SEVEN cruise ships will make their first visits to Southampton in 2023 as the industry continues to bounce back from the pandemic.

Two newly built vessels will be among the first-time visitors to the city, with the port expecting 492 cruise calls.

The two newly built ships among the seven due to make their maiden calls to the port in 2023 are:

  • MSC Explora I, 248 metres (814ft) long and carrying carries 922 passengers.
  • Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova, 244m (801ft) long with room for 728 passengers.

Rebekah Keeler, head of cruise at port operator Associated British Ports, said: “We’re proud to provide award-winning cruise operational support year-round to the world’s biggest and smallest cruise ships. Alongside this, our ongoing roll out of our air quality strategy sees us take huge strides in facilitating zero emissions at berth.

“Supported by our port-based cruise services providers, we look forward to another successful year in 2023.”

P&O Cruises introduced its newest ship, Arvia, to the city this month.

The company’s president, Paul Ludlow, said: “I couldn’t be more positive or excited about the future of the cruise industry in 2023 and there’s no better sign of that than the arrival of our newest ship Arvia.”

Arvia, which will sail year-round to the Caribbean and Mediterranean, is P&O Cruises’ second ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas.

“Cruise holidays remain an extremely popular way to travel, with a new generation recognising the value for money and individuality of a holiday at sea,” said Mr Ludlow.

“Cruises which sail directly from Southampton are also increasingly popular, with routes from the UK offering a hassle-free way to travel.”

He added: “Cruising is a multi-million pound industry and both directly and indirectly we provide thousands of jobs and livelihoods for our local south coast community, including millions of pounds spent each year, with regional suppliers based in Dorset and Hampshire.

“In addition, every time one of our ships docks in Southampton £2m is contributed to the local economy, with nearly 200 Carnival UK ships due into the city in 2023.”

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce president Peter Taylor said: “The continuing development of the cruising industry since the pandemic, and its increasing focus on sustainability both in the fleet and port side operations, is very encouraging and to be welcomed.

“Each arrival into the port of Southampton by a cruise ship adds significant value to the local and regional economy. There are business benefits for business sectors as local food producers, food suppliers, taxi drivers, logistics companies, stevedores, port services and the wider visitor economy.”

In 2022, Southampton welcomed 489 cruise calls, with ships spending 111 days “alongside” without passenger operations.