A cruise company which sails past the Kent shoreline has gone into administration.

People in Gravesend will be familiar with the sight of the ships sailing through, or moored up on the waterfront during the pandemic.

Essex-based CMV specialised in low budget holidays from ports around the UK, and owns Astoria, which is the oldest ship in regular cruise service worldwide after being built in 1948.

In a statement on its website, the company said: "We are sorry to inform you that South Quay Travel Limited (SQTL) – which traded under the name Cruise & Maritime Voyages – was placed into administration on Monday."

It said how SQTL sold mainly cruise packages, as well as a small number of flight-inclusive packages, before adding: "Please be aware that all bookings that have not taken place are cancelled.

"Customers that have booked a package holiday provided by SQTL through a travel agent should contact the travel agent in the first instance for further advice and assistance as they may have made alternative arrangements for you."

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