The Port of Southampton has had its busiest month of the year to date for cruise, with two consecutive five cruise ship weekends during August.

On Saturday 7 August and Saturday 14 August, the port’s terminals were occupied as the cruise industry makes its phased return.

On 7 August, Ocean Cruise Terminal hosted P&O Cruises’ Iona, and Marella Explorer, while MSC Cruises’ MSC Virtuosa – fitted with shore power connectivity – was at the port’s newest terminal, Horizon Cruise Terminal. Anthem of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s second largest ship in its Quantum-class, and Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess were also present.

On the second weekend, Celebrity Silhouette was at City Cruise Terminal in place of Anthem of the Seas, with all other ships above returning to their respective terminals for further passenger operations.

Before the industry pause in operations, the Port of Southampton would typically welcome two million passengers every year, with each cruise call bringing in more than £2.7million into the local economy.

ABP head of cruise Rebekah Keeler said: “We’re excited to be getting closer to seeing what a ‘normal’ cruise weekend for the port in peak season would be.

“It’s taken a huge collaborative effort by the industry to bring cruise back safely and it fills us all with pride to see passengers once again beginning their holidays here at the Port of Southampton.”