Cunard’s Queen Victoria will enter drydock almost a year ahead of schedule as the line pushes to replace parts of the propulsion unit.

The 2,014-passenger vessel’s refit has been brought forward from December 2015 to January, ahead of her world voyage on 20 January.

As a result of early drydock, the line has had to cancel two cruises.

Affected itineraries include the 12-night trip to the Canaries from 3-15 January and a five-night Amsterdam to Cherbourg from 15-20 January.

Cunard director Angus Struthers assured that the faulty propulsion unit will not impact the ship’s safety on current voyages.

“It is timely for the bearing to be replaced prior to the ship’s Round World Cruise,” he said.

“While we are sorry to be cancelling two cruises, we are looking forward to welcoming all those affected back aboard a Cunard ship in the near future.”

During drydock, Queen Victoria will follow in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth and receive nine single staterooms to cater to solo cruisers.

The pool deck will receive extra shade with new sun awnings; and staterooms will receive new carpets and flat screen TVs.

The gift shops will also receive a new layout to include new jewellry and watches section; and new environmentally friendly filters will be installed in the propulsion systems.

In June this year, Queen Elizabeth underwent a similar makeover, during which she received eight outside and one inside single staterooms; new carpeting and mattresses; plus new flat screen TVs.

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