24 Aug 2009
SOUTHAMPTON will reap a £8.5m cash windfall when nine of the world’s largest cruise ships arrive in the city later this month.

In what promises to be a spectacular sight South-ampton will witness the arrival and departure of the most number of passenger ships during a 48-hour period in recent times.

To coincide with the hectic bank holiday weekend, the port of Southampton is to throw open its gates on Saturday and Sunday to free, open-top bus tours of the docks for a close-up view of the vessels.

In excess of 45,500 passengers, more than the total population of the city of Salisbury, will embark and disembark ships in the docks during the weekend, sparking a busy time for Southampton’s hotels, airport, shops, coach companies and taxi drivers.

A report for Southampton City Council says each passenger joining a cruise in the port generates on average £380 for the local economy.

Among the ships on view will be Cunard’s huge, 151,400 ton, Queen Mary 2, Independence of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship now in service, and the imposing Grand Princess, with her distinctive shape, featuring a night-club suspended 200 feet over the water at the stern.

Southampton’s port director, Doug Morrison, said: “The port is an integral part of the city of Southampton and a significant economic driver.

“We are delighted to once again offer residents the opportunity to see the operation of our busy port.’’ First ship to arrive on Saturday, August 29 will be Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas at the City Cruise Terminal, followed by P&O Cruises’ Oceana, docking at the Ocean Terminal. Next in will be Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Black Watch at berth 104, QM2 will be alongside 38/9 berth and finally, Grand Princess will be at the Mayflower Cruise Terminal.

Black Watch is due to depart at 4.30pm while the other ships are due to leave port about 30 minutes later.

P&O Cruises’ Oriana is the first ship to arrive on Sunday, August 30 at 38/9 berth followed by another of the company’s vessels, Ventura at the Ocean Terminal.

Cunard’s Queen Victoria is set to berth at the Mayflower Terminal while P&O Cruises’ Aurora will be at the City Cruise Terminal. Ventura and Queen Victoria are scheduled to leave at 5pm while Oriana and Aurora should depart one hour later.