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City’s cruise importance to grow with size of ships
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| Genesis under construction in Finland. |
SOUTHAMPTON'S success as a major centre for international cruise ships is about to dramatically increase as bigger and bigger vessels head for the city.
Speaking exclusively to Business South, Richard Fain, is considered by many to be among the handful of the industry's top executives who have been credited with the vision and business confidence that is shaping the next generation of 21st century ships.
As chief executive officer of the Miami based Royal Caribbean International, Mr Fain was in Southampton for the inauguration of the company's latest addition to its rapidly expanding fleet - the vast 160,000 ton Independence of the Seas, which is the biggest passenger ship ever to be based in Europe.
"The size of vessels will continue to grow, in fact the only limiting factor will be the imagination of ship designers of the future. In fact the sky's the limit," he said.
"A few years ago we did not simply set out to build larger and larger ships able to carry thousands of people. No, we asked what would our guests look for in a future cruise and the Royal Caribbean team came up with what I like to think are pretty innovative ideas.
"Once we finalised the range of passenger facilities then we looked at the size of the platform we needed to build. Our ships have so many attractions that they need to be on this large scale we are now seeing joining our fleet.
"At Royal Caribbean we recognise Southampton's importance to the cruise industry and I am confident that its role within the industry will only continue to grow.''
Mr Fain also talked about the company's next amazing project, as yet just code-named, Genesis.
This giant floating-resort ship, now under construction in a shipyard in Finland, will be the first cruise vessel to top 220,000 tons.
"Southampton is now recognised as the cruise ship capital of the UK and we are doing everything we can to arrange for Genesis to visit the city during 2010 as part of her global debut,'' said Mr Fain.
Genesis will feature the first ever park, complete with real lawns, trees and flowers, to be seen on any ship while plans also include a moving bar that will rise and lower over three decks and enough cabins to accommodate 8,400 passengers and crew.
9:41am Tuesday 6th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: gorf, soton on 11:25am Tue 6 May 08
i hope that they sort mayflower park out by extending it!
i hope that they sort mayflower park out by extending it!
Posted by: Richard Ralls, botley on 11:49am Tue 6 May 08
Does that mean then they will start to use the railway into the docks again?
Does that mean then they will start to use the railway into the docks again?
Posted by: Fred on 11:54am Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]Richard Ralls[/bold] wrote:
Does that mean then they will start to use the railway into the docks again? [/quote] The one passing South Western House? Not really in a good position for most of the liners and much of the track passing the Royal Pier now lifted.
Richard Ralls wrote:
Does that mean then they will start to use the railway into the docks again?
The one passing South Western House? Not really in a good position for most of the liners and much of the track passing the Royal Pier now lifted.
Posted by: Road Runner on 12:29pm Tue 6 May 08
Worth noting that when we had 3 big cruise liners all departing last Friday, the tail-back from the docks was as far as Regents Park traffic lights. When you add the opening of Ikea into the mix, that road is only going to get worse.
Perhaps a park & ride should be opened for all the Cruise passengers?
Worth noting that when we had 3 big cruise liners all departing last Friday, the tail-back from the docks was as far as Regents Park traffic lights. When you add the opening of Ikea into the mix, that road is only going to get worse.
Perhaps a park & ride should be opened for all the Cruise passengers?
Posted by: Steve, Southampton on 2:27pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]Fred[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Richard Ralls[/bold] wrote: Does that mean then they will start to use the railway into the docks again? [/quote] The one passing South Western House? Not really in a good position for most of the liners and much of the track passing the Royal Pier now lifted. [/quote] I know its abit old, but;
Source -[italic][bold]Building and planning (Southampton City Council)[/bold][/italic] [bold]Local Plan - TI 4 Waterfront Rail Station
Land at Canute Road is safeguarded for the provision of a rail station
View TI4 on the proposed modifications map here.
