Dover is expecting 156 calls in 2012 bringing more than 250,000 to the port. This represents a 14.7% increase on 2011.
Of the 136 calls in Dover this year, 84 were full turnarounds, 14 partial, one embarkation only and 37 transit calls. Turnaround passengers will reach 138,656 and transit 84,095.
Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s Braemar turned around for the first time in Dover in April this year. In November Saga committed to Dover as a homeport until at least 2016, representing a E47m boost for the local economy. The company’s ships - Saga Pearl II, Saga Ruby and Saga Sapphire - will call about 150 times over the next four years.
Other inaugural calls will include Oceania Cruises’ Nautica, Voyages of Discovery’s Discovery, Royal Caribbean International’s Brilliance of the Seas and Costa Cruises’ Costa Fortuna. Azamara Club Cruises’ Azamara Journey will make its Dover debut early next summer. MSC Cruises’ MSC Lirica and MSC Poesia will each operate four mini cruises from the Kent port to and from Amsterdam and Hamburg.
Kata O’Hara, head of commercial & marketing Port of Dover, said: “First-class levels of service, excellent facilities and a wealth of shore excursion opportunities, coupled with a high-speed rail service to the centre of London, have contributed significantly to the continuous growth we are enjoying.”
The Visit Kent Cruise partnership is active in promoting the region. Cheryl Parker said: “We don’t want people to simply take our word for it but would be delighted to welcome cruise operators, press and tour operators to visit our county and find out for themselves just what we have to offer.” Attractions include Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover Castle.
