Southampton port expects almost 500 cruise ship calls this year.
Maiden calls by seven vessels are planned in 2023 including new builds Explora 1 and Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova.
This follows maiden arrivals in 2022 by Azamara Onward, Celebrity Beyond, Silver Moon, Norwegian Prima, Aida Perla, Aida Cosma, Enchanted Princess and P&O Cruises’ new ship Arvia.
The port switched shore power on last spring at two of its five cruise terminals – Horizon and Mayflower – and has enabled 15 ships to ‘plug in’ a total of 42 times for zero emissions at berth.
Rebekah Keeler, head of cruise at owner Associated British Ports, said: “We’re proud to provide award-winning cruise operational support year-round to the world’s biggest and smallest cruise ships.
“Alongside this, our ongoing roll out of our air quality strategy sees us take huge strides in facilitating zero emissions at berth.
“Supported by our port-based cruise services providers, we look forward to another successful year in 2023.”