MORE than 300 cruise passengers are stranded at Dover after a major cruise company suddenly ceased trading. The passengers - most of them American - had left Dover on Saturday on board the Renaissance ship R Seven for a cruise to St Petersburg.

They reached Amsterdam, but then turned back and arrived at Dover again on Tuesday evening. Arrangements are being made for their travel home, and the crew will also have to be repatriated. The ship is berthed at Dover cruise terminal, and legal discussions are taking place about whether it should be arrested.

A spokesman for Renaissance Cruises said the company had ceased all cruise operations. He added: "Passengers and crew currently onboard our vessels are being disembarked and travel arrangements are being made to get them safely home."

Customers with future bookings are being told to contact their credit card companies or travel agents for refund arrangements.

The R Seven is the second ship currently held at Dover. Ocean Glory 1, which was detained after inspectors discovered a catalogue of safety faults in July, is still detained at the Eastern Arm. It is understood a buyer has been found for the vessel, but talks are continuing.