Breakdown hits luxury cruise ship

Passengers are paying about £10,000 for the voyage

A scheduled round-the-world cruise has been halted because of technical problems on board a luxury liner.

The 1,752 passengers on the Aurora were due to leave Southampton on Sunday but problems with the propulsion system have delayed the 80-day trip.

A spokeswoman for P&O said repairs had been carried out but the ship now needed to undergo a sea trial for at least 24 hours.

The company says a new start date for the voyage has not yet been confirmed.

Passengers have been allowed to remain on board while the repairs and sea trial are being carried out.

"Passengers are being keptfully informed of the progress of the work," said the spokeswoman.

"P&O Cruises regrets any disappointment caused by the delay to the start of this cruise holiday and the ship's staff are continuing to ensure the comfort of passengers on board Aurora."