A cruise ship cancelled a visit to Dorset due to safety concerns caused by protests.

The Regal Princess is a regular visitor to Portland Port and was scheduled to dock on Saturday during a 12-day round trip of the British Isles, which started on Friday, July 7 from Southampton.

The ship had been scheduled to send passengers to Stonehenge from Portland, but instead, the cruise ship spent the day at sea.

The decision was made out of safety concerns springing from protests on the island against government plans to house 500 asylum speakers on a barge at Portland Port.

A spokesperson for Princess Cruises said: "Due to protests anticipated in Portland, UK, on Saturday, July 8, Regal Princess will bypass its scheduled call there and spend the day at sea instead.

"The decision was made in the interest of the safety and security of our guests and crew following our security team’s consultation with local authorities.

"The remainder of the Regal Princess’ itinerary for the 12-night British Isles voyage that departed Southampton on Friday, July 7 will not be affected.

"We regret any disappointment this unexpected itinerary change may cause our guests."

The Regal Princess was built in 2014. It can carry up to 3,600 passengers.

Its inaugural cruise was in 2014, it has 18 decks and 1,780 guest cabins. It was christened by the original cast of 'The Love Boat'.

It has docked at Portland Port three times this year.