Plan a CruiseDover is a significant cruise gateway to England, renowned for its rich history and the iconic White Cliffs. Situated approximately 75 miles from Central London, it serves as one of three primary ports for accessing the capital, alongside Southampton and Harwich. Cruise ships dock at one of two terminals, Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, with larger vessels typically utilizing Terminal 2. The cruise terminals are disabled-friendly, and disabled access taxis are often available. The terminal building itself has a unique history, having previously served as a railway station.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon arrival in Dover, passengers will find shuttle buses available when a cruise ship is in port. These shuttles cost £5 (Euros and USD are accepted) and provide transport to the town center and Dover Castle. Buses run every 20 minutes from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM, with the last return from the Market Square in the town center. An additional service runs hourly from the Market Square, taking passengers directly to the White Cliffs. Taxis also offer local tours.
For those wishing to explore further afield, Canterbury is a popular option. Bus routes 15, 15a, or 15X depart approximately every 20-30 minutes from a bus station conveniently located across from Poundland and next to Marks and Spencer, just a few minutes' walk from where the port shuttle drops off (about 150 meters up Pencester Road). The journey to Canterbury takes around 30 minutes, and a return ticket costs about £6, valid for all-day travel in the area.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in Dover, you have several excellent options:
- Dover Castle: A magnificent historical site, highly recommended. The entrance fee is £18.30 for adults, £16.50 for concessions, and £10.90 for children aged 5-15 (including all museums). Access via the port shuttle service (£5 return).
- Dover Town Center: Explore the quaint medieval town center buildings. The port shuttle (£5 return) provides convenient access. From the Market Square, you can also catch an hourly bus included in the shuttle service to the White Cliffs.
- The White Cliffs of Dover: Iconic and well worth a visit. Accessible via the hourly bus service from Dover's Market Square, which is part of the port shuttle service.
- Canterbury: This historic city, home to Canterbury Cathedral, is well worth a visit. Take bus 15, 15a, or 15X from the town center (a 30-minute trip, approx. £6 return). The bus stop is about 150 meters from the shuttle drop-off point.
- London (Limited Time): While London is about 75 miles away, making it a tight schedule for an 8-10 hour port call, a hop-on hop-off bus tour could offer a condensed experience. These tours typically run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, are valid for 24 hours from first use, and often include a free river cruise. Given the travel distance (at least 1.5-2 hours each way), this option is best for those prioritizing a quick glimpse of London's highlights.
Dining & Shopping
Specific dining options immediately at the terminal are limited, but the town center, accessible via the port shuttle, offers various choices. For convenience, the McDonald's in the town center provides free WiFi and dedicated laptop tables.
Shopping hours generally run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM for smaller stores (often open 6-7 days a week), while larger stores may stay open until 9:00 PM. Hypermarkets frequently operate 24/7. The bus stop for Canterbury is located near Poundland and Marks and Spencer, offering some shopping opportunities.
Safety
No specific safety concerns are highlighted for Dover.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Pound Sterling (£), commonly referred to as "quid." ATMs, known locally as 'holes in the wall' or cash machines, are widely available and typically dispense £10 and £20 notes. Most shops and restaurants accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro. A practical tip: Scottish banknotes are not widely accepted in other parts of the UK, so it's advisable to exchange them if you have any. English is the official language, though you may encounter various regional accents. For emergencies, dial 999 or the EU-wide 112.