The Port of Dover has completed the first phase of its ambitious ‘Long-term Vision to 2050,’ successfully expanding its cruise berth mooring facilities. This £6 million investment now enables the historic Kentish port to accommodate cruise ships up to 350 metres in length, a significant milestone.
While historically overshadowed by Southampton, Dover is rapidly enhancing its cruise capabilities. The port, visible from Calais on clear days, welcomes up to 8,000 passengers on peak weekends and already serves over 20 cruise lines such as Carnival, Fred Olsen, Holland America and Winstar.
Reflecting the appeal to major cruise lines, the Viking Vela, the first in Viking’s new generation of ocean ships, made its UK debut in Dover last year. This season, four of Viking’s Ocean ships are scheduled to call at the port as part of its London to Bergen and British Isles itineraries.
Previously limited to ships between 300 and 320 metres, the new capability means Dover is now able to berth some of the largest vessels in the world, including those operated by Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises.
According to Sonia Limbrick, Head of Business Development for Cruise, ‘Dover, and the surrounding areas, have a huge appeal to cruise visitors from all over the world with iconic heritage and culture, in addition to being a convenient turnaround hub with exceptional customer service. We are thrilled to embark on this journey alongside our cruise lines.’
With a growing and increasingly varied cargo operation, state-of-the-art port infrastructure, and a new marina at the heart of a revitalised waterfront, Dover wants to blend its 400-year maritime history with a modern vision for the future.
In a statement, Peter Wright, Head of Cruise at the Port said: ‘We are delighted to share this exciting news with the industry,’ adding that the ‘2025 season is in full swing, and we already see a diverse range of cruise ships bringing in thousands of guests each week during high season. Our vision for cruise will ensure that Dover remains at the forefront of the sector whilst delivering economic benefits across the region.’
Each year, the Port of Dover handles £144 billion in trade, 33% of the UK’s trade in goods with the EU, and welcomes over 11 million passengers, making it the busiest international ferry port in the UK.
According to the Port of Dover, their aim is ‘to close the gap between the UK and the world by connecting trade, travel, visitors, and communities’ and ‘create a more sustainable and tech-enabled port’.
