The Port of Southampton England UK had its busiest month of the year to date for cruises, with a pair of consecutive 5 cruise ship weekends during August.
On August 7 and August 14 each one of the port’s world-class terminals was occupied as the cruise industry is making its phased return - welcome news for holidaymakers and for the thousands of local residents who rely on the industry for their livelihood.
During the first 5 ships day, Ocean Cruise Terminal hosted the P&O Cruises’ ship Iona which later left her homeport for a maiden passenger cruise. Marella Cruises' ship Marella Explorer departed Queen Elizabeth II Terminal in the Eastern Docks, while MSC Cruises’ MSC Virtuosa was at the newest terminal, Horizon Cruise Terminal.
Royal Caribbean’s second-largest ship in its Quantum-class, Anthem of the Seas, was at City Cruise Terminal. Princess Cruises’ Royal-class ship Regal Princess departed from Mayflower Terminal in the Western Docks.
During the second weekend, Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Silhouette was at City Cruise Terminal in place of RCI Anthem of the Seas, with all other vessels above returning to their respective terminals for further operations.
Prior to the industry pause, Southampton port would typically welcome ~2 million passengers per year, with each cruise call bringing in more than GBP 2.7 million into the local economy. The next months are expected to be busy, with all cruise terminals occupied at weekends as well as lots of activity on weekdays.
With the new Horizon Cruise Terminal now welcoming cruisers, and its shore power due for commissioning in 2021, the strengthening of cruise infrastructure places the Port at the forefront of the future of cruising.