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Dover Cruise Port

Dover (london), England
Dover is a town located in the south-east of England, in the county of Kent.

Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#662
of 1018 ports in the Europe
Today · high / low
74° / 49°
September normals
Dover (london), England cruise port
Europe - Western Europe
Dover (london), England
// Dover cruise port overview

The cruise port in Dover,
explained

Lat: 51.1°NLong: 1.3°ETimezone: Europe/LondonINTN code: QQD

Dover is a town located in the south-east of England, in the county of Kent. It is situated on the English Channel, and is the closest port to mainland Europe.

It is known for its iconic white cliffs, which are a popular tourist attraction. The town is home to the Dover Castle, which is a medieval castle built in the 11th century.

The castle is a popular tourist destination, and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Dover is also home to the Dover Museum, which houses a variety of artifacts from the town's history.

The town is also home to a number of shops, restaurants, and pubs, making it a popular destination for visitors. Dover is a great place to visit, with its stunning views, fascinating history, and vibrant culture.

Ships visiting
5 lines
8 ships call at Dover
Peak passenger day
4,572
cruise passengers ashore
Excursions from
$151
per person · 46 tours
Most ships dock at
7:00 AM
arrival for 70% of calls
Average port time
10h
alongside, typical call
Excursions in Dover start at $151.
Browse Dover excursions
// Dover Cruise Deals

Price drops on cruises to Dover

230 cruises stop here in Dover during the next 12 months. The cruise price drops below represent the largest decrease in price against each Dover cruise's 90-day average.

Prices refreshed daily
Seabourn Quest
Seabourn Quest cruise ship
28% offsuite
Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn Quest, 14-night cruise departing Jul 25, 2028

Jul 25, 2028 · 14 nights
from: Dover
$743/ night
$10,398 total, 28% off was $14,371 avg
MS Nieuw Statendam
MS Nieuw Statendam cruise ship
18% offsuite
Holland America Cruise Line

MS Nieuw Statendam, 15-night cruise departing Oct 15, 2027

Oct 15, 2027 · 15 nights
from: Dover
$303/ night
$4,539 total, 18% off was $5,537 avg
MS Nieuw Statendam
MS Nieuw Statendam cruise ship
16% offsuite
Holland America Cruise Line

MS Nieuw Statendam, 29-night cruise departing Oct 2, 2026

Oct 2, 2026 · 29 nights
from: Dover
$349/ night
$10,114 total, 16% off was $11,972 avg
MS Nieuw Statendam
MS Nieuw Statendam cruise ship
15% offoceanview
Holland America Cruise Line

MS Nieuw Statendam, 12-night cruise departing Apr 4, 2027

Apr 4, 2027 · 12 nights
from: Fort Lauderdale
$71/ night
$849 total, 15% off was $993 avg
Carnival Miracle
Carnival Miracle cruise ship
13% offsuite
Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Miracle, 10-night cruise departing Jul 19, 2027

Jul 19, 2027 · 10 nights
from: Dover
$312/ night
$3,115 total, 13% off was $3,584 avg
Carnival Sunshine
Carnival Sunshine cruise ship
13% offsuite
Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Sunshine, 10-night cruise departing May 30, 2027

May 30, 2027 · 10 nights
from: Dover
$247/ night
$2,473 total, 13% off was $2,845 avg
MS Nieuw Statendam
MS Nieuw Statendam cruise ship
12% offinside
Holland America Cruise Line

MS Nieuw Statendam, 15-night cruise departing Dec 5, 2026

Dec 5, 2026 · 15 nights
from: Rotterdam
$53/ night
$799 total, 12% off was $909 avg
Carnival Miracle
Carnival Miracle cruise ship
10% offinside
Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Miracle, 12-night cruise departing Jun 7, 2027

Jun 7, 2027 · 12 nights
from: Dover
$106/ night
$1,270 total, 10% off was $1,414 avg
// Dover Cruise Port location

Where is Dover Cruise Port?

Dover (London), England cruise port is located in the south-east of England, on the English Channel coast. It is the closest port to mainland Europe and is the busiest ferry port in the UK. The port is situated in the town of Dover, which is the administrative centre of the Dover District and home to the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. The port is easily accessible by road, rail and air, with London being just over an hour away by car.

General location
Europe
Category
Europe - Western Europe
Coordinates
51.11°N, 1.32°E
Time zone
Europe/London
Cruise port · 51.11°N, 1.32°E
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// Dover cruise port guide

What to do in Dover

A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.

Your day ashore
You'll have about 10 hours in Dover. Most ships dock around 7:00 AM.
Median across 56 scheduled calls

Ways to spend the day

3 themes
Theme 1

Exploring Historic Sites

Dover is home to a number of historic sites, including the famous Dover Castle. This 11th century castle is one of the largest and best-preserved castles in England, and offers visitors a glimpse into the past. Other sites of interest include the Roman Painted House, the Dover Museum, and the White Cliffs of Dover. Exploring these sites is a great way to learn about the history of the area and get a better understanding of the culture.

