A Southampton cruise ship has been refused entry into Argentina as a result of the increasing bitter row over the Falkland Islands.

The 77,500 ton Adonia, part of the fleet of ships operated by P&O Cruises out of Southampton was turned away by the Argentine authorities after stopping off at the Falkland Islands.

Adonia was scheduled to visit the port of Ushuaia in Argentina but the local port authorities refused to permit the ship to dock.

Another ship, Star Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, which has its UK headquarters in Southampton, has also been refused entry into the same port following a similar docking at Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.

Adonia's call at the Falkland Islands last Saturday was part of an 87-night long voyage from Southampton to South America.

A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London said it was in contact with P&O Cruises, and was seeking “urgent clarification'' on the situation through diplomatic channels.

Adonia is due back in Southampton on April 9.