New start for Southampton cruises

Britain’s busiest cruise port, Southampton, will see almost a million and a half passengers passing through the city this year. There will be 360 ship turn-rounds, each bringing about £1.5 million into the local economy. So it’s high time there was an internet resource to help the visitors, whether embarking or disembarking.
Now there is. CruiseSouthampton.com opened for business this week, and it is packed with information and advice – from hotel and restaurant listings to suggestions for places to visit and details of local travel and transport. There are maps and guides in abundance, and users can log on to create their own activity planner.
A downloadable map of the city and its cruise terminals includes walking and taxi times to each location, as well as venue opening times, taxi and train fares, currency exchange and left luggage information.
Doug Morrison, Southampton director of Associated British Ports, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this wonderful initiative. CruiseSouthampton.com will be an invaluable service for our cruise passengers, showcasing all the region has to offer.”
CruiseSouthampton.com managing director Damian Gevertz added: “We aim to fulfil the needs of cruise passengers and crew; whether it’s last minute necessities, a couple of hours to spare or they plan to top or tail their cruise holiday with a stay, our aim is to make it as easy as possible to find what they need.
“Through our research and discussion with passengers, ABP Southampton, cruise lines and many local businesses, we recognized that if there could be one central source of information for passengers, it would help them plan their time more effectively.”