Work has started on a multimillion-pound scheme to upgrade Southampton's cruise facilities.

ABP Port of Southampton and Carnival UK will invest £5m in improvements to the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) terminal. The improvements will include the installation of a state-of-the-art ship-to-shore walkway to replace the existing walkway which was initially installed for Cunard’s Queen Mary 2.

The terminal upgrade will also include improving the existing check in, baggage and passenger x-ray areas, installing a new 46-person lift and reorganising the passenger drop off area.

The work at QEII terminal is expected to end in winter 2016.

Nick Ridehalgh, ABP director, Southampton, said: "The number of cruise passengers coming through Southampton’s port continues to rise, with 1.75m expected to pass through this year. It’s therefore vital that we ensure our facilities are in the very best shape to accommodate these passengers and that they are laid out in a way that gives people a seamless and stress-free start to their holidays."

Steven Young, director of port services & government affairs for Carnival UK, added: "We are delighted that these works, following on from recent improvements to both the Ocean and Mayflower cruise terminals, will give our guests a consistent and improved experience regardless of the terminal at which they join or leave the ship."

source: InsiderMedia