Earlier this week, MSC Cruises’ Virtuosa was refused the right to dock in Greenock, less than 36 hours before the ship’s scheduled arrival in the Scottish port.

The Scottish government has banned all cruise calls until the entire country can be placed under Scotland’s lowest level of Covid protection. This decision is not due to be reviewed until 28 June.

This move has forced Saga to change its Scottish Highlands and Islands cruise on Spirit of Discovery, due to depart on 27 June, to a West Country and South Coast trip from Tilbury.

Saga is also converting its scheduled Northern Isles to the Fjords cruise, departing 3 July, into a West County and South Coast itinerary from Tilbury.

Nigel Blanks, chief executive of Saga Cruises, said in a message to passengers that it was a “difficult decision” to amend these cruises.

“I appreciate this may be disappointing news but we were left with little choice and have acted quickly to ensure a new itinerary that we are confident will be popular with guests who are so keen to return to cruising,” added Blanks.

Sage said it would refund 10% of the fare paid for these cruises due to the late change and would automatically transfer bookings to the new itineraries with the guest’s permission.