P&O Cruises has confirmed plans to launch an online live chat function to help streamline communication with its travel agent partners

The new initiative was announced by the line’s associate vice president of sales and distribution Ruth Venn on Friday (5 June) during a panel session onboard Britannia as part of the 2026 CLIA Conference.

“We are still finding that some customers need a bit more ‘hand holding’ than others when it comes to booking a cruise, so our dedicated support desk – which we share with Cunard – is always on hand to help our agents convert these clients,” Venn said.

“To support [agents] further, we will be implementing a new live chat function later this year. Instead of holding for a call, agents will be able to contact our team directly via this new functionality.”

Paul Moran, senior manager of sales for P&O Cruises, said the move comes as the line looks to streamline its communication channels.

“We want to be easy to do business with regardless of the size of the travel agencies we work with. We have our series of ship visits planned and training initiatives, so this new live chat will add to that portfolio even further.”

P&O Cruises confirmed that more details around the new functionality will be announced in due course.

‘It’s been the hardest period for sales since Covid’

Elsewhere, P&O Cruises chief commercial officer Stuart Allison highlighted the importance of closer collaboration between the line and travel agents following the turbulent start to 2026.

“It has been a challenging period for all of us,” he said. “It’s probably been the hardest period for selling holidays since the pandemic. There has been so much fear mongering around being stranded or the increase in fuel price, which makes now the perfect time to sell cruise.

“There has never been a better time to convince a first-timer to try a sailing. In times like these, people look for a trusted brand, a trusted name and a company that will look after them.”