Cruise liners are becoming big business for British ports and Southampton have just announced their intention to build a brand new £30 million facility to handle even the largest cruise ships.
Southampton docks are already some of the busiest passenger terminals in the country, with four terminals already in operation. The new Terminal 5 will allow the port to handle the new breed of supersize cruise liners, some of which have already been launched with others in the planning.
When the terminal opens in 2013, Southampton will have taken a giant leap forward in offering cruise companies somewhere to both start their cruises and as a cruising destination, and will be significantly ahead of the competition.
Portsmouth have also been investing in cruise ship facilities, but they have tended to focus more on the smaller niche cruise lines. The historic ports of Liverpool are also plying for these larger ships, but with plans still seeking funding it means Southampton will be well ahead of the game for the foreseeable future.
In total during 2010 around 300 cruise ships docked in British ports, a number which according to some estimates will increase by around 20% in 2011.
£30 million might sound a considerable sum to invest, but with the estimated boost from this new Terminal 5 along being in excess of £100 million, the maths certainly appears to add-up.
Links around Southampton:
Southampton hotel accommodation
Hotels close to Southampton Port
Things to see and do in Southampton
Southampton Port web site
