A DREAM cruise turned into a nightmare for a couple from Trowbridge when their luxury liner was hit by a hurricane, turned away from ports and a passenger died on board.

Grenville and Jean Robbins, of Lydiard Way, had booked the cruise as a special treat for Mr Robbins' 70th birthday.

But the trip was beset with disaster and the couple said they were left feeling "very bitter".

They had been on board the MV Athena and were due to visit Nova Scotia, New England, Boston, New York and The Azores during a 25-day cruise.

But they were hit by the edge of Hurricane Florence in the middle of the Atlantic and a 70-year-old man died when he fell on some steps during the storm.

The first port was missed due to the weather and, following the death, the ship went straight to Halifax, Nova Scotia, missing the second scheduled stop in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

They were delayed by local authorities at Bar Harbour, Maine, and refused entry into Boston before getting to New York earlier than planned.

Mr Robbins said: "We were at sea nearly all the time - we only had five days maximum in port."

"It was such a disappointment - we couldn't wait to go when we booked it, but we couldn't wait to get back once we were on board."

The ship's captain also decided to miss the last stop in The Azores and instead the 500 passengers were told they would have a day in Brest, France.

Mr Robbins said: "We didn't want to go to Brest - everyone just wanted to come home.

"There were meetings held and a committee was formed among the passengers. We had an ex-TUC negotiator on board who arranged to fax the travel company, but they just didn't want to know.

"The staff on board told us we got longer in New York than planned and that was what most people wanted to see anyway, so it was okay.

"They tried to rubbish the rest of the itinerary and say New York was the jewel in the crown.

A spokesman for cruise operator Travelscope, said: "In view of the understandable disappointment, passengers enjoyed a number of free shore excursions and a free bar.

"Although we are aware that many passengers did enjoy the cruise we also understand the legitimate concerns over the failure to land at Boston. This is being investigated as a matter of urgency with the vessel owners."