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Cruise Departures - Dover

 

Dover Cruise Terminal dates back to the days of Romans It is believed that Julius Caesar once described the area as the ‘Haven between the Hills’ due to the protection that it offered small ships sailing in the area.

Henry the VIII took an interest in Dover port constructing a part of a pier that was never completed. This caused a build up of shingle and left Dover port with difficult times for many years as the shingle blocked the port entrance and it became a huge problem.

The problem continued for many centuries remaining in varying degrees, eventually this was rectified and the port developed over the years well into the 1990’s. After the Second World War Dover underwent a major re development  to deal with the increase in tourist traffic, and in 1953 the first of Dovers drive-on and drive-off ferry berths were opened.

Dover is the 2nd largest cruise port in the UK.

The Cruise terminals at Dover are approximately 75 miles from central London accessible from the M2/A2 and the M20/A20. Dover is mainly used as a ferry port connecting the UK and France and this trade dominates the port.

The Western docks are where the Cruise Terminals are situated, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 2 tends to be used by the larger cruise ships.

Both cruise terminals at Dover offer large lounges, café bars and washrooms, unfortunately there are no left luggage facilities.

There a large number of Cruise Lines that now sail from Dover:

  • Fred Olsen: Braemar and Black Watch
  • Holland America Line: Ryndam
  • Crystal Cruises: Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity
  • Oceania Cruises: Marina and Nautica.
  • Princess Cruises: Ocean Princess and Dawn Princess
  • Seabourn: Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Sojourn.

 

Traveling to Dover by car there are two car parks available:

 The on site car parking is run by Dover Harbour board and is within a short walking distance from the Cruise Terminal. The Dover Harbour Board parking is Park Mark approved, which means they have National ‘Secure Car park’ status, Clear signs showing directions to each car park and regular security patrols of parking areas.

The off site car parking at Dover is run by Relyon this is the cheaper option if you intend to leave your car in a secured car park at Dover. The car park is located just 10 minutes away from the terminals.

The other options are to come by rail from London Victoria, London Bridge, St Pancras or Charing Cross Stations or you can come by coach with National Express from London Victoria.

If you travel by rail there is more than one Dover station, the railway station you need is Dover Priory. From this station you can take a taxi to the Cruise terminal.

You can also stay overnight before the cruise some hotel options below:

Premier Inn Dover Central (Town Centre Sea Front)

The Premier Inn is located in close proximity to the cruise and ferry terminals and just a short walk to Dover Town Centre.

Best Western Dover Marina Hotel & Spa

This hotel is located right on the seafront with the beach in the front and the town centre behind.

St Alban’s Guest House (by Dover Railway Station)

The hotel is 5 minutes walk from the town centre.

Ramada Hotel Dover (4 Star Hotel)

The hotel is situated on the edge of Dover, fully 2 miles from the town centre and ferry/cruise terminals.

On route to Dover you can stop in Cantebury A2, Ashford M20 or Folkstone A20 depending on the direction you are traveling. All these places are approximately 30 minutes from Dover.