Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV), the UK based operator of two small cruise liners, has been forced to abandon a 15 night cruise on the 20,600 gross ton Discovery from Bristol to Norway due to technical problems and adverse weather conditions, the company said in a statement.

 “The vessel was originally scheduled to sail from Bristol Avonmouth on Thursday 28 February 2013 but due to adverse weather conditions en route from Genoa, compounded by tidal restrictions in Bristol, Discovery was re-routed to Portland where our passengers embarked,’ CMV said.

The 1972 built Discovery has undergone an extensive dry docking period and is operating under her new joint venture partners, All Leisure Holidays and Cruise & Maritime Voyages. “Due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control and notwithstanding the recent dry docking, the vessel has encountered technical problems which prevent her from sailing. We have been unable to resolve these technical issues to enable us to continue with the cruise on time and further works will have to be undertaken to ensure all issues are fully resolved,” CMV stated.

“Passengers were informed by the Captain last evening that the vessel is unable to perform her planned itinerary and arrangements are in place for their disembarkation and onward transportation on Saturday March. Our passengers will be receiving a full refund of their cruise fare and in addition, compensation of  £250 per person and a discount of 40% on a future Discovery cruise if booked by 30 April 2013,” CMV said.

It is envisaged that Discovery will be ready for its next scheduled departure from Avonmouth on 15 March.