Celebrity Cruises has cancelled a planned stop in Greenock, near Glasgow, for its first sailing with Celebrity Silhouette next month.

Last week, MSC Virtuosa was forced to cancel its planned port call at Greenock because of Covid restrictions imposed by the Scottish government.

The decision was taken by Scottish authorities because of “the unknowns around the Delta variant” among other Covid-19 risk factors.

British Isles cruises can call into Scottish ports once Scotland reaches the lowest Covid restriction level, a government spokesperson added.

A statement from Celebrity Cruises said: “As we await the next update from the Scottish government regarding the resumption of cruise visits to Scotland, we have made the decision to change the itinerary of our first Celebrity Silhouette sailing which was due to stop in Greenock on July 6.

“In place, we have added two new ports to the itinerary – Liverpool and Dover – offering even more chance for our guests to enjoy the stunning culture and scenery the beautiful British Isles has to offer.”

Saga Cruises also said last week that it had to change two UK cruises on Spirit of Discovery following the Scottish government’s decision to ban passenger vessels.

P&O Cruises, Cunard and yet-to-launch line Tradewind Voyages said they are assessing the situation.

Meanwhile, the four-week delay in the easing of Covid restrictions in England means that cruise ships will have to continue operating with limited passenger numbers until the curbs are lifted.