10.17
Land at Canute Road is identified for the provision of a new rail halt to serve Ocean Village and the waterfront. This section of rail line is currently used only to provide rail freight access to the docks. There is an opportunity to re-open this section of track to provide passenger services. To enable this to provide rail services to the office and leisure areas around Ocean Village, land is safeguarded for a new station at Canute Road. The station would also be a short walk from the new football ground for Southampton FC.
Last updated: 20 October 2006[/bold]
There has was abit of activity down there last year, clearing all the bushes, rubbish and leveling it all out, they could put it up any time now really, i guess this could be part of the new thing for when the new ships come in, it will be a better location then central station, but who knows, im only guessing here lol.
Fred wrote:
Richard Ralls wrote: Does that mean then they will start to use the railway into the docks again?
The one passing South Western House? Not really in a good position for most of the liners and much of the track passing the Royal Pier now lifted.
I know its abit old, but;
Source -
Building and planning (Southampton City Council) Local Plan - TI 4 Waterfront Rail Station
Land at Canute Road is safeguarded for the provision of a rail station
View TI4 on the proposed modifications map here.
10.17
Land at Canute Road is identified for the provision of a new rail halt to serve Ocean Village and the waterfront. This section of rail line is currently used only to provide rail freight access to the docks. There is an opportunity to re-open this section of track to provide passenger services. To enable this to provide rail services to the office and leisure areas around Ocean Village, land is safeguarded for a new station at Canute Road. The station would also be a short walk from the new football ground for Southampton FC.
Last updated: 20 October 2006
There has was abit of activity down there last year, clearing all the bushes, rubbish and leveling it all out, they could put it up any time now really, i guess this could be part of the new thing for when the new ships come in, it will be a better location then central station, but who knows, im only guessing here lol.
Posted by: hulla, baloo on 3:07pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]Steve[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Fred[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Richard Ralls[/bold] wrote: Does that mean then they will start to use the railway into the docks again? [/quote] The one passing South Western House? Not really in a good position for most of the liners and much of the track passing the Royal Pier now lifted. [/quote] I know its abit old, but; Source -[italic][bold]Building and planning (Southampton City Council)[/bold][/italic] [bold]Local Plan - TI 4 Waterfront Rail Station Land at Canute Road is safeguarded for the provision of a rail station View TI4 on the proposed modifications map here. 10.17 Land at Canute Road is identified for the provision of a new rail halt to serve Ocean Village and the waterfront. This section of rail line is currently used only to provide rail freight access to the docks. There is an opportunity to re-open this section of track to provide passenger services. To enable this to provide rail services to the office and leisure areas around Ocean Village, land is safeguarded for a new station at Canute Road. The station would also be a short walk from the new football ground for Southampton FC. Last updated: 20 October 2006[/bold] There has was abit of activity down there last year, clearing all the bushes, rubbish and leveling it all out, they could put it up any time now really, i guess this could be part of the new thing for when the new ships come in, it will be a better location then central station, but who knows, im only guessing here lol.[/quote] But to be any use to rail passengers,and reduce traffic, they need to be able to board the train outside Southampton,and the rail link needs to go along the docks to the ocean terminal.
Sorry to say, I cant see it happening, nor can I see it workable.
Steve wrote:
Fred wrote: Richard Ralls wrote: Does that mean then they will start to use the railway into the docks again?
The one passing South Western House? Not really in a good position for most of the liners and much of the track passing the Royal Pier now lifted.
I know its abit old, but; Source -Building and planning (Southampton City Council) Local Plan - TI 4 Waterfront Rail Station Land at Canute Road is safeguarded for the provision of a rail station View TI4 on the proposed modifications map here. 10.17 Land at Canute Road is identified for the provision of a new rail halt to serve Ocean Village and the waterfront. This section of rail line is currently used only to provide rail freight access to the docks. There is an opportunity to re-open this section of track to provide passenger services. To enable this to provide rail services to the office and leisure areas around Ocean Village, land is safeguarded for a new station at Canute Road. The station would also be a short walk from the new football ground for Southampton FC. Last updated: 20 October 2006 There has was abit of activity down there last year, clearing all the bushes, rubbish and leveling it all out, they could put it up any time now really, i guess this could be part of the new thing for when the new ships come in, it will be a better location then central station, but who knows, im only guessing here lol.
