Southampton, the major port on the south coast, the busiest cruise terminal and the second largest container port in the UK… Now it can add another accolade to this impressive list, that of the ‘Heathrow of Cruising’! With one million passengers passing through the port on the start of their journey from the UK, and over 80% of holidays originating from the city last year alone, a poll carried out by Cruise Critic – the largest Internet cruising website – results have revealed the port’s popularity.
And next year looks just as promising for Southampton as three major superships are set to join the team – Anthem of the Seas, Britannia and Royal Princess. Britannia, P&O’s largest vessel in their fleet, has been designed for the British holidaymaker; with a capacity of over 3,600 passengers, she is due to make her debut in early 2015. Anthem of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s latest yet innovative vessel that has capacity for just 4,180 passengers, includes an exciting skydiving simulator and North Star which has been based on the London Eye and provides spectacular 360 degree views above the sea. The Royal Princess, officially name by the Duchess of Cambridge in Southampton last year, and one of Princess Cruises’ vessels is making a comeback to the port. After a brief appearance in Southampton on 8th May this year, she is set to become a permanent tenant of the port from May 2015.
In 1840, P&O sailed a vessel out of Southampton; first of many and the start of the rise of Southampton as it becomes the cruise capital of the UK. Today, more than 450 cruise calls dock at the port as their four dedicated cruise terminals play host to many cruise lines including P&O Cruises, Cunard, Princess, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Celebrity and Fred Olsen. Associated British Ports (DHB) who own Southampton port have invested heavily in improving the port and surrounding infrastructure, to great success!
The popularity of cruise holidays is very much on the rise again – no waiting around busy airports; unlimited cabin baggage; no restrictions on hand luggage; and as soon as you step on board, you’re holiday starts! And with the wonderful, amazing array of countries to visit, it’s no wonder!