SOUTHAMPTON'S Mayflower Cruise Terminal has re-opened after a £6million facelift that will help the city cope with a huge increase in passenger numbers.

The 55-year-old terminal has been transformed as the city's booming cruise industry prepares to cater for a 25 per cent rise in passengers over the next two years.

The projected increase is down to the rising number of cruise ships visiting Southampton, coupled with the extra capacity of the new vessels.

Hundreds of staff have spent the past five months ensuring the Mayflower terminal can cope with the extra demand.

Its open plan exterior has been remodelled, with expanded security, check-in and passenger reception areas that aim to reduce delays.

Other improvements include additional passenger and baggage x-ray machines and a major redesign of the drop-off and pick-up areas.

The rise in the number of ships visiting Southampton will result in extra business for P&O Cruises, Cunard and other parts of the Carnival Group.

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Steven Young, director of port services at Carnival UK, said the introduction of larger vessels such as Britannia made it necessary to enhance terminals, making arrivals and departures as stress-free as possible.

He added: “The improvements will allow us to give customers passing through Southampton the very best experience with reduced congestion.”

Port director Nick Ridehalgh added: “We are incredibly proud to hold the title of Europe's leading cruise turn-around port but will never rest on our laurels.

“We're committed to investing heavily in our facilities in order to help port-related businesses grow and provide world-class service to their customers.”

One of the first passengers to use the new-look terminal was Michele Charles, 59, of London, who performed the opening ceremony by cutting a red ribbon.

Michele, who has been on about 50 cruises over the past 20 years, said: “It looks lovely - the work they've done has made a big improvement.

“It was OK before but now it's much more comfortable and indicative of the facilities on the ships.”

Immediately after the ceremony Michele boarded the Ventura, where she will celebrate her 60th birthday on Thursday during a seven-night cruise to Spain, Portugal and Guernsey.

Daily Echo: Captain Simon Terry presenting a gift to regular customer Michele Charles, next to Elaine Holt of EVP Operations.

She said: “I love the sea and enjoy all the activities on board ship. Each vessel is like a hotel that moves you around and moves the scenery around for you as well.”

It comes just days after Southampton's latest cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas, was officially named in a spectacular ceremony.

Earlier this year Cruise Lines International Association said it expected a record 23 million passengers to set sail this year - a four per cent increase on 2014.