PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The new terminal at Ocean Gateway is finally open for business, welcoming some of the world's largest cruise ships into Portland.

Carrying more than 2,000 passengers the Celebrity Summit pulled into Ocean Gateway Pier II, formerly known as the "mega berth," Wednesday morning. The first ship to use it was the Enchantment of the Seas over the weekend.

The 1,200-foot-long Ocean Gateway Pier II doubles the city's berthing capacity for cruise ships and other large commercial vessels. It was built at a cost of $6 million, largely funded through the Maine transportation bond.

In years past, ships needed to anchor offshore and passengers had to get shuttles into port. An inconvenience that Portland Mayor Nick Mavodones says was a turnoff to many cruise lines and their passengers. Mavodones hopes that the pier will extend the cruise ship season in Portland, by doing so he says it would bring additional revenue into the local economy.

Nicole Clegg, the city of Portland's communication director says, "a lot of cruise lines have been eagerly anticipating for this to be open."

In coming weeks there will be numerous other ships coming in to dock at the new pier, including the prestigious Queen Elizabeth ocean liner.

A grand opening reception for the new pier is scheduled for later this month.