SOUTHAMPTON has secured its spot as the UK's capital of cruising after being named 'Best Port'.

The Port of Southampton was awarded the honour in the 2021 Wave Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation in the cruise industry.

At the forefront of growth in the cruise industry, the port has spent the last few years investing heavily in its cruise infrastructure with its fifth world-class cruise terminal opening earlier this year thanks to an investment of £55 million.

The award was presented to ABP’s Head of Cruise Rebekah Keeler and her team at the black-tie ceremony in London on October 15.

This comes as the port was also awarded 'Port of the Year' by Seatrade Cruise Global last month at its annual industry event in Miami.

Rebekah Keeler said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won our second cruise industry award of the season. It is fantastic recognition for our teams and the whole port community, acknowledging the level of work that has gone into providing the best experience for cruise lines and passengers.”

As Europe’s leading cruise turnaround port, The Port of Southampton typically welcomes around 500 cruise calls and two million passengers per year.