CRUISE passengers stranded in Southampton have been flocking to hotels and bed and breakfasts after Queen Mary 2's transatlantic voyage to New York was cancelled.

Though it’s not good news for the travel industry as Cunard’s flagship ocean liner sits dormant in Southampton docks, the city’s hospitality sector has turned a negative into a positive as some passengers spent an extra day in Southampton.

The ship was supposed to set sail on Sunday but the crossing had to be cancelled due to a technical fault.

READ MORE: Cunard passenger 'disappointed' at cancelled cruise

Bridget Vyze, General Manager of The White Star in Oxford Street, told the Daily Echo: “We had lots of American guests who had booked a room with us on Saturday night with the intention of leaving for the Queen Mary 2 on Sunday morning.

“Many of them were having breakfast when they found out the news that their cruise to New York had been cancelled at about 9.30 in the morning.”

Bridget added: “To give them credit they were all very chilled and relaxed about it as I guess it was a situation that was out of their control.

“So, in the end I had quite a busy day ordering taxis to Heathrow, taxis to Gatwick and even trains that went to Paris, as people understandably wanted to get home. It was unbelievable really, but we were happy to help.”

Daily Echo: Passengers stranded in Southampton as Queen Mary 2 cruise to New York is cancelled

In a statement, a spokesperson for port operator ABP told The Echo: “The Queen Mary 2 will have an extended stay in port until its technical issues are rectified.

“We are working with Cunard to establish a plan to continue our operations and support the safe sail of the ship.”

Cunard confirmed that as Sunday's transatlantic crossing could not go ahead, the return voyage has now been cancelled too.

Daily Echo: The White Star Tavern in Oxford Street saw cancelled cruise passengers stay an extra nightThe White Star Tavern in Oxford Street saw cancelled cruise passengers stay an extra night (Image: Matt Davey)

Bridget added: “It’s had an interesting effect on us because we were expecting those people to leave us on Sunday – which some did – but others booked for an extra night with us which is nice.”

“We’ve even had one couple extend their stay with us until Friday, so they’re practically spending a week in the city.

“Naturally, I wish the circumstances were different because I’m sure those passengers that are now in Southampton were intending to be on their way to New York by now but business in Southampton is booming.

“We’ve heard that some of our customers have gone to visit Winchester and the Isle of Wight while they’ve been here. Even from the hotel’s point of view the restaurant has been packed and we’ve had so many walk-ins.”