AFTER a "lost year" of lockdowns, social distancing and other restrictions, most of us are desperate for a foreign holiday in the sun.

Covid-19 and the resulting suspension of normal life has made the prospect of visiting exotic locations in far off places more tempting than ever.

Southampton's cruise industry, which is central to the city's economy, is hoping to set sail later in the year after months in the doldrums.

Domestic sailings are due to resume on May 17 - but those anxious to travel further afield will have to wait until the autumn.

All Queen Victoria's departures up to and including August 27 have been cancelled. Queen Elizabeth’s summer Mediterranean fly-cruise season, and all departures up to and including October 11, have also been axed.

Many of the international cruises currently being advertised on various websites will not take place until 2022.

Cunard and P&O Cruises are planning to stage a series of short UK sailings following the cancellation of international voyages.

Cunard's president, Simon Palethorpe, said: “With the UK government confirming that domestic travel is close on the horizon, we're introducing a series of exciting, shorter duration holidays.

"These will be sailings from Southampton, for UK residents, around the UK and will make the very most of the summer sunshine.

“However, with international travel restrictions still in place we need to cancel a number of departures.

"We know how much everyone is desperately looking forward to holidays overseas, so I am sincerely sorry for the disappointment this will cause.”

Paul Ludlow, president of P&O, added: "The UK cruises will enable everyone to enjoy a wonderful holiday this summer.

"Following recent announcements, and as the vaccine programme is rolled out across the globe, we can all begin to feel a sense of reassurance and hope that this current lockdown period in the UK will come to an end.

“Whilst holidays here in the UK will be the first to become a reality we will gradually see the return of international travel."

Southampton is used by several operators, including P&O, Cunard and Princess Cruises.

Ventura is leaving the city on September 5 for a 14-night cruise to the Baltic, returning on September 19. On December 20 it will embark on a Christmas cruise to the same destination.

Queen Mary 2 is leaving Southampton on November 14 at the start of a 26-night trip to New York and five sun-drenched islands in the Caribbean.

The ship is sailing again on December 15, when it will embark on another 26-night voyage to the same area, returning on January 10 2022.

Queen Victoria is departing on November 15 for a 12-night trip to Norway and the Northern Lights, calling at Tromso, Narvik and Stavanger.

The Fred Olsen vessel Bolette is leaving Southampton on November 2 for a five-night trip to Belgium and the Netherlands, followed by a 13-night trip to various destinations in the Mediterranean.

On December 6 it will embark on a pre-Christmas getaway to Spain and Portugal, calling at Lisbon, Las Palmas and Santa Cruz.

P&O are offering cruises to Spain and Portugal, the Canary Islands and Northern Europe between September and the end of the year.

Operators will round off 2021 with a series of trips to Christmas markets at various locations in Europe, including Hamburg, Rotterdam and Zeebrugge.