Southampton’s Mayflower Cruise Terminal has reopened following a multi-million pound refurbishment that will enable it to cater for some of the largest cruise vessels afloat, long into the future.

The terminal, which handles a significant proportion of the city’s cruise turnaround calls, now features a remodelled open plan interior, with expanded security, check in and passenger reception areas. It will provide passengers with an enhanced experience at the start and finish of their holiday.

ABP Southampton says the project has been critical to ensure Southampton retains its title as Europe’s Leading Cruise Turnaround Port amidst a predicted rise in passengers.

The increased number of cruise ships visiting Southampton, coupled with the rising capacity of new ships, means P&O Cruises, Cunard and other brands of the Carnival Group, are expecting passenger volume to increase by 25 per cent at Southampton over the next two years.

Steven Young, director of port services & government affairs at Carnival UK, said: “The Carnival cruise business at Southampton continues to go from strength to strength and with the introduction of new larger ships such as P&O Cruises Britannia, it is important that improvement to the cruise terminals and our passenger journey keeps pace. With the reopened Mayflower terminal we aim to keep this as free flowing and stressless as possible.

“The improved passenger lounge, together with increased check in and security areas will allow us to ensure just that and give our customers passing through Southampton the very best passenger experience with reduced congestion.”

Nick Ridehalgh, ABP Southampton director, added: “We are incredibly proud to hold the title of Europe’s Leading Cruise Turnaround Port but, as always, we will never rest on our laurels. We are committed to investing heavily in our facilities in order to help port-related businesses grow and provide world-class service to their customers.”

The Mayflower Cruise Terminal is one of four in Southampton and regular callers include the QM2, Ventura and the brand-new Britannia.

More than 200 staff have been working on the renovation over the winter months and other improvements to the terminal include additional passenger and baggage x-ray machines and a complete redesign of the drop-off and pick-up area.

Iconic brands such as P&O Cruises have been synonymous with Southampton for over 175 years. Today over 280 of Southampton’s 440 cruise ship calls to the port are by the cruise brands of the Carnival Group.