Port of Dover to work on ‘major upgrade’ to cruise terminal

The Port of Dover has revealed it will introduce a “major upgrade” to its boarding facility at one of its cruise terminals. 

The new boarding bridge at Cruise Terminal 1, to be created by mobility experts TK Elevator, will aim to “ensure a seamless and stress-free embarkation” for thousands of cruise passengers each year. It is expected to be operational from 2027.

The announcement comes two months after the Port of Dover said it was ready to welcome cruise ships of up to 350 metres in length following upgrades to its mooring infrastructure.

Both developments form part of the port’s transformation programme for 2050 which aims to develop a strategic long-term plan to become “the UK’s most seamless, sustainable and tech-enabled port” capable of welcoming the world’s largest cruise ships.

The Port of Dover welcomes more than 20 cruise lines each year, including Fred Olsen Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Saga and Seabourn, all of which operate from Dover, and Aida and Viking, which make regular calls to the port. 

Peter Wright, head of cruise at the Port of Dover, said: “Dover is the UK cruise hub of choice for some of the world’s leading cruise lines.

“Our unrivalled location as the quickest sea crossing to Europe, spectacular views and iconic heritage make Dover the ideal UK homeport.

“We are excited to be embarking on this transformation and look forward to sharing the journey with cruise lines and the thousands of guests that travel into the region on our busiest days.”