Let me start by saying that overall the cruise was very enjoyable. We were due to fly from Gatwick at 8.00am on December 20th but the flight was pushed back until 4.30, so having arrived at Gatwick the night before we didn't bother going to the airport until midday. Once checked in we popped up to the Executive lounge to relax until the flight was called. When 4.30 came around, the information board informed us that there would be more information by 5.30pm. When 5.30 came with no new information, we decided to go the information desk where we were informed that nearly all of the P&O passengers had been taken to a hotel for an overnight stay as the plane had been cancelled and would now be departing the next day. Being in the lounge there had been no announcement of this.
I must clarify that the plane was cancelled not because of the snow but because of a 'technical issue' with the plane that was due to fly down from Manchester to collect us.
After waiting two hours in the main departure lounge for a Thomas Cook representative to lead us out, we were helped by an airport operative who took us to the luggage claim to collect our cases and take us to the Thomas Cook desk in the arrivals hall. Once there, we were met by a very unhelpful chap called 'Mike' and when we informed him of what had happened he simply dismissed us by saying 'the other 300 passengers managed to hear the announcement so I don't get why you didn't'. Very helpful after waiting eight hours in an airport!!