The owners of two giant cruise ships have offered them as floating hospitals to help deal with coronavirus
It led to government advice that over-70s should not holiday on ships - which can act as incubators of the virus.
The Spirit of Discovery was launched last year after being christened by the Duchess of Cornwall and was about to start its first season. The Saga Sapphire, built in 1981, was about to embark on its final season, with cruises around Norway, the Mediterranean and the British Isles.Saga would not comment on its offer to the government, and the Department of Health and Social Care was asked for its response.
In the UK, ships have been used as hospitals in the past - notably in the late 19th century when several were moored near Greenwich to help cope with patients during a smallpox epidemic.
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