Sonia Limbrick to retire from Port of Dover at end of July

Port of Dover’s head of business development, Sonia Limbrick, will retire at the end of July after 30 years in the travel industry.

Limbrick took on the role in July 2023 after working as head of cruise for more than eight years.

She has also held roles at Azamara, when it was part of Royal Caribbean Group, and Eurotunnel, over more than 20 years.

Head of cruise Peter Wright will continue to lead the cruise business at the port.

The Port of Dover celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year and is visited by more than 20 cruise lines and visited by 200,000 passengers per year.  

Limbrick said: “It has been an incredible privilege to work in the travel and cruise industry for the past 30 years, and especially to be part of the Port of Dover team.

“Cruising and travel will always be my passion, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved as a team to develop Dover as a world-class cruise destination.”

She added: “The relationships I have built over the years have been the most rewarding aspect of my career.

“From turning the White Cliffs red for the incredible Virgin Voyages’ launch, to becoming Carnival’s and Holland America Line’s first UK home port in ten years, there are so many wonderful memories.

“Whilst I am retiring from my role at Dover, I very much intend to remain connected with the wider cruise industry, which has been such an important and fulfilling part of my life.”

Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister thanked Limbrick for her “remarkable service”, adding: “Sonia’s contribution to the Port of Dover has been exceptional.

“Her passion, experience, dedication, and relationship management has led Dover Cruise on an incredible journey – we are proud to be celebrating our 30^th anniversary with Sonia this summer before she leaves us.

“Sonia will leave behind a strong legacy; it’s also been brilliant to see her work alongside Peter Wright, our current head of cruise over the past couple of years to further establish a solid platform for even more growth in the years to come.”