Dover Cruise Port had a record 167 calls and welomed over 300,000 passengers this year. Highlights included first time visits from Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic, Pullmantur’s Empress and AIDA Cruises’ AIDAblu. Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and Saga continued a strong presence, using Dover as one of their turnaround ports.
A summer survey of over 1,500 passengers revealed that 99% of passengers were ‘more than satisfied’ with the cruise terminal facilities and secure quayside car parking for 1,120 cars.
Captains too have the opportunity to respond and their satisfaction with the operation scored over 90%. This includes care and control of passengers, terminal facilities, pilotage and port control services, baggage handling, security and assistance from port staff.
Kate O’Hara, head of commercial & marketing Dover Cruise Port, said: “We are committed to maintaining an exceptional customer experience as well as contributing to the popular growth in European cruising that is winning new converts each season.”
In 2011 the port will be welcoming many of its past visitors as well as Oceania Cruises' Marina which debuts in February and Holland America Line's Ryndam on its first visit to the UK.
Dover is the second busiest UK cruise port with two dedicated cruise terminals. A third berth is available for transit calls. Flybe flights between Kent International and Edinburgh and Manchester have recently taken off and the train to London takes 66 minutes.
