SOUTHAMPTON Docks' biggest cruise ship customer has refused to comment on reports that the liner Victoria is set to leave the city-based fleet.

Suggestions within the cruising industry have recently surfaced that the 34-year-old vessel could soon be setting sail for a new career under a different owner.

P&O Princess Cruises, which began operating Victoria in the late 1970s, said it was its policy not to respond to rumours.

At 27,670 tons, the classic cruise ship Victoria has, over the years, built up a fiercely loyal following of regular customers who are attracted back to the ship time and time again by her traditional British style.

These days, with her small, almost yacht-like atmosphere, Victoria is unlike the rest of P&O Princess Cruises' Southampton fleet of large superliners which earlier this year was significantly boosted with the arrival of the 76,000-ton luxury vessel, Aurora.

Although a company spokesman would not be drawn on the future of Victoria, it is known that the owners, like all other operators, would seriously consider an approach if the right offer was forthcoming, especially for a vessel of this age.

The ship entered service with the one-time Swedish America Line before transferring to P&O.