ABP Southampton announced as the best UK departure port

ABP says Port of Southampton was announced as the Best UK Departure Port at the inaugural Wave Awards 2016 on February 18.

The port was selected as winner by an editorial panel of World of Cruising, Cruise Ports & Destinations and Cruise Trade News at the awards ceremony in Royal Garden Hotel, London. 

Southampton, the National Transport Awards’ Port of the Year 2015, is not only the UK’s leading cruise port but also Europe's number one turnaround cruise port. It beat 11 other British ports to take the Best UK Departure Port title.

As well as being the home port for world famous vessels like Cunard's Queen Mary 2, the port regularly hosts cruise industry occasions such as the launch of the UK’s biggest-ever purpose-built cruise ship, Britannia. It is set to exceed its previous passenger departure number of 1.75million cruise passengers this year.

Two of the port’s four cruise terminals, Mayflower Terminal and City Cruise Terminal, have seen multi-million pound investments, and a £5m refurbishment is well underway at the QEII Cruise Terminal. The works enable the port to cater for the world’s largest cruise vessels afloat, long into the future. 

Clive Thomas, port manager, said: "We are thrilled to be named the Best UK Departure Port.

“ABP Southampton prides itself on providing an excellent departure experience for all cruise passengers and it is fantastic to be recognised for this quality service by the Wave Awards judging panel.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the ceremony and extend our congratulations to all the winners and finalists.”

The Wave Awards recognise and celebrate excellence within the cruise holiday sector. The awards cover all aspects of the industry, from both a consumer and trade perspective.