CRUISE ships previously moored in Weymouth Bay won’t be setting sail until May next year after operator Cunard extended its suspension of sailings.

The popular cruise liner, which operates the Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, made the announcement, citing 'ongoing restrictions' related to the coronavirus pandemic.

These multi-million cruise liners have been based in Weymouth Bay during the year, but Queen Elizabeth have since travelled to Torbay in Devon while Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 have since travelled across the British coastline.

Voyages on its ship Queen Elizabeth are cancelled up to June 4 next year, which is more than two months longer than previously announced.

Nearly six more weeks of cancellations affect Queen Mary 2 sailings, which are halted up to May 28.

Queen Victoria, which recently left Weymouth Bay, is scheduled to resume cruising on May 17, 2021.

Cunard president, Simon Palethorpe said: “Our extension to the pause in operations is the result of the ongoing restrictions on cruising in the UK and around the world and recognises the significant lead times to return to service, once those restrictions are lifted.

“We are extremely sorry for the disappointment we know this will cause.

“We know how much careful consideration goes into planning a holiday and apologise that our guests now have to wait a little longer to travel once again with Cunard.

“Guests are able to use their enhanced 125 per cent Future Cruise Credit to book for later in 2021 or for one of our newly announced 2022 voyages.

“The tremendous response already to our 2022 voyages, put on sale just a few weeks ago, clearly demonstrates our guests are eagerly anticipating travelling again with us.

“We’re equally looking forward to the time when we can welcome back our guests.”

Guests who have had their voyage cancelled will automatically receive a 125 per cent Future Cruise Credit, providing an additional 25 per cent on any monies paid, to redeem against a future voyage.

The 125 per cent Future Cruise Credit can be used on any new booking made by the end of December 2021 and on any voyage available at the time of booking. Voyages are currently available through to early 2023.

Guests preferring a refund should complete the form on Cunard.com. The UK Government has advised people to avoid cruises since July.