Southampton’s Mayflower Cruise Terminal has been reopened following a £6 million pound refurbishment that will enable it to cater for some of the largest cruise vessels afloat, long into the future.
The terminal, one of four in the port, now features a remodelled open plan interior, with expanded security, check-in and passenger reception areas.
The increased number of cruise ships visiting Southampton, and the fact that most new ships are larger and carry more passengers, means P&O Cruises, Cunard and other brands of the Carnival Group,are expecting passenger volumes through Southampton to increase by 25 per cent over the next two years.
Steven Young, director of port services and government affairs at Carnival UK, said: “The Carnival cruise business at Southampton continues to go from strength to strength and with the introduction of larger ships such as P&O Cruises Britannia, it is important that improvement to the cruise terminals and our passenger journey keeps pace. With the reopened Mayflower terminal we aim to keep this as free flowing and stressless as possible.
“The improved passenger lounge, together with increased check-in and security areas will allow us to ensure just that and give our customers passing through Southampton the very best passenger experience with reduced congestion.”
Nick Ridehalgh, ABP Southampton director, added: “We are incredibly proud to hold the title of Europe’s Leading Cruise Turnaround Port but, as always, we will never rest on our laurels. We are committed to investing heavily in our facilities in order to help port-related businesses grow and provide world-class service to their customers.”
More than 200 staff have been working on the renovation over the winter months and other improvements to the terminal include additional passenger and baggage x-ray machines and a complete redesign of the drop-off and pick-up area.
Southampton’s City Terminal, used mainly by Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships, has also received a facelift and has had more security screening lanes added in order to speed customer flow onto ships such as the 4,000-passenger Anthem of the Seas.
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