On 28 March, Paul Ludlow, president Carnival UK & P&O Cruises, and Donnacha O’Driscoll, Executive Vice President Maritime & Sustainability, hosted an important local stakeholder visit on Queen Victoria in collaboration with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). The visit was the first industry engagement with our local politicians since last year’s General Election.
Local Members of Parliament, Darren Paffey (MP for Southampton Itchen) and Satvir Kaur (MP for Southampton Test) joined Paul and Donnacha onboard. The incoming CEO of Southampton Council, Jillian Kay, and Leader of the Council, Councillor Lorna Fielker, also joined alongside representatives from other cruise lines.
The aim of the event was to discuss the role of the cruise industry and its contribution to Southampton, and to learn more about our ship operations. The visit included a meeting which provided attendees an opportunity to discuss important issues that impact the local area, including the economy, decarbonisation, and skills. This was followed with a tour of Queen Victoria’s recycling centre, engine control room, and bridge.
Carnival UK is the largest private sector employer in Southampton, providing nearly 2,000 jobs at Carnival House. Building stronger and enduring relationships with local stakeholders is an integral part of our work in Southampton.
Paul spoke about our commitment to sustainable tourism and how we’re working to better understand our significant economic contribution which amounts to 700 calls and two million guests to the UK from across the entire Carnival fleet each year. Understanding and sharing our contribution is important as it helps to communicate the value and opportunities our presence in Southampton creates for the local community, and to work with our industry partners and local stakeholders to inform better decision-making.
Queen Victoria had just returned to Southampton from her 78-night South America Discovery voyage and later in the day departed for a short voyage in northern Europe.
Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said:
“It was an honour to host our local MPs, Southampton City Council and industry partners onboard Queen Victoria.
The visit provided an excellent opportunity to meet our key stakeholders and to demonstrate our strong and enduring links in Southampton which is felt not only locally but also across the entire UK. It is important to recognise the benefits that cruise provides and to collaborate closely with our local partners to support future growth in a way that is sustainable.
My thanks to everyone who supported the visit including our amazing crew.”