SOUTHAMPTON docks is again living up to its reputation of being the centre of the UK cruising industry with four ships alongside the port yesterday.

Around 10,000 passengers passed over the quayside during a busy day for the many local suppliers and service industries which support the cruise ships that call at Southampton.

The flagship of the British merchant marine, Cunard's luxury liner, Queen Elizabeth 2 returned from an Atlantic island cruise to 38/9 berth in the Eastern Docks and embarked passengers for a crossing to New York where she is due to arrive next Wednesday.

P&O Cruises' 69,153-ton Oriana was at 105 berth in the Western Docks before departing for a short charter voyage which is due to finish back in the docks next Sunday.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines' Black Watch was at 104 berth while over in the Eastern Docks at 40 berth the company's 11,209-ton Black Prince embarked passengers for a 13-night cruise to Portugal, Spain, Morocco and Madeira.

The 28,492-ton Black Watch left Southampton for a 28-night cruise to the Caribbean and is expected to return to the docks next month. Today P&O Cruises' 76,152-ton superliner, Aurora is due at 105 berth, leaving again at 5pm, while Cunard's Caronia departs 38/9 berth at 6pm.

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