The Port of Dover (England) concluded its 2024 cruise season with the departure of AIDALuna, a vessel from AIDA Cruises that notably both opened and closed the year’s schedule at the UK port.
AIDA stood out as the port’s most frequent visitor, with 6 ship calls throughout the season.
In total, Dover served 21 cruise lines, as both a call port and a turnaround/homeport.
The season featured 6 vessels visiting Dover for the first time - Viking OCEAN’s Viking Saturn, Compagnie Francaise de Croisieres’ Renaissance, Seabourn’s Seabourn Venture, TUI’s Mein Schiff 4, Fred Olsen’s Borealis, and Crystal’s Crystal Symphony. Twice the port received 3 ships docking simultaneously, with the WD4 berth offering convenient pedestrian access to the Marina Curve and waterfront area.
HAL-Holland America’s ship ms Nieuw Statendam visited in April, ahead of a planned full-season homeporting in Dover for 2025.
Fred Olsen played a key role by sponsoring the Port’s Regatta, marking the first time a cruise company had supported the event.
Peter Wright, head of cruise at the Port of Dover, reflected on the season’s success, noting its diverse range of visiting ships, extensive berth usage, and the celebrations marking inaugural calls. He expressed gratitude to the port’s team for their dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences and thanked the cruise lines for their continued collaboration. Looking ahead, Wright indicated excitement for the prospects of the 2025 season.