Portsmouth International Port is planning for a record year with 33 cruise ship calls as it opens a £16.5 million new terminal.
The calls from April represent a near six fold increase on the number that visited a decade ago. A further 32 cruise ship calls have been scheduled for 2012. The new terminal is due to open in time for the start of the summer season.
The facility has been cited as a key reason for All Leisure Holidays deciding to base three ships at Portsmouth for the next five years representing the Swan Hellenic, Voyages of Discovery Cruises and Hebridean Island Cruises brands.
Other lies using the port include Fred Olsen Cruises Lines, Silversea Cruises, Classic International Cruises, Transocean Tours, Hapag Lloyd, Plantours, Linblad Expeditions, Quark Expeditions and Hurtigruten.
Port manager Martin Putman said: “We are proud to attract more cruise ships to Portsmouth and know the whole city benefits from our continued success.
“Our new terminal is a powerful symbol of our continued determination to develop our business in a considered and sustainable way.”