Southampton is bracing for a bustling and busy weekend with ten major cruise ships scheduled to arrive between Friday and Sunday.

On Friday, May 9, Britannia, Regal Princess are due to arrive at 6am, before departing at 4.30pm and 4pm respectively.

Meanwhile, Arcadia will dock at 6.15am and depart at 6pm.

Saturday, May 10, will see another wave, with MSC Virtuosa, Ventura, Celebrity Apex, and Iona all arriving.

MSC Virtuosa and Ventura will both dock at 6am, Celebrity Apex will arrive at 6.15am, and Iona will arrive at 6.30am.

MSC Virtuosa and Celebrity Apex will then both depart at 4pm, before the two others leave at 5pm.

The weekend concludes with three impressive vessels—Norwegian Prima, Arvia, and Queen Anne—set to dock on Sunday, May 11.

The former will arrive at 5am before Arvia and Queen Anne sail up the Southampton Water within 15 minutes of each other, at 5.30am and 5.45am.

Norweigan Prima will then leave at 5pm before the latter two leave at 5.30pm.

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With passenger capacity across these ships likely in the tens of thousands, those driving in the city centre are expected to face traffic delays due to impact of arriving and departing passengers.

Motorists are being told to plan ahead, as increased traffic and heightened activity are anticipated throughout the port area.

 Southampton remains one of the country’s premier cruise departure points, offering access to global destinations.