But to be any use to rail passengers,and reduce traffic, they need to be able to board the train outside Southampton,and the rail link needs to go along the docks to the ocean terminal.
Sorry to say, I cant see it happening, nor can I see it workable.
Posted by: john, southampton on 4:08pm Tue 6 May 08
what they should do is route the traffice into the docks via the millbrook roundabout (harley Davidson garage) sot that the traffic for the cruise ships doesnt get mixed up with the shoppers. especially considering they are now spending out to resurface it and cover it if traffic lights
what they should do is route the traffice into the docks via the millbrook roundabout (harley Davidson garage) sot that the traffic for the cruise ships doesnt get mixed up with the shoppers. especially considering they are now spending out to resurface it and cover it if traffic lights
Posted by: Ian M, Southampton on 4:09pm Tue 6 May 08
The council has totally failed to capitalise on this fantastic opportunity. I am embarassed about the state of Southampton by the water. It is impossible to get anywhere near the water for a good view of these liners. The only option is the Hythe Ferry of some delapidated blue boat. I am ashamed to say that we pale into insignificance against what P.... has achieved; Birmingham is another good example of making the most of your assets. I agree that IKEA will only bring further travel chaos. I should imagine that the cruise passengers must have a similar opinion of Southampton as air travellers have of Heathrow. It's time for the council to [bold]get off their backsides.[/bold]
The council has totally failed to capitalise on this fantastic opportunity. I am embarassed about the state of Southampton by the water. It is impossible to get anywhere near the water for a good view of these liners. The only option is the Hythe Ferry of some delapidated blue boat. I am ashamed to say that we pale into insignificance against what P.... has achieved; Birmingham is another good example of making the most of your assets. I agree that IKEA will only bring further travel chaos. I should imagine that the cruise passengers must have a similar opinion of Southampton as air travellers have of Heathrow. It's time for the council to
get off their backsides. Posted by: Richard Ralls, Botley on 5:08pm Tue 6 May 08
It does seem a waste of great resource (rail line to docks) what with a) liners b) ocean village entertainments c) IOW ferry d) football stadium.
I know some of the above are not feasible but with the world (OK just Britain) going green this would be a great addition to southampton.
Or may be I'm just hankering to days gone past.
If they build a station down there on Canoute Road not sure what service would run into there on a regular basis. Can't see SWT going there (no third rail) Cross Country? There better off with Central, of FGW their service is so poor anyway.
But you never know......
It does seem a waste of great resource (rail line to docks) what with a) liners b) ocean village entertainments c) IOW ferry d) football stadium.
I know some of the above are not feasible but with the world (OK just Britain) going green this would be a great addition to southampton.
Or may be I'm just hankering to days gone past.
If they build a station down there on Canoute Road not sure what service would run into there on a regular basis. Can't see SWT going there (no third rail) Cross Country? There better off with Central, of FGW their service is so poor anyway.
But you never know......
Posted by: Condor Man, Southampton on 5:10pm Tue 6 May 08
The council put all their eggs in the West Quay basket and sadly have neglected the rest of the city.
The council put all their eggs in the West Quay basket and sadly have neglected the rest of the city.
Posted by: beryl, southampton on 6:12pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]Road Runner[/bold] wrote:
Worth noting that when we had 3 big cruise liners all departing last Friday, the tail-back from the docks was as far as Regents Park traffic lights. When you add the opening of Ikea into the mix, that road is only going to get worse. Perhaps a park & ride should be opened for all the Cruise passengers?[/quote] that was not the only time when there was more than 2 ships in port. On the 10 May there will be 4 ships in port, 3 on the 21 May 3 on the 30 May and 3 on the 31 may. 35 visits by cruise ships just in May.
