Cruise ship visit cancelled due to defect

The visit to Orkney of one of the largest cruise liners of the season was cancelled this morning after the ship suffered from a technical issue which prevented it from coming alongside Hatston Pier.

The Caribbean Princess, which can carry up to 3600 passengers, sailed into Kirkwall Bay earlier this morning.

However, instead of coming alongside as expected, the ship turned around and left, leaving many who saw it bemused as to why.

When asked for a statement, a spokesman for OIC Marine Services said: “The ship cancelled due to a defect which prevented her from berthing in the prevailing weather.”