Record numbers of people are expected to sail on cruises from Southampton in 2025.

The port, which was the departure point for 2.7 million passengers in 2023, is forecasted to see even more people this year.

Southampton has been named the UK's most popular departure port by Iglu Cruise, which attributed its rising demand to factors like easy UK access, a variety of itineraries, and cruise lines, parking convenience, and disability assistance.

Chief commercial officer at Iglu Cruise, Dave Mills said: "Once holidaymakers have departed for the first time from Southampton, they tend to never look back, given how straightforward and pleasant the experience is."

A recent customer survey also revealed that 47 per cent preferred to sail directly from the UK.

Last month, Southampton was named the UK’s best cruise ship departure port in awards run by maritime travel experts.

The city was pitted against all other departure ports in the Cruise Critic Best in Cruise Awards but managed to be branded Best UK Departure Port.