When is the council going to maximize on these people coming through the port?
Road Runner wrote:
Worth noting that when we had 3 big cruise liners all departing last Friday, the tail-back from the docks was as far as Regents Park traffic lights. When you add the opening of Ikea into the mix, that road is only going to get worse. Perhaps a park & ride should be opened for all the Cruise passengers?
that was not the only time when there was more than 2 ships in port. On the 10 May there will be 4 ships in port, 3 on the 21 May 3 on the 30 May and 3 on the 31 may. 35 visits by cruise ships just in May.
When is the council going to maximize on these people coming through the port?
Posted by: Steve, Southampton on 6:26pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]Richard Ralls[/bold] wrote:
It does seem a waste of great resource (rail line to docks) what with a) liners b) ocean village entertainments c) IOW ferry d) football stadium. I know some of the above are not feasible but with the world (OK just Britain) going green this would be a great addition to southampton. Or may be I'm just hankering to days gone past. If they build a station down there on Canoute Road not sure what service would run into there on a regular basis. Can't see SWT going there (no third rail) Cross Country? There better off with Central, of FGW their service is so poor anyway. But you never know......[/quote] The service from the old Southampton Terminus Station use to run a service from there all the way to Fawley, that would be a good opportunity to bring back that service, but sadly the rail link between central and terminus has gone and would require a turn round near northam depot, unless railtrack wants to pay for the junction to be put back in, but could always bring in a DMU or DEMU (Diesel (Electrical) Multiple Unit) service, would take most people off the road between Fawley and Southampton and bring people closer to the waterfront on both sides. Sadly I cant ever see the Fawley Branch Line reopening or see this proposed rail link to the sea front as its not connected to Southampton Central :(...
[italic]Oh, Dr. Beeching what have you done?
There once were lots of trains to catch, but soon there will be none,
I'll have to buy a bike, 'cos I can't afford a car,
Oh, Dr. Beeching what a naughty man you are![/italic]
Richard Ralls wrote:
It does seem a waste of great resource (rail line to docks) what with a) liners b) ocean village entertainments c) IOW ferry d) football stadium. I know some of the above are not feasible but with the world (OK just Britain) going green this would be a great addition to southampton. Or may be I'm just hankering to days gone past. If they build a station down there on Canoute Road not sure what service would run into there on a regular basis. Can't see SWT going there (no third rail) Cross Country? There better off with Central, of FGW their service is so poor anyway. But you never know......
The service from the old Southampton Terminus Station use to run a service from there all the way to Fawley, that would be a good opportunity to bring back that service, but sadly the rail link between central and terminus has gone and would require a turn round near northam depot, unless railtrack wants to pay for the junction to be put back in, but could always bring in a DMU or DEMU (Diesel (Electrical) Multiple Unit) service, would take most people off the road between Fawley and Southampton and bring people closer to the waterfront on both sides. Sadly I cant ever see the Fawley Branch Line reopening or see this proposed rail link to the sea front as its not connected to Southampton Central :(...
Oh, Dr. Beeching what have you done?
There once were lots of trains to catch, but soon there will be none,
I'll have to buy a bike, 'cos I can't afford a car,
Oh, Dr. Beeching what a naughty man you are! Posted by: Ricardo, Soton on 8:04pm Tue 6 May 08
Those commenting on the possibility of Southampton Terminus being reopened are going to be disappointed. Whilst reopening the line to the docks to passengers would be useful in the coming chaos of the Southampton Tunnel engineering blockade, it aint gonna happen, simple as.
Network Rail have no plans for any such work, and besides, I'm extremely doubtful Southampton Terminus could be made to work as a modern passenger station. Its at the end of a single line, severely limiting the services that could be run, and really isnt in the right place.
Keep dreaming guys....
