Dover Cruise Port
As the nearest English port to France, it is just 21 miles across the channel, it is no surprise that the port of Dover is one of the world’s business passenger ports which is boosted by a growing cruise offering.
Located in the town of Dover in the county of Kent, the port is also one of the most historic in the world after first opening back in 1606 after a royal charter was initiated by King James 1.
The port is split into 2 main sections, the Eastern Docks and the Western Docks with are just over half a mile apart. The Eastern Docks is dedicated to big ferry companies whilst it is the less crowded Western Docks where the port of Dover cruise terminals are located.
Cruise Lines
The port of Dover is quickly becoming one of the most popular ports in the UK thanks to an ever expanding range of destinations, cruise lines and ships.
Whilst it is still local based cruise lines that operate smaller and medium sized ships who operate the most services from the port, there is a growing number of larger ships from a major international lines.
Destinations
As the majority of cruise holiday are for between 7 and 14 nights, the destinations on offer from the port of Dover are most those destinations reached within a day or 2 of sea travel.
Amongst the most popular destinations for cruise holidays from Dover include Northern Europe, the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, the Canary Islands and cruises around the British Isles.
Location
The 2 cruise terminals at the port of Dover are located in the ports Western Docks, just off of South Military Road (A20), which links the port with the M20 as well as the town centre of Dover as well as the A2, which continues onto London and the main motorway network.
Terminals
The port of Dover offers 2 cruise terminals which are located in the ports Western Docks on the site of a fromer railway station. The first terminal opened in the 1990’s the terminal has undergone refurbishments whilst the second terminal opened in the year 2000.
This purpose built cruise terminal is one of the largest in the UK and is capable of services the largest ships to visit Dover. With a temporary terminal available during busy periods, the port can currently accommodate up to 3 cruise ships at a time.
Parking
There is a large car parking facility at the port of Dover which includes a free shuttle bus right to each terminals entrance.
Transport
The port of Dover is just a short taxi ride from Dover Priory, the main train station in Dover and there are long distance coach services to the town.
