Southampton
,the United Kingdom’s premier cruise port, is steeped in maritime history. The first docks were built in 1838 and the town of Southampton will forever be linked with the Titanic who made her fateful maiden voyage from these docks on April 10, 1912. Most of the crew of the Titanic lived in this town and over 500 households lost at least one family member in the tragedy. Today Southampton has more luxury ships arriving and departing than the rest of the UK put together and the harbor area is also a haven for yachts and leisure craft. The Southampton Harbor is host to events such as the Whitbread and Global Challenge Yacht Races, Cowes Week and the Southampton International Boat Show. With approximately 2500 recreational berths, Southampton has marinas with visitor facilities at Hythe, Town Quay, Ocean Village, Kemps and Shamrock Quay. The city of Southampton has many exciting opportunities for visitors including an array of world class shops, lovely gardens, wonderful restaurants and lively special events. As a city of significant historical importance, Southampton offers fascinating museums such as the Southampton Maritime Museum and the “Titanic Trail,” the Pilgrim Fathers departures to the Americas and the Medieval Walls that surround this beautiful city.
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