SOUTHAMPTON is set for a £25 million boost to its economy this weekend as ten cruise ships descend on the city – but drivers are being warned to expect "massive gridlock" on the roads.

During the weekend 55,000 passengers set to embark and disembark and splash their cash in the city's hotels, restaurants and bars.

Each of the ships, which this weekend include the likes of the Queen Mary 2 and the Azura, are estimated to bring a £2.5million boost to the city's economy as they "turnaround".

However, traffic in the southern part of the city is expected severely affected on Saturday afternoon as the ships' arrivals clash with Saints 's home game against West Ham at St Mary's.

Drivers are being warned of major delays.

One of those people to issue a warning is, Perry McMillan, chairman of the Southampton section of Unite.

The cab driver of 20 years, said: "It's going to be a massive weekend for the city.

"The city is going to have a fantastic buzz with the cruise ships and the Premier League football.

"But it's going to be massive gridlock - particularly somewhere like West Quay Road."

He added: "I would still encourage people to come into the city but leave your car at home.

"We should be encouraging people to use more public transport."

Chief executive of Go Southampton Business Improvement District (BID), John Walton, also echoed Mr McMillan's calls for people not to avoid visiting the city this weekend.

He said: "To have 10 cruise ships in one weekend is absolutely incredible for city.

"It's fantastic for local business and it puts Southampton on the world stage.

"I don't think anyone should avoid the city, but instead take advice from the council and relevant highways authorities."

Port bosses also expect the usual contingent of Ro-Ro vessels and container ships.

Associated British Ports (ABP) director, Alastair Welch, said: “This will be a busy weekend for the port.

"It really is a team effort that ensures the ships arrive and depart safely.

"With the trend for cruise travel on an upward curve, we are likely to see more weekends like this in the port."

Alongside adopting their own measures, the port says it will work closely with Southampton City Council to ensure roads run smoothly.

However, the council's portfolio holder for transport, Jacqui Rayment, has played down suggestions of looming traffic chaos.

She said: "As far as I'm aware it is business as usual this weekend.

"On busy weekends we make sure that any traffic restrictions are lifted and road works are removed so that there is clear access through the city.

"The port have not reported an concerns to us and we would say this will be a normally busy Saturday in a thriving city."

The ships to watch out for are:

Today- Norwegian Jade, Queen Mary 2, Navigator of the Seas, Mein Shiff 1 and Azura.

Tomorrow: Queen Elizabeth, Arcadia, Independence of the Seas, Braemar and Aurora.