Theme 2

Shopping

Dover is a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts. The town centre is full of independent shops, boutiques, and markets, offering a variety of items from local crafts to international brands. There are also plenty of antique shops and galleries to explore, as well as a selection of high street stores. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or a special treat for yourself, Dover has something for everyone.

Theme 3

Visiting the Beach

Dover is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in England. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day of sunbathing or an exciting day of watersports, Dover has something for everyone. The beaches are well-maintained and offer plenty of activities, such as swimming, surfing, and windsurfing. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes along the beachfront, making it the perfect place to spend a day.

Dover cruise port beaches

3 in our guide
D
Deal Beach (illustrative photo)

Deal Beach

Deal Beach is a stunning beach located near Dover, England. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The beach is surrounded by chalk cliffs and offers stunning views of the English Channel. It is also a great spot for birdwatching, as many species of birds can be seen here. The beach is also home to a variety of marine life, making it a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby, making it a great spot for a day out.

S
Samphire Hoe (illustrative photo)

Samphire Hoe

Samphire Hoe is a stunning beach located near Dover, England. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The beach is surrounded by chalk cliffs and offers stunning views of the English Channel. It is also a great spot for birdwatching, as many species of birds can be seen here.

S
St. Margaret's Bay (illustrative photo)

St. Margaret's Bay

St. Margaret's Bay is a beautiful beach located near Dover, England. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The beach is surrounded by white cliffs and offers stunning views of the English Channel. It is also a great spot for birdwatching, as many species of birds can be seen here. The beach is also home to a variety of marine life, making it a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.

// Dover fun facts

Dover Castle

Dover Castle is a medieval castle in Dover, Kent, England. It was founded in the 11th century and has been described as the 'Key to England' due to its defensive significance throughout history. It is the largest castle in England and is a Grade I listed building. It is now managed by English Heritage and is open to the public.

Dover Museum

Dover Museum is a museum located in Dover, Kent, England. It is dedicated to the history of Dover and the surrounding area. The museum houses a variety of exhibits, including a replica of the Bronze Age boat found in the nearby Dover Harbour, a collection of Roman artefacts, and a display of the history of the Dover Patrol during World War I.

White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs of Dover are a series of chalk cliffs that form part of the English coastline facing the Strait of Dover and France. They are part of the North Downs formation and reach up to 350 feet in height. The cliffs have become a symbol of Britain and its history, and are a popular tourist attraction.

Dover cruise port shopping

3 in our guide
D
Dover Market (illustrative photo)

Dover Market

Dover Market is a great place to shop for souvenirs. Located just a few minutes away from the Dover (London) cruise port, it offers a wide selection of unique items, from traditional English souvenirs to handmade crafts. The market also has a gift shop with a variety of items, including books, postcards, and other memorabilia. The market also has a café and restaurant, so you can enjoy a bite to eat while you shop.

D
Dover Castle (illustrative photo)

Dover Castle

Dover Castle is a great place to shop for souvenirs. Located just a few minutes away from the Dover (London) cruise port, it offers a wide selection of unique items, from traditional English souvenirs to handmade crafts. The castle also has a gift shop with a variety of items, including books, postcards, and other memorabilia. The castle also has a café and restaurant, so you can enjoy a bite to eat while you shop.

W
White Cliffs of Dover (illustrative photo)

White Cliffs of Dover

The White Cliffs of Dover are a great place to find souvenirs. Located just a few minutes away from the Dover (London) cruise port, the cliffs offer a wide selection of unique items, from traditional English souvenirs to handmade crafts. The cliffs also have a gift shop with a variety of items, including books, postcards, and other memorabilia. The cliffs also have a café and restaurant, so you can enjoy a bite to eat while you shop.

// Dover Cruise Port Terminals

Which Dover cruise terminal will your ship use?

Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.

3 piers in Dover
Port address: Marine Parade, Dover, Kent CT17 9BU, UK
Pier 1 of 3

Dover Cruise Terminal

Dover Cruise Terminal is located in the Port of Dover, the world's busiest passenger port. It is the main port of departure for cruise ships travelling to the continent and beyond. The terminal is equipped with modern facilities and offers a range of services to make your cruise experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Dover Cruise Terminal)
Pier 2 of 3

Dover Western Docks

Dover Western Docks is the main port of departure for cruise ships travelling to the continent and beyond. The terminal is equipped with modern facilities and offers a range of services to make your cruise experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The port is also home to a number of ferry services, including the popular Dover-Calais route.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Dover Western Docks)
Pier 3 of 3

Port of Dover

The Port of Dover is the cross-channel port situated in Dover, Kent, England. It is the nearest English port to France, at just 34 kilometres away. The port has been in operation since 1606 and is the world's busiest passenger port, with 16 million passengers, 2.5 million lorries, 2.7 million cars and motorcycles and 86,000 coaches passing through it each year.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Port of Dover)
Wi-Fi

The Dover Cruise Terminal offers free wifi access to all passengers. Additionally, there are several cafes and restaurants in the area that offer free wifi access.

