In 2020, Port Southampton is expecting a record number of cruise ships with maiden calls - a total of 14 - which is an increase from 2019's 11 and includes the P&O newbuild (Iona) arriving in Southampton for the first time on May 9.
During the year, the cruise port will also host 3 naming ceremonies including the newest vessel of Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Apex, on March 28, and Princess Cruises’, Enchanted Princess, on June 30.
On July 4, the port will also host the anticipated naming ceremony of P&O Cruises’ MS Iona as part of the company’s week-long ‘Ionafest’ celebrations. Celebrity Apex is scheduled to make the first maiden call of the year when she arrives on March 23 ahead of her christening ceremony.
Each cruise ship on its maiden call is welcomed to the port via a traditional plaque and key ceremony.
Southampton is expecting nearly 500 cruise ship calls during 2020. It is the leading cruise turn-around port of Europe welcoming 2M passengers throughout the year. Every cruise ship call generates GBP 2 million for the economy.