A CASH cascade in excess of a quarter of a billion pounds is to pour into Southampton from the city's cruise ship trade this year and the total is likely to rise even higher in 2007.

Southampton is now being touted as a key northern European port-of-call for cruise ships and their passengers.

Latest figures released by the shipping industry show that nearly three-quarters of a million cruise ship passengers will use the city's port in 2006 and spend £72.5m in Southampton shops, hotels, bars and restaurants that's £100 per passenger.

It is the first time that experts have calculated the amounts of money generated by individual cruise ship passengers in the city.

Add to this the business generated by ships using the specialist service providers and suppliers based in and around the city as well as berthing fees, refuelling charges, transport companies together with shore-side support organisations and the cash injection into Southampton's economy is estimated to add up to an annual total of about £280m.

Port of call Now Associated British Ports (ABP), owners and operators of Southampton docks, is pushing the city not only as an operational base for cruise ships but also as a stopping-off point.

The plan is to target ships on international itineraries and the growing popular route of "Round Great Britain" and tempt them to spend a day in Southampton as part of the voyage.

A brochure is even now landing on desks of shipping executives highlighting the advantages of Southampton and tourist attractions within easy reach of the port.

This comes at a time when ABP is taking a close look at quayside facilities for cruise ship passengers in the docks.

Although ABP is not giving details of any possible future developments it is anticipated there is soon to be further investment.

Doug Morrison, ABP port director for Southampton said: "Southampton's cruise business has witnessed a spectacular period of growth in recent years. ABP's latest brochure aims to build upon this success by offering an all-inclusive guide for cruise operators interested in visiting the UK's number one maritime gateway."

The cruise industry is big business for Southampton hotels which report a major upsurge in demand for accommodation when the ships return to the docks for the summer season.

Bob Musker, chairman of the Southampton and Region Hotelier Association, said: "On average each Southampton hotel will have about 100 passengers staying the night before a cruise ship leaves the docks.

"These guests will not only be occupying hotel rooms but they will be eating in restaurants, perhaps having a drink in a bar and might use a taxi all during their stay."

Southampton city centre manager Ian Rothwell said the cruise industry had a major impact on the city's shops.

He said: "The main benefit comes from the large number of crew members who shop while the ships are in port. On average each crew member spends £25 on food and drink and £20 on clothes and CDs every time they visit Southampton. This adds up to an income of about £5m a year."