Those commenting on the possibility of Southampton Terminus being reopened are going to be disappointed. Whilst reopening the line to the docks to passengers would be useful in the coming chaos of the Southampton Tunnel engineering blockade, it aint gonna happen, simple as.
Network Rail have no plans for any such work, and besides, I'm extremely doubtful Southampton Terminus could be made to work as a modern passenger station. Its at the end of a single line, severely limiting the services that could be run, and really isnt in the right place.
Keep dreaming guys....
Posted by: Sheitma Pance, Soton on 8:53pm Tue 6 May 08
There's no reason why the old railway cutting couldn't be used for a new rapid transit system.
There's no reason why the old railway cutting couldn't be used for a new rapid transit system.
Posted by: beryl, southampton on 9:48pm Tue 6 May 08
[quote][bold]Ian M[/bold] wrote:
The council has totally failed to capitalise on this fantastic opportunity. I am embarassed about the state of Southampton by the water. It is impossible to get anywhere near the water for a good view of these liners. The only option is the Hythe Ferry of some delapidated blue boat. I am ashamed to say that we pale into insignificance against what P.... has achieved; Birmingham is another good example of making the most of your assets. I agree that IKEA will only bring further travel chaos. I should imagine that the cruise passengers must have a similar opinion of Southampton as air travellers have of Heathrow. It\\\'s time for the council to [bold]get off their backsides.[/bold] [/quote] I agree. We went out last summer on the Oriana and the pier was a very sorry sight,the isle of wight terminal should be moved into the docks and reclaim more land for Mayflower Park, the mayflower park waterfront extended past the pier gatehouse with cafe's etc, walkways, information etc.the council do need to get their act together and make this a city that cruise visitors would like to stay a while
Ian M wrote:
The council has totally failed to capitalise on this fantastic opportunity. I am embarassed about the state of Southampton by the water. It is impossible to get anywhere near the water for a good view of these liners. The only option is the Hythe Ferry of some delapidated blue boat. I am ashamed to say that we pale into insignificance against what P.... has achieved; Birmingham is another good example of making the most of your assets. I agree that IKEA will only bring further travel chaos. I should imagine that the cruise passengers must have a similar opinion of Southampton as air travellers have of Heathrow. It's time for the council to get off their backsides.
I agree. We went out last summer on the Oriana and the pier was a very sorry sight,the isle of wight terminal should be moved into the docks and reclaim more land for Mayflower Park, the mayflower park waterfront extended past the pier gatehouse with cafe's etc, walkways, information etc.the council do need to get their act together and make this a city that cruise visitors would like to stay a while
Posted by: Steve, Southampton on 11:08am Wed 7 May 08
[quote][bold]Ricardo[/bold] wrote:
Those commenting on the possibility of Southampton Terminus being reopened are going to be disappointed. Whilst reopening the line to the docks to passengers would be useful in the coming chaos of the Southampton Tunnel engineering blockade, it aint gonna happen, simple as. Network Rail have no plans for any such work, and besides, I'm extremely doubtful Southampton Terminus could be made to work as a modern passenger station. Its at the end of a single line, severely limiting the services that could be run, and really isnt in the right place. Keep dreaming guys....[/quote] Loads of routes could be made, just none to any stops between Central to Weymouth with out a long detour, from the single line halt could have services going to London, Salisbury, heck we could build our own tower at mayflower park and have a service running from Pompy Harbour to Waterfront station have a friendly competition
between the So'ton n Pompy tower lol... not forgetting students and well known people who fly in to Southampton Aiport Parkway could have a direct raillink to the National Oceanography Centre with out the need to catch the Unilink buses with all the students
Ricardo wrote:
Those commenting on the possibility of Southampton Terminus being reopened are going to be disappointed. Whilst reopening the line to the docks to passengers would be useful in the coming chaos of the Southampton Tunnel engineering blockade, it aint gonna happen, simple as. Network Rail have no plans for any such work, and besides, I'm extremely doubtful Southampton Terminus could be made to work as a modern passenger station. Its at the end of a single line, severely limiting the services that could be run, and really isnt in the right place. Keep dreaming guys....
