P&O Cruises is repairing a crack discovered on a deck of the Southampton based luxury cruise liner Ventura.

The state-of the-art ship, which carries more than 3,000 passengers, arrived in Southampton this morning.

Passengers reported the crack to be at least two inches wide across one of the exterior decks.

They reported the deck cracked open during a rough crossing across the Bay of Biscay, although P&O said the cause was being investigated.

The 116,017 tonne ship, which has 1,550 cabins and fourteen public decks, entered service in April 2008.

A P&O Cruises spokeswoman said: "Repairs will be made to an aluminium deck on Ventura upon arrival in Southampton today. This has no structural strength or safety implications.

“Ventura will leave Southampton later today as planned for a two night cruise."

The vessel is due to sail at 4.30pm this afternoon.