The floating terminal cost �500,000

The pontoon in Greenwich, south-east London, will act as a customs point with immigration and passport control.

As well as making it easier for passengers to get to shore, it is hoped it will attract more ships to London.

Currently about 50 cruise liners come into London but that could triple in five years with the �500,000 floating terminal.

Geoff Adam, from the Port of London Authority, which bought the terminal, said: "About 11.5 million overseas victors come to London every year.

The terminal will carry out immigration and security checks

"A number of those come in cruise ships which call into ports around the coastline but now we can bring them right into the centre of London.

"So cruising is essential to increase tourism in London."

Across the world 14 million cruises set sail every year and the market, one of the fastest growing in the leisure industry, is said to be worth billions.

James St John, from the ship The World, which is moored to the new terminal, said: "Firstly, you've got a great city on a great river.

"And the fact you can now get a ship in here and get people on and off easily will attract other ships. I think it's great."