coordinating with charter carriers to secure alternative flight arrangements for approximately 5000 affected guests, ensuring smooth travel logistics for all passengers. The cruise line’s spokesperson reassured that efforts are underway to prioritize and communicate revised itineraries to allow guests to proceed with their vacation plans seamlessly.
The recent bombing of Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, by Trump marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the US and the Latin American nation. The President’s accusations against Venezuela, including drug trafficking allegations and narco-terrorism charges against President Nicolas Maduro in 2020, have heightened the diplomatic confrontation.
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