Dover Cruise Port

Dover is a port in Kent, south-east England, situated across the Strait of Dover, the narrowest part of the English Channel, 33 kilometres from France. In 2019, the port accommodated 130 cruise ship port calls and over 200,000 passengers, making it the second busiest cruise ship port in the United Kingdom after Southampton. The port operates as both a turnaround port and a port of call, with two cruise terminals in the Western Docks.

Dover's history runs deep. Archaeological evidence shows Dover's history as a trading gateway dates back to the Stone and Bronze ages, and during the Roman occupation it was known as Dubris and enjoyed a significant strategic position due to its proximity to continental Europe. By 1190, Dover Castle was complete, and maritime trade was increasing. In the 20th century Dover became the centre of English Channel defence during World War I, and served as one of the main troop embarkation ports for France. In World War II, the town experienced sustained bombing and shelling, with 3,059 alerts and 216 civilian deaths.

Ashore, Dover's most famous attraction is the White Cliffs, chalk cliffs that dominate the town and stretch along the coastline. Dover Castle, a medieval fortress dating back to the 11th century, features a Roman lighthouse and the Great Tower. The castle's keep was built by the Normans in 1168 and was in continuous military use until the 1980s. For visitors interested in wartime history, caves and tunnels in the cliffs were used as air-raid shelters and as a military base during World War II. Those keen on Roman archaeology can explore the Painted House and other remains from the Dubris era. The port sits roughly 105 kilometres from London, making the city accessible as an excursion from the ship.