Cruise ship damaged in rough crossing of Bay of Biscay

A 3,100-passenger cruise ship was damaged this week during a rough crossing of the Bay of Biscay.

Passengers aboard P&O Cruises' Ventura posting at online forums say a crack at least two inches wide opened up high above the water line near the pool deck. A photo at one online forum shows a crack running vertically near the top of the vessel.

A spokesperson for the line contacted by USA TODAY did not respond to questions about the nature of the damage but sent a statement saying it is not structural.

"Repairs will be made to an aluminium deck on Ventura upon arrival in Southampton (UK) today. This has no structural strength or safety implications," the statement said.

The statement said Ventura will leave Southampton later today as planned for a two-night cruise.