A SOUTHAMPTON-based cruise ship will be delayed returning to the UK by 24 hours due to a “technical issue”.

P&O Cruises have announced that the liner the Azura was unable to call into Stavanger in Norway as made its trips around the Scandinavian country’s fjords.

The liner, which can carry 3,096 passengers, had to make an overnight stop in Flam on Tuesday night.

It will now be coming into Southampton a day later than planned and passengers due to board the next cruise are to be advised about the changes to boarding times.

A spokesman for P&O Cruises said: “An expert technical team is investigating the cause of the issue and Azura will be docking in Bergen this evening while further testing takes place.

“As a result there will be a 24 hour delay to the Southampton arrival, which is now scheduled for Saturday morning.

“Our customer care team will be contacting all passengers due to join the next cruise, a 14 night Mediterranean itinerary, to advise of this change to boarding time.”