A BOLTON couple who were looking forward to a romantic Caribbean cruise claim they have been left "high and dry" by Cunard.

Jean and Jeffrey Allen were told on Friday that the cruise they booked almost twelve months ago was cancelled - because Cunard had sold the ship, named The Countess.

The couple, who live in Louvaine Avenue, Barrow Bridge, say they were looking forward to celebrating their wedding anniversary on board, and were due to set sail next month.

Although the cruise company has offered alternative holidays, the couple - who paid £3373 for the trip - are still not happy.

Mrs Allen said: "We booked last October because we wanted this particular cruise and we wanted the choice of the cabins.

"To be told just a few weeks before our holiday that it is cancelled is despicable."

She said that Cunard could not offer them a similar cruise to the Caribbean with the standard of accommodation they wanted.

"They have left us high and dry," complained Mrs Allen.

The couple had chosen the cruise because it had ports of call at eleven Caribbean islands.

Mrs Allen added: "I think Cunard are uncaring and unethical. If they knew the Countess was going to be sold why did they take bookings?

"We are both so angry."

A spokesman for Cunard said the sale of the Countess reflected the company's move from "middle market cruises" to concentrate on luxury cruises.

She said the sale to a bidder in Indonesia took place "very quickly" and the company was not able to warn customers.

And she added that Cunard was doing everything possible to find alternative holidays for those customers affected.

"We are currently negotiating with other cruise companies to offer customers alternatives and some have even been upgraded on our cruises.

"If customers cannot find a suitable alternative we will give a full refund."

Cunard has set up a hotline for customers on - 01703 716598.

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