Passengers onboard the abandoned seven-night Majestic Fjordland itinerary are being offered a full refund and a free future sailing.

Columbus was inspected by surveyors and divers after the initial incident on Friday (31 May) upon departing Amsterdam and was later cleared to sail.

However, the ship then developed a problem and was forced to return to port in the Netherlands.

In a statement the line said the vessel’s fault was "not anything which placed the safety of any passengers or crew at risk”.

Arrangements were made for all passengers to travel home.

Passengers onboard at the time are being refunded their full cruise fare paid and offered a free future cruise as compensation.

The free cruise is for any sailing up to seven nights and passengers will be accommodated in the same cabin category as they were originally booked in, subject to availability.

For cruises longer than seven nights, CMV is offering a discount on its current fares when booked up to the value of the fare paid for the original booking.

"Any necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the incident will also be refunded," CMV said.

"CMV would like to apologise for the disruption caused and will ensure all passengers are kept fully informed. The health and safety of all passengers and crew is of paramount importance to Cruise & Maritime Voyages," a spokesperson added.