IT was meant to be the trip of a lifetime to celebrate the year of their golden wedding anniversary.

Instead of the spectacular sights of Madeira, Rio de Janeiro and Port Stanley, John and Jean Solly saw nothing more than the Isle of Wight.

The Titchfield couple booked their places on Aurora Grand Voyage more than a year ago after deciding to turn their world cruise dream into a reality.

Now, 13 days after they were due to have set sail on the £200m superliner, the pair are back at home in Garstons Close with their anniversary holiday plans in tatters.

"We booked the cruise in October 2003 and we have been waiting all this time," said 70-year-old John.

"We liked the itinerary offered on the Aurora, particularly the stop-offs in South America, as well as Australia, where we have friends."

Wife Jean, 67, said most passengers had been optimistic the cruise would go-ahead until the captain announced they were turning back at 9am on Thursday morning.

"Everyone was very disappointed. It's not P&O's fault. It's just one of those things."

The couple, who both worked as PE teachers at West Hill Park School in Titchfield, said they had been treated well on board with entertainment provided by singer Elaine Paige and comedian Jimmy Tarbuck.

"P&O did everything they possibly could have done to help all the passengers," said John. Now he and Jean, who married in London on December 10 1955, are looking ahead to choosing another cruise. However, the couple, who have three children and 11 grandchildren, added they would only step aboard the Aurora once the liner is given the all clear.

"I don't want to go on any more sea trials," said John.

THEY should have been enjoying a day discovering the delights of Rio De Janeiro. Instead all 1,367 of the passengers who decided to stay on board the ill-fated Aurora yesterday stepped through Southampton's P&O arrivals terminal to make their way home. As many as 1,700 passengers paying between £9,800 and £41,985 had originally booked on the trip but 378 had jumped ship over the last ten days. All passengers have been given a full refund and 25 per cent discount on a future trip.

P&O spokeswoman Penny Guy said: "Early next week a decision will be taken as to where the repair work will be undertaken. It will either be at a ship repair facility in the UK or Germany."