Cruise ship heads back to Southampton early due to propeller fault

Passengers on board cruise ship Oriana will be returning from their holiday three days earlier after propeller problems cut their Canary Islands cruise holiday short.

P&O Cruises gave holidaymakers the chance to spend the remaining days on board the vessel docked in Southampton, where it will return for repairs, or go home early.

Christopher Edgington, P&O Cruises director, told the Daily Echo: "Our decision to bring the ship back early has not been taken lightly and I am sorry that our customers' holiday plans have been impacted."

According to Cruise Critic, a P&O spokeswoman said: "The repairs, whilst required, have no impact on the ship's safety. Passengers have been kept fully informed of the situation and will be able to remain on board and enjoy the dining and entertainment offering on Oriana whilst in Southampton until Saturday, March 1."

Oriana's 14-night cruise from Southampton sailed to Madeira, the Canary Islands and Portugal. Cruisers missed a stop in La Palma and their visit to Gran Canaria was shortened.

Related articles

Has this cruise ship run aground on top of a hill?

Elderly British couple 'seriously injured' in attack on cruise ship