Safety

Dover (London), England is a very safe cruise port. The port is well-monitored by the local police and security personnel, and there is a high level of security in the area. The port is also equipped with CCTV cameras and other security measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Port address

Port of Dover, Eastern Docks, Dover, Kent, CT17 9BU, United Kingdom

Dover cruise port car rental
EuropcarHertzAvisSixtEnterprise

Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.

// Dover (london), England cruise port excursions

Most Popular Dover Cruise Port Tours

46 excursions · book direct with the operator

Independent shore excursions in Dover (london), England, booked directly with the operator who runs them. We flag the ones that guarantee you're back on board before the gangway lifts.

Best Dover shore tours

Curated from 46 · not a search result
// Weather

Dover Cruise Port Weather

Europe - Western Europe·30-year historical averages
Sep averages · Dover
61°
Avg · °F
Mild, occasional showers
High
74°F
Low
49°F
Rain
2.1 in
Excursions that suit this weather
// Year-round in Dover

Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.

Avg temp °FRainfall in
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECMONTHLY NORMALS · °F AND IN
// Dover cruise ship schedule

Dover Cruise Port Traffic Today

No cruise ships are scheduled in Dover today, Saturday, September 19, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.

Schedule updated

Planning around the crowds?

  • Dover cruise port schedule 2026, day by day
  • Slowest & busiest day analysis
  • Complete cruise line & ship visitor list
Dover Cruise Ship Schedule
// Keep exploring

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// Questions

Dover cruise port, answered

The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Dover.

Where is Dover cruise port located?

Dover (london), England cruise port is located in Europe. Dover (London), England cruise port is located in the south-east of England, on the English Channel coast. It is the closest port to mainland Europe and is the busiest ferry port in the UK. The port is situated in the town of Dover, which is the administrative centre of the Dover District and home to the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. The port is easily accessible by road, rail and air, with London being just over an hour away by car.

Is Dover a good cruise port to visit?

Yes, Dover (London), England is a good cruise port. It is the closest port to London and is a popular departure point for cruises to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Baltic Sea. It is also a convenient port for cruises to the British Isles and the Atlantic Islands.

How safe is Dover cruise port for passengers?

Dover cruise port has a safety score of 7.9 out of 10, ranking #662 of 1018 ports in Europe. Dover (London), England is a very safe cruise port. The port is well-monitored by the local police and security personnel, and there is a high level of security in the area. The port is also equipped with CCTV cameras and other security measures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

What is the weather like at Dover cruise port in September?

In September, Dover cruise port has average high temperatures of 74°F (23°C) and average lows of 49°F (10°C).

How many excursions are available at Dover cruise port?

There are currently 46 excursions and tours available at Dover cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.

What are the top things to do at Dover cruise port?

Dover cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Exploring Historic Sites, Shopping, Visiting the Beach. Dover, London is known for its rich history and culture. It is home to a variety of historical sites, including castles, churches, and monuments. It is also known for its stunning views of the English Channel and the White Cliffs of Dover. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as walking, cycling, and bird watching. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and pubs to explore. Dover is a great destination for those looking to explore the history and culture of England.

Can I rent a car at Dover cruise port?

1. Europcar: Europcar offers car rental services near Dover cruise port. They have a wide range of vehicles available, including economy, luxury, and family cars.2. Hertz: Hertz offers car rental services near Dover cruise port. They have a wide selection of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and family cars.3. Avis: Avis offers car rental services near Dover cruise port. They have a wide selection of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and family cars.4. Sixt: Sixt offers car rental services near Dover cruise port. They have a wide selection of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and family cars.5. Enterprise: Enterprise offers car rental services near Dover cruise port. They have a wide selection of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and family cars.

What is the WiFi situation at Dover cruise port?

The Dover Cruise Terminal offers free wifi access to all passengers. Additionally, there are several cafes and restaurants in the area that offer free wifi access.

Where is the cruise terminal at Dover cruise port?

The address of Dover (London), England cruise port is:Port of Dover, Eastern Docks, Dover, Kent, CT17 9BU, United Kingdom

What is the Dover Cruise Port cruise schedule?

There are no cruise ships scheduled at Dover today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Dover on any past or future date.

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