Southampton faces busy cruise arrival period
Multiple cruise ships were scheduled to reach the port between Friday and Monday over the final bank holiday weekend before Christmas.
Southampton was preparing for a busy period of cruise calls between Friday and Monday during the final bank holiday weekend before Christmas. The report said the city receives around three million cruise passengers each year.
Hampshire County Councillor David Harrison said cruise tourism brings valuable business to Southampton, but he warned that the arrival of thousands of passengers could create problems. He anticipated queues, additional coaches and taxis, luggage movements and increased traffic.
Harrison said Southampton should continue to welcome cruise vessels while suggesting that they should not all arrive at the same time.
In a separate port development, Explora III made its first call in the United Kingdom at Southampton. Associated British Ports welcomed the vessel and said the visit highlighted Southampton’s position at the forefront of the country’s cruise industry.