SOUTHAMPTON has been voted the number one turnaround port in the world at the cruise industry’s global exhibition and conference in Miami.

The accolade is a major boost to the city’s reputation as one of the leading European centres for the rapidly expanding holiday sector, which still seems to be brushing off the worst of the international economic turn-down.

The much-coveted award recognises the services, support and operational assistance given to ships while in port at the end of one voyage and at the beginning of another cruise.

Southampton’s port director, Doug Morrison, pictured, who was in Florida to receive the award, said: “This award is extra special for Southampton as it was the cruise lines themselves who voted for us. It is a genuine recognition for all the hard work and effort that our team in Southampton undertake during what is often extremely hectic times.

“It was very gratifying while I was at the exhibition to hear many of the cruise lines with ships in Southampton loudly praise the efficient way their passengers and vessels were handled in the port.’’ The award goes to the port which is considered to have the best berths, terminal or covered passenger facility, efficient services such as security, customs, baggage handling, and communications.

Ports were also judged on links with airports, logistics capability, stevedoring, storage, ship services including provision of fresh water and disposal of waste.

Only last week the Passenger Shipping Association, the cruising industry’s trade body, reported an 11 per cent increase in passenger numbers during 2008 compared to the previous year.

A total of more than 1.5m people chose a cruise as their main holiday last year and the total is expected to rise further during 2010 with the arrival in Southampton of three brand new ships, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, P&O Cruises’ Azura and Celebrity Eclipse.