P&O Azura set to remain docked in the Port of Tyne as update issued

The P&O Cruises Azura, which has been berthed at the Port of Tyne in North Shields since January, is set to stay in the region until cruises restart.

Providing an update on the Azura Paul Ludlow, president of P&O Cruises, said the 115,055 tonne vessel, would likely return to service in Summer.

Mr Ludlow made the comments following the Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement that foreign holidays may resume from May, at the earliest.

SEE MORE: Greece set to open to UK holidaymakers from May - flights from the North-East

Mr Ludlow said it would take "some weeks" to prepare its fleet for the resumption of to operations but said the firm will be running a series of UK coastal cruises.

He said: "We are delighted that the Government has acknowledged that UK domestic cruise holidays can begin from May 17.

The Azura in North Shields Picture: GRANT PARKER

"Whilst it will take some weeks after this date for us to restart our operations we are very much looking forward to welcoming guests on board this summer for our series of Ultimate Escape staycations - UK coastal cruises.

"Azura will continue to be berthed in the Port of Tyne and will rejoin the fleet at some point as part of our ongoing preparations for our return to service this summer. We would like to thank the Port of Tyne for its continued assistance."

The ship, which can accommodate a staggering 3,100 passengers and 1,250 crew, arrived into the region on Friday, January 15.

At the time, hundreds of people gathered to watch it navigate its way into the Port of Tyne's cruise ship terminal.

But since then, scores of people have been spotted on the banks of the River Tyne with those on both sides eager to catch a glimpse of the impressive ship.

P&O Cruises previously acknowledged the region's "warm welcome" of its ship.

• Here's how you can see what cruise ships are due to arrive in the North-East in the next few months - click here