Carnival is attempting to devise a plan to improve its £3.5bn takeover offer for P&O Princess Cruises, in a last-ditch attempt to sway shareholders in the UK-based company.

The company wants to put a revised offer before P&O shareholders before they meet on February 14 to consider P&O's agreed £4.8bn merger with Royal Caribbean Cruises.

The US cruise ship giant is reported to be hoping to cut the number of conditions attached to its 502p-a-share offer, rejected last week by Princess' directors.

Any improved bid would need to be cleared by the UK Takeover Panel, as it would have to remain conditional on antitrust clearance from the European Commission and the US authorities.