Terminals: Useful information
With over 100 years of experience in the cruise business, Dover has become one of the busiest cruise ports in the UK and Northern Europe. Seeing over 200,000 cruise passengers a year through two dedicated terminals, a third is busy during peak time.
Joint winner of 'Best Destination Experience (Organised Tours)' 2011 with Visit Kent, Dover offers heritage, iconic scenery and modern convenience. From the White Cliffs to Dover Castle, with local transport links to all major destinations, the Port of Dover makes an interesting port of call, beginning or end to a cruise.
Departures
Porters meet all cars on arrival to assist passengers with their luggage, taking these for security checks prior to loading them onto the ship. Hand luggage should be kept with passengers at all times.
Check-In
Located on the first floor, passengers should proceed to their cruise operator check-in desks. Once checked-in, head to the departure lounge. The cruise operator will announce when it is time for embarkation to begin.
Before boarding there are security checks including a metal detecting archway and x-ray machine, with male and female security guards performing searches. Once through security, it is just a short walk to the ship.
Wheelchair friendly ramps and walkways (with assistance from trained staff), disabled access toilet facilities and lifts to all floors are available through the port.
Departure Lounge
Located upstairs by lift, escalator or stairs, a cafe serving light refreshments is available. Standard and disabled access toilets are available within the lounge. Payphones can be found within each terminal. A post box can be found here, with stamps on sale from the cafe.
Arrivals
Passengers disembarking in Dover will leave via the baggage hall after identifying and reclaiming their luggage. A dedicated taxi rank with fully licensed taxis operates from each cruise terminals.
Facilities
Mother and baby rooms can be found on the first floor of terminals one and two
Bureau de Change is available within the terminal
Pay telephones can be found in the public areas of both terminals
Limited free Wi-Fi is available
Seating for approximately 300 passengers is available in each terminal
Getting Here- Dover port Terminal 1
Travelling by car, train or coach is the easiest way to reach the cruise terminals.
- By Car – follow the M2/A2 or M20/A20 to Dover. Follow the signs for ‘Western Docks’ and ‘Cruise Terminals’ to reach the port.
- By Train – regular connections from London Victoria and London Charing Cross mainline stations to Dover Priory run, taking approximately 2 hours. Catching a taxi to the cruise port should take around 5-10 minutes, costing approximately £8.
- By Coach – regular National Express and Eurolines services travel between Dover and London Victoria coach station, taking approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
- By Air – Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stansted airports in London are each around 2 hours drive from Dover.
Terminal one is the oldest of the terminals. Located in a converted Victorian railway station, it offers all of the same facilities as terminal two, within a beautiful, listed building.
Parking
Secure, on-site parking is available. With 1,200 dedicated passenger spaces, the Pass Mark accredited car park has 24-hour security surveillance in operation.
Short term parking starts at £3.30 for 2 hours, rising to £20 for 24 hours. When bought on the day, long stay parking starts at £10.50 per day for the first 15 days, falling to £8.50 for subsequent days. If booked in advance parking costs £8.50 per day for the first 15 days, and £7 for further days.
Pre-booking is advisable as spaces cannot be guaranteed on the day. Passengers can pre-book online here, through their travel agent or through the port on 01304 241 427 between 8am – 6pm, Monday – Friday.
Around a 10-minute walk from the terminals, complimentary shuttle buses are available. Disabled passengers requiring additional help can drop their luggage off near the terminal with a porter before parking.
Useful to Know
- A bureau de change operates from each terminal for all port of call ships and select turn around cruises
- All terminals are designated as No Smoking
- No left luggage facilities (for security reasons)
- Tipping is at passengers discretion
- No ATMs on-site or nearby
- Buggies, pushchairs and wheelchairs can be used throughout each terminal
- Each cafe has dedicated seating
- A large magazine stand filled with a wide range of high-quality, complimentary glossy magazines is in each terminal.
- Publications on offer change throughout the year
