ABP's strategy of catering for the fast growing UK cruise market has seen the number of cruise ships calling at Southampton more than double over the last six years, with passenger numbers soaring from 200,000 to nearly 500,000. ABP claims Southampton now has more cruise calls than at all other British ports combined.

The new City Cruise Terminal, built adjacent to the city's public Mayflower Park, has a waiting hall capacity for 320 passenger and 12 check in stations.

Although capable of berthing the world's largest cruise ships, it is expected to focus on smaller vessels operated by lines such as Fred Olsen, Saga and MyTravel.

ABP has long-term priority, but not exclusive, agreements with P&O Cruises at the Mayflower Terminal and with Cunard at Queen Elizabeth II.

MJ Information No: 18612