The Port of Dover welcomed the arrival of Marella Explorer, its first passenger cruise call in 15 months.
The ship received a celebratory welcome on from local tug boats and water cannon as part of her British Sights and Seas sailings.
Sonia Limbrick, head of cruise at the Port of Dover, said: “We are delighted to welcome the wonderful Marella Explorer here for her inaugural call to Dover and our first cruise call since March 2020.
“The team has been preparing for this moment for a long time, working really hard to ensure that we adopt the best COVID protection measures. It’s been a long time coming and I’m so proud to see the cruise season officially launch here again.
She added: “Kent and Dover offer some of the most inspiring cultural and scenic moments in the country, so we are the perfect destination for British Isles cruises. We can’t wait to see our long-standing customers again and welcome new cruise lines here soon.”
In the lead up to the resumption, the port has worked with the UK Chamber of Shipping, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Cruise Britain and cruise lines that call at Dover to implement the industry framework for Covid safe cruising.
The Port offered lay by and repatriation facilities to ships and crew during the pandemic.