HOLIDAY-makers have been left disappointed after an Oxford-based cruise company was forced to cancel all its trips for the next four months.

Up to 3,500 passengers may be affected by Voyages to Antiquity's last-minute cancellations.

The Summertown-based company blamed an unforeseeable mechanical issue with its only ship, the MV Aegean Odyssey, for the problems.

A statement posted on its website said: "Unfortunately, Voyages to Antiquity regrets to inform guests that it has been forced to cancel ten cruises aboard Aegean Odyssey in the upcoming season.

READ MORE: Explorer hunts lost German fleet in latest adventure

"During this time the ship will undergo a repair to her starboard engine.

"All guests affected by these cancellations are being contacted and will be provided with a full refund of payments made.

"We are working closely with our trade partners and doing everything possible to minimise disruption."

The first cruise affected was scheduled to take off for The Black Sea & Greek Islands last Thursday.

Other trips also called off include cruises to Greece and Southern Italy, the Baltic capitals and St Petersburg and The Norwegian Fjords.

Prices for similar trips scheduled later in the year range from between £2,500 and £5,000.

The company's statement added: "Voyages to Antiquity would like to apologise for the inconvenience these cancellations will cause to our guests. The mechanical issue experienced was unavoidable and unforeseeable.

"We have been assured that, following its period in dry dock, Aegean Odyssey will be back in service in time to fulfil the remainder of its scheduled cruise timetable."

The next trip is scheduled to go from Rome to Venice, departing on September 7.

The 47-year-old MV Aegean Odyssey can carry 350 passengers and features two dining venues, several lounges and bars and a spa centre and library.