P &O Cruises has delayed the maiden voyage of its newest ship Arvia by a fortnight.

The inaugural sailing was due to depart from Southampton on 9 December.

However, in a statement, the cruise line said the 5,200-passenger ship’s first passenger cruise will now leave Southampton on 23 December.

It said the maiden voyage had been delayed due to ‘reasons beyond our control’.

Passengers booked to travel on the 9 December have been given a refund and 10% future cruise credit.

The cruise blog CruiseHive reported that they had also been invited to a lunch onboard and a ship tour, so that they could still be among the first to experience P&O’s newest ship.

P&O Cruises said in a statement: “Whilst we know this is disappointing for those guests who were booked to travel on December 9, we will not compromise on the high standards of build, interior design and service for which P&O Cruises is known.”

The first cruise, departing on 23 December, will visit Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands, before the ship moves to the Caribbean in January.