A HUGE cruise ship has suddenly moored in West Bay.

Marella Discovery, operated by TUI, first appeared on Monday, February 8 to the surprise of residents.

The multi-million vessel first launched in 1996 and features 11 decks, 918 cabins, seven bars, restaurants and two swimming pools.

Marella Discovery was previously been anchored on Weymouth Bay, along with other large cruise ships during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Marella Discovery on West Bay. Picture: Daryl Gill Marella Discovery on West Bay. Picture: Daryl Gill

A spokeswoman for TUI confirmed the Marella Discovery was anchored in West Bay, but said that the vessel has no plans to sail to Hamburg. 

She said: "We can confirm that Marella Discovery was anchored west of Portland last night and there are no plans to sail to Hamburg."

According to CruiseMapper, TUI-operated Marella Explorer 2 is also nearby on the Dorset coast.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: Marella Discovery on West Bay. Picture: Daryl GillMarella Discovery on West Bay. Picture: Daryl Gill

TUI has suspended its cruises for almost a year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has halted all commercial sailings.

The cruise liner has announced a further suspension of its voyages, with European sailings provisionally planned to start in April, with long-haul voyages returning in May.

The Foreign Office still advises against any foreign travel, including on commercial cruise ships.