PASSENGERS aboard the Southampton-based liner Aurora were waiting to find out today if their world cruise would begin - two days late.

Nearly 1,780 passengers who paid up to £42,000 each for a three-month cruise were instead taken for a voyage around on the Isle of Wight.

The £200m superliner - flagship of the P&O Cruises fleet - was slowly making her way around the Island today after suffering problems with the propulsion system at the start of the 104-day Grand Voyage.

Engineers with the shipping liner are desperately trying to sort out the embarrassing problem because the alternative is to abort the trip.

The sea trials around the Island are testing repairs. Passengers will discover today whether these have been a success and if their cruise can go ahead.

It is understood that at least seven passengers have jumped ship and been given refunds after problems surfaced on Sunday.

The voyage was scheduled to visit 40 ports in 23 countries including Brazil, the Falklands, Australia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan and America.

A P&O spokesman confirmed Aurora was sailing for 24 hours just off the entrance to Southampton Water.

He added: "Once the testing has been completed, P&O Cruises will be in a position to advise passengers of the necessary amendments to the forthcoming cruise itinerary.

"Passengers are being kept fully informed of the progress of the work."

If the ship has to limp back to port in Southampton, it will be the biggest publicity blow to Aurora since being dubbed the "plague ship" in October 2003.

More than 600 passengers and crew were hit by the Norovirus stomach bug and it sparked a diplomatic row by docking in Gibraltar. Spain shut its border with the British-owned Rock for the first time in 18 years.

The German-built ship has suffered problems since its naming ceremony in May 2000 in Southampton.

Princess Anne failed to smash a champagne bottle on her and it fell in the dock - a traditional sign of bad luck. A week later Aurora broke down on her maiden voyage, leaving a £6m compensation bill.