In what promises to be a spectacular sight Southampton will witness the arrival and departure of the most number of passenger ships during a 48-hour period in recent times.

To coincide with the hectic bank holiday weekend, the port of Southampton is to throw open its gates on Saturday and Sunday to free, open-top bus tours of the docks for a close-up view of the vessels.

In excess of 45,500 passengers, more than the total population of the city of Salisbury, will embark and disembark ships in the docks during the weekend, sparking a busy time for Southampton’s hotels, airport, shops, coach companies and taxi drivers.

A report for Southampton City Council says each passenger joining a cruise in the port generates on average £380 for the local economy.

Among the ships on view will be Cunard’s huge, 151,400 ton, Queen Mary 2, Independence of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship now in service, and the imposing Grand Princess, with her distinctive shape, featuring a night-club suspended 200 feet over the water at the stern.

Southampton’s port director, Doug Morrison, said: “The port is an integral part of the city of Southampton and a significant economic driver.

“We are delighted to once again offer residents the opportunity to see the operation of our busy port.’’ First ship to arrive on Saturday, August 29 will be Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas at the City Cruise Terminal, followed by P&O Cruises’ Oceana, docking at the Ocean Terminal. Next in will be Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Black Watch at berth 104, QM2 will be alongside 38/9 berth and finally, Grand Princess will be at the Mayflower Cruise Terminal.

Black Watch is due to depart at 4.30pm while the other ships are due to leave port about 30 minutes later.

P&O Cruises’ Oriana is the first ship to arrive on Sunday, August 30 at 38/9 berth followed by another of the company’s vessels, Ventura at the Ocean Terminal.

Cunard’s Queen Victoria is set to berth at the Mayflower Terminal while P&O Cruises’ Aurora will be at the City Cruise Terminal. Ventura and Queen Victoria are scheduled to leave at 5pm while Oriana and Aurora should depart one hour later.

Southampton City Council traffic manager Vijay Manro, said: “We want people to come to Southampton this weekend and enjoy their time in the city.

However, I would urge motorists to plan their journeys, avoid peak traffic times if they can and consider using public transport during the weekend.”

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Originally posted by dmwnc1:
...and those of us on this side of the pond eagerly anticipate the wonderful array of stunning pictures from our good CT friends lucky enough to be there when it happens!

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I set off to go to Southampton on Saturday for the 5 ships, but never got there. People, vehicles everywhere, nor any room to move. The traffic into Southampton was bad; this I am told is because the centre was closed to all traffic except buses & taxis [I assume if one was on a cruise you would have been let in], but I don't know the details as I avoided it altogether going to Marchwood, Hythe & then Calshot. The Hythe Ferry was a no go as well being full to capacity on each run with long queues, no cars were allowed in the Hythe Marina area & Calshot Spit was also completely packed solid with cars all the way along - luckily I found a spot to park. The only breathing space was in Marchwood - & Calshot once the ships had rounded the end, but by then it was freezing cold & windy.

Not only were people everywhere, all sorts of ships, boats, boarders, kiters, yachts were too. Here are the 5 ships :-

Black Watch, Grand Princess, Queen Mary 2, Independence of the Seas, Oceana [Nice to see ss Shieldhall about for a run all afternoon] - ah Tagus beauty

Yes, I do have some proper photos, will do a gallery later today.

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Originally posted by PamM:

I set off to go to Southampton on Saturday for the 5 ships, but never got there. People, vehicles everywhere, nor any room to move. The traffic into Southampton was bad;.....

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Originally posted by Cunard Fan:

The traffic was that bad just because of this port thing?

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Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:
P&O Cruises’ Oriana is the first ship to arrive on Sunday, August 30 at 38/9 berth followed by another of the company’s vessels, Ventura at the Ocean Terminal.

Cunard’s Queen Victoria is set to berth at the Mayflower Terminal while P&O Cruises’ Aurora will be at the City Cruise Terminal. Ventura and Queen Victoria are scheduled to leave at 5pm while Oriana and Aurora should depart one hour later.

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Originally posted by dmwnc1:
Did anyone get pictures of the Sunday group that came through Southampton?

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I'm guessing that's a no then? They must be the ugly duckings of the group and nobody got pictures...

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Originally posted by dmwnc1:

I'm guessing that's a no then? They must be the ugly duckings of the group and nobody got pictures...

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