UK Port Renovation Complete, Can Now Welcome Some Of The World’s Biggest Ships

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While Southampton is the cruise capital of the UK, another port has now completed significant renovations that could see it host some of the biggest cruise ships in the world.

Dover Cruise Port

The Port of Dover has announced a landmark milestone in its cruise capabilities, confirming that some of the largest cruise ships in the world can now dock at the Kent port for the very first time.

Following a £6 million investment, significant upgrades to the port’s mooring facilities have increased the maximum cruise ship length from 320 metres to 350 metres, allowing it to accommodate the newest generation of mega-liners from major cruise lines such as Disney, MSC, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises.

This marks a new era for Dover, already the UK’s second-largest cruise port, as it continues to position itself at the forefront of cruise tourism while boosting the local economy.

Peter Wright, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover, celebrated the milestone, stating:

“Our 2025 season is in full swing, and we already see a diverse range of cruise ships bringing in thousands of guests each week during high season. Our vision for cruise will ensure that Dover remains at the forefront of the sector, whilst delivering economic benefits across the region.”

Prior to the expansion, the port already welcomed over 200,000 cruise passengers each year, with more than 20 cruise ships regularly calling at the harbour.

On peak weekends, as many as 8,000 passengers arrive to explore the surrounding area, including iconic landmarks such as the White Cliffs of Dover.

Bigger Ships, More Visitors

With the upgraded berths now able to welcome cruise ships measuring up to 350 metres in overall length, Dover is set to benefit from a greater variety of international cruise vessels.

Lines already calling at the port include Carnival, Fred. Olsen, Holland America Line, Saga, and Windstar – and now even more major players will have the option of calling at Dover on their UK and European itineraries.

Just last month, the Viking Vela made its first UK call at Dover.

The luxury vessel is one of four Viking Ocean ships – alongside Viking Jupiter, Viking Saturn, and Viking Sky – scheduled to make a combined 19 calls to Dover in 2025 alone, as part of sailings between London and Bergen and other British Isles routes.

The port upgrade is one part of a broader “Port of Dover 2050” masterplan, which aims to transform the waterfront into a regional tourist destination through a wide-reaching regeneration programme.

Key elements of the project include:

  • A revitalised promenade at Waterloo Crescent, complete with new pedestrian pathways and children’s play areas
  • A new commercial quarter featuring cafés, restaurants, and retail spaces
  • A long-term strategy to increase footfall and turn the port area into a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike

While a total cost for the entire regeneration project has not yet been confirmed, estimates suggest it could surpass £500 million, with major investments already underway across the seafront.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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