Southampton MPs join cruise passenger welcome effort
Around 3,000 passengers, mainly from Germany, were greeted as volunteers encouraged visitors to explore beyond the port.
Southampton Itchen MP Darren Paffey and Southampton Test MP Satvir Kaur joined See Southampton volunteers at a welcome desk for about 3,000 disembarking and visiting cruise passengers, most of whom were from Germany.
The volunteer programme began in 2024 with the aim of encouraging cruise passengers to leave the port area and discover Southampton’s attractions. The welcome desk supports that effort by introducing arriving and visiting passengers to the city.
Paffey said each cruise ship call during the year contributes about £2 million to Southampton’s economy. Kaur said millions of cruise passengers pass through the city without becoming aware of what Southampton offers.
Their participation highlighted the programme’s focus on connecting cruise traffic with the wider city and encouraging passengers to spend time exploring Southampton rather than remaining around the port.