Tag Archives: southampton

Southampton’s QEII cruise terminal set for £5m upgrade

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A £5 million revamp of Southampton port’s QEII cruise terminal will begin this winter.

ABP Port of Southampton and Carnival UK are jointly funding the improvements.

The work is being carried out over two phases in 2015/16 and will include a ship-to-shore walkway to replace the existing one, which was initially installed for Cunard’s Queen Mary 2.

This will ensure a greater range of ships can use the terminal with new technology, improving passenger flow and experience.

The terminal upgrade will also include improvements to the existing check in, baggage and passenger X-ray areas, installing a new 46-person lift and re-organising the passenger drop-off area.

The first phase of the work is due to be completed in spring 2016. The second phase, which includes the installation of the new walkway, will be finalised in winter 2016.

ABP Southampton director, Nick Ridehalgh (pictured), said: “The number of cruise passengers coming through Southampton’s port continues to rise, with 1.75 million expected to pass through this year.

“It’s therefore vital that we ensure our facilities are in the very best shape to accommodate these passengers and that they are laid out in a way that gives people a seamless and stress-free start to their holidays.”

Carnival UK port services and government affairs director, Steven Young, said: “We are delighted that these works, following on from recent improvements to both the Ocean and Mayflower cruise terminals, will give our guests a consistent and improved experience regardless of the terminal at which they join or leave the ship.

“As well as Cunard and P&O Cruises other Carnival brands including Princess, Holland America and Aida will benefit.”

Norwegian takes delivery of Escape

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Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of the 4,270-passenger Norwegian Escape Thursday.

The 164,600-gross-ton ship, which was constructed by the Meyer Werft yard in Bremerhaven, Germany, will make its way to Miami via stops in Hamburg, Germany, and Southampton, England.

It is scheduled to arrive in Miami on Oct. 29 and will be christened by Miami-based musician Pitbull on Nov. 9.

The Escape is the first in the Breakaway Plus class and, as its name suggests, is a slightly larger version of the Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway now in operation.

Among its features is a larger VIP-only Haven area, expanded ropes course, a Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, the Food Republic dining hall overseen by the Pubbelly Restaurant Group and the Bayamo restaurant by chef Jose Garces.

Per Norwegian tradition, its hull carries a distinctive, colorful design; in this case, it was designed by Guy Harvey.

Passenger falls overboard from cruise ship

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Man falls overboard as cruise ship returns from two-week Mediterranean voyage

A passenger has fallen overboard from a cruise ship off the Isle of Wight.

The man is understood to have fallen into the water from the Ventura as it was returning to Southampton, Hampshire, from a two-week trip to the Mediterranean.

A Coastguard helicopter and RNLI lifeboats have been involved in the search of an area with a 25 nautical mile radius south of St Catherine’s Point on the Isle of Wight.

“Very sad situation and thoughts go out to the family involved. Our delay and inconvenience is insignificant in comparison.”
Passenger Jenny Hill

AIS ship tracker – P&O Venture Search Pattern.

The P&O ship, which can carry up to 3,200 passengers, retraced its route across the area to assist in the search.

A Coastguard spokeswoman said: “We have a lifeboat from Yarmouth searching along with a Coastguard helicopter and we are still broadcasting to all shipping to look out for anything in the water.”

Passenger Kieron Baker said: “I’m currently on board Ventura, travelling back to Southampton now. Had a fantastic 2 week cruise but this really has put a dampener on things. Atmosphere is sombre as you can imagine and my thoughts go out to the passengers family. So so sad.”

Ellis Lynas @EllisLynas

P&O Ventura still in search for overboard passenger with Coastguard and Royal Navy.

10:34 AM – 10 Oct 2015

Steven Fagioli posted on the ship’s Facebook page: “Late back, lost a passenger overboard last night. Search continuing with coastguards etc”.

Fellow passenger Jenny Hill wrote on Facebook: “I am on the Ventura now! Very sad situation and thoughts go out to the family involved. Our delay and inconvenience is insignificant in comparison.”

A P&O Cruises spokesman said: “Following reports of a missing person earlier this morning, Ventura conducted a full search of the area off the coast of the Isle of Wight.

“As a result of this search, which has now been handed over to the Coastguard as is usual in these instances, Ventura’s scheduled arrival into Southampton this morning is delayed.”