Associated British Ports (ABP) Port of Southampton has been synonymous with cruising since P&O’s founder invented the concept more than 150 years ago. Southampton’s long established history and experience in the cruise business is why Southampton is an awardwinning turnaround port and the UK’s port of choice for numerous cruise lines and their guests.
The Port’s location is undoubtedly one of its major assets, being situated on the central south coast of England with good connections to London and International airports. This combined with it’s sheltered deepwater approach channel gives guaranteed, unrestricted access to the worlds largest super liners and makes it an ideal turnaround port for itineraries east or west to the Baltic, Iberia or the Western Mediterranean.
Over the last decade the demand for cruising from the Port of Southampton has grown significantly year on year. In 2009 over 970,000 passengers are expected to pass through the port on over 278 cruise vessels. To cater for this phenomenal growth ABP has undertaken substantial investment in its facilities. In recent years an additional £22 million has been invested in the port’s three dedicated cruise terminals. The most recent of which being the extension and upgrade of the City Cruise Terminal, to cater for the largest cruise ships in the world. ABP is committed to g r o w i n g existing cruise business and attracting new customers to the port, a strategy underlined by the construction of a £19 million fourth cruise terminal which is underway and scheduled for completion in April 2009.
Supported by excellent infrastructure, including road, rail and air, the port is in an ideal location for beginning or ending your cruise or just visiting Southampton and the surrounding attractions for a day.
The City of Southampton is one of the South’s leading destinations for shopping, entertainment, sport and going out. With a large variety of parks and open spaces, Southampton is also one of the greenest cities in the region with beautiful surrounding countryside and beaches. The city is located on the edge of the New Forest National Park, close to the historic medieval city of Winchester and the beautiful beaches of nearby Bournemouth. Cosmopolitan London is a little over an hour away by train, coach or taxi.
Large or small, we cater for all cruise vessels and their guests, you can always expect a warm welcome and memorable experience at the Port of Southampton.
Avid Cruiser Posts, Photographs and Videos Featuring Southampton.
