FIVE cruise ships were moored in Weymouth Bay as the county enjoyed a sunny Easter bank holiday.

Cruise ships have been a constant presence in Dorset over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, which saw the cruising industry shut down.

RNLI previously said the commercial vessels have been anchored within Weymouth Bay because the bay offers "secure anchorage with the prevailing weather".

According to Cruise Mapper, P&O’s Aurora, Britannia and Ventura are moored in Weymouth Bay, along with Cunards’s Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.

The vessels have also brought some joy to residents and tourists during the course of the coronavirus pandemic, with local businesses offered tours of the vessels.

The commercial cruise ships are preparing to set sail again, as the industry aims to restart cruising in the Summer. Guests are also being told they must have both doses of the coronavirus vaccine and have travel insurance.

P&O Cruises has announced the resumption of cruising in June, with Britannia and new ship Iona offering cruises around the UK “where the sun shines brightest.”

Setting sail from Southampton guests will be able to enjoy the ultimate British break on Britannia and Iona, with gourmet dining and poolside food, cocktails and coffees, shopping, spas, shows and endless sea views on offer.

Britannia will offer three and four night breaks and one six night holiday running from June 27, 2021 through to September 19, 2021, which will allow guests to enjoy the South Coast. Prices start from £449 per person for a three-night break on Britannia.

Cunard is offering a similar cruise onboard the Queen Elizabeth, with guests able to take in stunning views of the Jurassic Coast, Land's End in Cornwall and the Isle of Arran and Sound of Mull in Scotland.