The company that operates P&O Cruises, Cunard and six other cruise brands has revealed that it employs over 1,500 full time staff at its Southampton headquarters.

An independent Economic Impact Report commissioned by Carnival UK, which runs eight cruise companies in total, showed that it has a total of 1,650 people on its payroll at the Hampshire HQ.

"It’s our intention to create the best environment for these people," said Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK and P&O Cruises.

READ MORE: Engineers on site as sewage pipe burst near designated bathing spot

The report also revealed that the cruise company supported UK high streets by paying travel agents over £100 million each year.

Based on fees paid by P&O Cruises, Cunard, Carnival Cruise line, Holland America Line, Princess and Seabourn, there is at least one agency in each UK local authority that books a Carnival UK cruise.

The report also suggests that £147 million worth of future tourism visits is created each year from the attraction of return visitors back to the UK.