Loads of routes could be made, just none to any stops between Central to Weymouth with out a long detour, from the single line halt could have services going to London, Salisbury, heck we could build our own tower at mayflower park and have a service running from Pompy Harbour to Waterfront station have a friendly competition
between the So'ton n Pompy tower lol... not forgetting students and well known people who fly in to Southampton Aiport Parkway could have a direct raillink to the National Oceanography Centre with out the need to catch the Unilink buses with all the students
Posted by: robert on 4:31pm Wed 7 May 08
Re Mayflower Park. The idea of an extension out into the water and redevelopment of Royal Pier is a good one. However the City Council does not have the funds to do it themselves and would have to enter into partnership with a commercial partner. This has been tried on several occasions and the only viable prospect was more housing which was tricky to make a case for then and probably much more of an issue now bearing in mind house prices are reducing.
To reclaim land is expensive not only to provide the reclaim itself (all sorts of environmental hoops to jump through)but part of the foreshore is owned by the Queen so approx 25% of any development has to be paid to the Crown Estate.
Re the possibility of a Station at Canute Rd, the cost to electrify the track for passenger services and provide a platform and station could not be substantiated. Also cannot see where a space for a station could be found bearing in m ind there would have to be some sort of bus/taxi/car drop off incorporatd into the site
Re Mayflower Park. The idea of an extension out into the water and redevelopment of Royal Pier is a good one. However the City Council does not have the funds to do it themselves and would have to enter into partnership with a commercial partner. This has been tried on several occasions and the only viable prospect was more housing which was tricky to make a case for then and probably much more of an issue now bearing in mind house prices are reducing.
To reclaim land is expensive not only to provide the reclaim itself (all sorts of environmental hoops to jump through)but part of the foreshore is owned by the Queen so approx 25% of any development has to be paid to the Crown Estate.
Re the possibility of a Station at Canute Rd, the cost to electrify the track for passenger services and provide a platform and station could not be substantiated. Also cannot see where a space for a station could be found bearing in m ind there would have to be some sort of bus/taxi/car drop off incorporatd into the site
Posted by: Matt, Liverpool on 9:38pm Wed 7 May 08
This gossip has gone on for years , but it could work and be succesful , Waterloo - Southampton Waterside/Terminus ? hourly service , its the routing that would need to be got right , i have not worked down there on transport for years , this also will take pressure from the traffic using the tunnel , all in all it will happen but maybe not for a while .
This gossip has gone on for years , but it could work and be succesful , Waterloo - Southampton Waterside/Terminus ? hourly service , its the routing that would need to be got right , i have not worked down there on transport for years , this also will take pressure from the traffic using the tunnel , all in all it will happen but maybe not for a while .
Posted by: Steve, Southampton on 9:50pm Wed 7 May 08
It would only be a halt style station, somthing like St Denys, Totton, a small station with a ticket office, if they had the extra room, they could possible do So'ton Parkway station with waiting room and cafe but yes a lack of room would reduce it to a halt... AGAIN... there would no need to make the track a 3rd rail, you can simply run a DMU/DEMU down that line, saving money reducing the cost of needing that line to be operational. plus with all that parking down there i.e that WOW factor multistory in ocean village across the road would take the strain off Central car park is well. I personaly can see this working.
It would only be a halt style station, somthing like St Denys, Totton, a small station with a ticket office, if they had the extra room, they could possible do So'ton Parkway station with waiting room and cafe but yes a lack of room would reduce it to a halt... AGAIN... there would no need to make the track a 3rd rail, you can simply run a DMU/DEMU down that line, saving money reducing the cost of needing that line to be operational. plus with all that parking down there i.e that WOW factor multistory in ocean village across the road would take the strain off Central car park is well. I personaly can see this working.
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