Southampton reflects on ‘fantastic month’ after busy May brings 400,000+ cruise visitors into port

May saw a record number of cruise ships visiting Southampton, Associated British Ports (ABP) has revealed.

The city welcomed 26 different cruise ships throughout the month, bringing more than 400,000 guests. That puts the number of visitors since January at almost a million.

Southampton is also the number one port in the UK for exports, contributing £2.5 billion to the national economy every year.

“What a fantastic month May was”, said Thea George, senior cruise manager.

“We’ve had a great start to the year with January to April seeing an increase in cruise calls as the months progress.

“And our summer season has started in earnest with a record 71 calls to the port in May.

“Our port and the city are intrinsically linked with so much maritime history – it’s great to be part of making new history in the modern world of cruising.”

The Port of Southampton welcomed 2.75 million passengers last year, with the cruise industry generating more than £1 billion for the local and regional economy.

This year, more and more ships are opting to make use of the port’s pioneering shore power facility installed in 2021.

20 per cent of ships visiting last month plugged into shore power, enabling them to switch off their engines and achieve zero emissions while at the port.

“It’s a great initiative”, added Stuart Baker, managing director of Maritime UK Solent.

“We’re seeing the benefits of having this technology in the port as shore power technology is implemented on board more cruise ships.”

ABP is also working with GO! Southampton on the Welcome Volunteer Programme, which sees volunteers stationed at the cruise terminals guiding passengers and helping them make the most of their visit to Southampton.

• abports.co.uk

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