The Port of Southampton welcomed MSC Cruises’ MSC Virtuosa as the first ship at its new Horizon Cruise Terminal.
The new terminal was unveiled ahead of its formal opening later in the year.
Horizon Cruise Terminal will offer shore power connectivity and is fitted with more than 2,000 roof-mounted solar panels.
It means that on a day-to-day basis it will generate more power than it uses.
Associated British Ports announced the new £55 million multi-user cruise terminal in partnership with MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
The Terminal was named Horizon Terminal by a local resident in a naming competition earlier in the year
"This next-generation-ready terminal strengthens the Port of Southampton’s position as Europe’s leading cruise turn-around port and is a huge vote of confidence in the future of cruise," said Alastair Welch, Director of ABP Southampton.
"We’re excited to announce this next significant milestone for the future of cruise."
The construction of Horizon Cruise Terminal has received support from the Solent LEP and the Government’s Getting Building Programme.
"We have a long term commercial partnership with ABP Southampton with a commitment that will see us bring even more guests to the port in the coming years," said Antonio Paradiso, Managing Director of MSC Cruises UK & Ireland.
