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Southampton poised for busiest ever passenger week
The port of Southampton will experience the busiest week in its history from Saturday when it welcomes 15 cruise ships and handle 19 ship movements.
The vessels will have a cumulative passenger capacity of 77,600 passengers, meaning that in one week the port will handle 40% of the total passenger traffic it received in 1997.
Queen Mary 2 will sail into Southampton on Tuesday to join Royal Caribbean International’s Liberty of the Seas, the world’s joint largest passenger ship; newly launched Ocean Village Two and P&O Cruises’ Oriana.
The gross tonnage of the ships in port that day totals 439,363 tonnes, double that of 50 years ago – the so called ‘golden age’ of passenger shipping – when the port had eight dedicated passenger terminals but only had to cope with a maximum gross tonnage of approximately 240,000 at full capacity.
The four ships in port next Tuesday have a combined capacity of 20,440 passengers, based on one set of passengers leaving and another joining the ships that day.
Ocean Village Two will be named during a day time ceremony by supermodel Jodie Kidd and her celebrity make up artist sister Jemma Kidd.
Associated British Ports assistant port manager Ray Facey said: “It’s a very exciting time for the Port of Southampton.
“Every year the cruise industry in the UK increases in capacity and in popularity and this week – and in particular Tuesday 24 April – is a testament to how far the cruise market has grown over the last ten years.
“As the UK’s leading passenger ship port this is great news for the Port of Southampton and for the local economy in terms of job creation and tourism.’
Ocean Village managing director Peter Shanks said: “We’re thrilled to be part of this record-breaking week in the Port of Southampton.
“Not only is it historic for Southampton but Ocean Village Two will also be making history as the first British ship to boast two Godmothers. Our spectacular naming ceremony will provide a fitting focal point to the week ahead of Ocean Village Two setting sail on her maiden voyage from Southampton to Palma on April 25.”
Ocean Village Two will be based in Palma for the summer.
by Phil Davies
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