SOUTHAMPTON EAGER FOR FREEDOM OF THE SEAS
Associated British Ports (ABP) eagerly awaits the arrival of the world’s largest cruise ship – Freedom of the Seas – which is due to arrive at the Port of Southampton on Saturday, 29 April, at approximately 08.45.
The latest addition to Royal Caribbean International’s fleet will arrive during an exciting period of regeneration for Southampton’s passenger activity. In 2005, more passengers passed through Southampton than during the height of the port’s so-called heyday in the 1950s. Furthermore, on Sunday, 23 April, five cruise ships called at the port on the same day – a spectacle that had not been seen in Southampton since 1966.
Doug Morrison, ABP Port Director, Port of Southampton, said: “Everyone at the port is looking forward, with great anticipation, to the arrival of Freedom of the Seas. Royal Caribbean is one of our most valued cruise customers and we are proud to be offered the opportunity to welcome such an imposing ship.
“Southampton’s cruise business now exceeds levels experienced prior to the advent of mass air travel. Revenue and prestige gained from this activity is extremely important to the port and the surrounding economic area.”
A timetable of Freedom of the Seas' arrival in Southampton, including the best vantage points from which to view the arrival, follows. In addition, the ship's inward progress can be tracked live on ABP Southampton's vessel traffic services website, http://sotonvts.co.uk
06.15 hours Pilot boards Freedom of the Seas (FoS) one mile south-east of the Nab Tower.
06.50 hours FoS passes 'the forts,' with best viewing from Southsea Common
07.00 hours FoS passes 'The Sturbridge buoy', East Solent, with best viewing from Stokes Bay at Gosport and Ryde on the Isle of Wight
07.20 hours FoS passes 'The Prince Consort buoy,' Central Solent, with best viewing from Cowes on the Isle of Wight
07.35 hours FoS enters Southampton Water, with best viewing from Calshot
08.00 hours FoS in Southampton Water, with best viewing from Netley, Weston Shore and Hythe
08.20 hours FoS passes Town Quay, Southampton Docks, with best viewing from there and Mayflower Park
08.45 hours FoS pulls up alongside 101 Berth, with starboard side to quay
09.00 hours FoS all fast and gangways in at 101 Berth
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