The Port of Southampton opened its first 55 million-dollar cruise terminal.MSC Cruises' flagship MSC Virtuosa was the first to dock at Horizon Cruise Terminal (pictured). It is equipped with shore power and over 2,000 solar panels.Shore power is plug-in technology that allows cruise ships to connect with the National Grid. This technology reduces time ships spend in port running their engines and improves air quality.Port of Rostock, Germany - Shore power facilityMSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), which is the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Lines, Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania Cruises, collaborated in the construction of this terminal.Alastair Welch is the director of Associated British Ports Southampton. He said that he was extremely proud to build the infrastructure for future cruises with a commitment towards sustainable operations.We celebrated the UK restart of cruises with MSC Virtuosa, leaving Southampton on May 20, with the first passengers. We are excited to announce the next milestone in cruise at the Port of Southampton.More: Southampton's new cruise terminal is namedFuture-proofing Southampton port will be possible with the Quayside UpgradeThe terminal is ready for the next generation and strengthens the Port of Southampton's position as Europe's top cruise turn-around port. It is also a big vote of confidence in cruise.Antonio Paradiso is MSC Cruises UK & Ireland's managing director. He said that today marks an important moment for MSC Cruises UK. MSC Virtuosa became the first cruise ship to make a stop at the new Horizon Cruise Terminal, Southampton. This will enhance the cruise experience for our guests.ABP Southampton has a long-term partnership that will allow us to bring more guests to the port, despite the difficult times. Southampton will also play an important part in our international cruise itineraries.Howard Sherman, NCLH executive vice-president of destination and onboard revenue, said: This project continues a long-standing partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the Port of Southampton, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.We are looking forward to Seven Seas Splendor's debut at the new terminal in autumn.The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership has supported the construction of Horizon Cruise Terminal.
