Jetline Holidays Collapse Cancels 5,000 Cruise Bookings

Thousands of holidaymakers are grappling with cancellations and financial uncertainty following the sudden collapse of UK-based travel operator Jetline Holidays. Jetline Travel Ltd., the parent company which traded as Jetline Cruise and several other brands, officially ceased trading as an Air Travel Organisers Licensing (ATOL) holder on March 6, 2025, according to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This development has left nearly 5,000 customers affected, with a significant number holding cruise bookings that have been canceled.

Cruise Bookings Canceled Across Multiple Lines

The collapse impacts passengers with bookings on major cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, and others. Following an alleged breach of contract, Carnival Corporation terminated all Jetline bookings for its cruise brands, leaving passengers in limbo. While P&O Cruises confirmed that some bookings have been salvaged by transferring them to direct reservations, other passengers have been left scrambling to confirm trip validity.

Jetlines customers have reported difficulties contacting the company, with many stating that calls go unanswered, Facebook comments are restricted, and no clear updates are forthcoming. Affected passengers have been advised by cruise lines to directly confirm their bookings and settle outstanding balances where needed.

ATOL Protection and Limited Coverage

The UK’s ATOL scheme provides consumer protection for flight-inclusive packages in the event a travel company collapses. However, Jetline’s collapse reveals gaps in protection for customers who booked cruise-only trips, non-flight packages, or accommodation-only deals. Any bookings not containing a flight element are outside ATOL’s scope, putting additional financial pressure on impacted travelers to cover losses.

The CAA has clarified: “If you are currently overseas and hold a scheduled flight e-ticket, the flight remains valid for your return journey.” They are working to ensure that other parts of affected holidays, such as hotel stays and transfers, can proceed as planned. However, unprocessed payments to local suppliers mean customers may need to rebook—and re-pay—for certain services.

Industry and Customer Reactions

Steven Roberts, director of Jetline Holidays, briefly addressed the situation in a local interview, stating, “We are trying to deal with various issues and will provide updates as soon as possible.” However, no concrete resolution has been presented, frustrating customers who have reported last-minute notices from cruise lines demanding additional payments to secure their trips.

Similarly, representatives from The Advantage Travel Partnership, a network connected to Jetline, expressed disappointment over the collapse and concern for impacted holidaymakers and staff members. Cruise industry stakeholders, like Carnival Corporation, confirmed in a statement that they “sincerely apologize for the disruption caused to affected guests” and are working on alternative arrangements.

What Customers Should Do Next

The CAA and cruise lines have issued guidance for affected holidaymakers:

• Confirm bookings directly with the cruise line to determine validity and outstanding fees.
• For flight-inclusive packages, consult ATOL protection documents for guidance on refunds.
• Recheck other travel elements, such as accommodations and transfers, which may not have been paid to local suppliers.
• If ATOL protection applies, file a claim with ATOL using provided certificates.
• For overseas travelers with scheduled flights, proceed with their return ticket as planned.

Jetline Travel Ltd., established in 2000, operated under various trading names, including Bargain Late Holidays, Save on Sun, and Elegant Getaways. Its ship-focused division, Jetline Cruise, was known for working with several major lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and MSC Cruises, alongside luxury brands. Despite its two decades of service, its closure has illuminated vulnerabilities in the travel protection framework.

As this situation continues to unfold, passengers are urged to monitor updates from the CAA and cruise operators while taking immediate action to secure alternative arrangements or pursue eligible refunds.

What companies are affected by Jetline’s collapse?

Cruise lines affected include Princess Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, and others. Jetline Holidays also traded under different names, potentially impacting packages from brands like Bargain Late Holidays and Save on Sun.

Are Jetline’s cruise bookings protected by ATOL?

Only bookings that include a flight element are covered by ATOL. Cruise-only trips, accommodation-only bookings, or non-flight packages fall outside this protection, leaving customers responsible for recovering losses.

Can customers still use some parts of their trip?

The CAA has confirmed that scheduled flights with valid e-tickets remain operable for return journeys. However, other elements like accommodations and transfers may require rebooking if payments did not reach local suppliers.

What steps should travelers take to recover their money?

Travelers should check their ATOL certificates to confirm coverage eligibility. For cruise bookings, contact the operator directly to confirm the status and resolve any outstanding balances. File claims promptly if reimbursements are allowed under ATOL or through credit card protection.

The fallout from Jetline’s collapse underscores the importance of robust consumer protections as travelers navigate unexpected disruptions in an increasingly complex global travel industry.