A SOUTHAMPTON-based liner is reported to have been banned from entering Jordanian waters after an outbreak of highly-contagious stomach bug norvovirus.

The Queen Mary 2, currently in the Red Sea, was barred from the port of the Salalah last Friday and is now facing further restrictions on its movements.

Passenger Graeme Clements told the Daily Echo: "The ship has been struck with a norovirus outbreak and has today been denied access to Jordanian waters."

Others have turned to social media following the outbreak, which is said to have got worse since the end of last week.

Louis De Sousa said: "My friend onboard sent me this: 'The ship is on RED alert for gastro!! Official denied our entry'."

Queen Mary 2 was hit by a similar outbreak in 2013.

Specially enhanced cleaning measures were implemented by the ship's crew to contain the illness, which affected eight people out of the 2,462 passengers on board.

Queen Mary 2, also known as QM2, is the first major ocean-going vessel built since Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1969.

She is one of the biggest passenger ships in the world, with 15 restaurants and bars, five swimming pools, and a casino.

QM2 has a maximum speed of more than 30 knots (35mph) and a cruising speed of 26 knots (30mph), making her much faster than other contemporary vessels.

A Cunard spokesman said; “Despite extensive negotiations with relevant port authorities Queen Mary 2 has been refused entry into Aqaba tomorrow following a minor outbreak of gastro illness on board. 

“Guests who have booked shore excursions will receive automatic refunds and the ship will continue en route through the Suez Canal. 

"The call at Limassol will be brought forward by 24 hours and will now be on Thursday April 28.

“There are 2403 guests on board with seven guests confirmed as symptomatic.

“Queen Mary 2 is currently on a 120 day world voyage which left Southampton on January 10, 2016 and arrives back on May 10, 2016