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United Kingdom

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London (Southampton), United Kingdom

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Protected from the frequent storms of the English Channel by the Isle of Wight, Southampton has survived a turbulent history to serve as a principal port of the United Kingdom today. Pay homage to one of the most famous ships to sail these shores at the Mayflower Memorial. Visit the stoic walls of Bargate and the Tudor House Museum.

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London (Southampton)

What you NEED TO KNOW

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The London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury is London's only deep water purpose-built cruise facility, situated at the gateway to London, just 22 nautical miles down river from Tower Bridge. Tilbury has become increasingly popular as a turnaround port for Baltic and Northern European destinations but it is also perfectly placed for transit calls to visit England's capital city, Kent and the south east.

The easiest way to reach London from the terminal is to take the train from Tilbury station (about a mile from the cruise terminal) into Fenchurch Street Station in central London. To the right there is a bustop visible as you exit the terminal.  One is a double decker bus that takes you to the Tilbury Rail Station, cost is 1.50 pounds. The other is a single public bus also the same price that takes you into Tilbury town centre, where there is nothing of interest.

Printable map to take along.

Hotels near the Cruise Terminal

Calendar for Tilbury.

Check here for festivals and events in London when you are in port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Monthly Climate Averages for London City United Kingdom

Sightseeing:

Just a few minutes walk from the London Cruise Terminal, Tilbury Fort is the finest and best preserved example of 17th century military engineering in England. Throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, Tilbury and the batteries at Gravesend across the river, formed the first line of defence for the Thames and London. Today, exhibitions, the powder magazine and bunker-like 'casemates' demonstrate how the fort protected the city. There's even a chance to fire an anti-aircraft gun!

Tours Excursions Transportation:

London is a surprising compact city, making it a walker's delight and often being the quickest method of transport.

There are many Hop on/Hop off bus companies in London. Just take the most convenient one. Enjoy your trip around London on the top deck of one of the double decker buses. You almost get a birds eye view of London's famous attractions. You stop at over 80 places, so you can hop-off, explore, have lunch, then hop-on the next bus along. Your ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time that you first hop-on. The buses run from 10am until 6pm 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Free River Cruise included in the tour price.

Use Traveline for all your transportation needs, local and long distance.

Outside London, normal cars and minibuses can usually be licenced as taxis - it is up to the local council how they are distinguished, but they always carry additional plates, usually at the rear, giving details of their approval by the relevant local authority and number of passengers they can carry.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

London is the capital and largest city of both the United Kingdom and of England, and the largest city in western Europe. Situated on the River Thames in South-East England, Greater London has an official population of roughly 7.5 million people - although the figure of over 14 million for the city's total metropolitan area more accurately reflects London's size and importance. London is historically one of the great, "world cities," and remains a global capital of culture, fashion, finance, politics and trade.

London Highlights

Piccadilly Circus A square buzzing with life and definitely the meeting point of this metropolis can be reached by underground, Piccadilly line.

Buckingham Palace   Home to the Queen, this is an extremely popular tourist attraction. Take the Piccadilly Line to Green Park and enjoy the short walk through the park to see the palace. Underground station: Green Park.

The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square   Lord Nelson's column stands sublimely on Trafalgar Square watching over the National Gallery. There you will find an extraordinary collection of paintings from Picasso to Turner. Underground Station: Leicester Square.

The famous Big Ben   Big Ben is actually the name of the bell; the tower housing it is called St. Stephen's. Either way, Big Ben is a London landmark not to be missed. Underground Station: Westminster.

Westminster Abbey   is one of the most famous cathedrals and Royals have been crowned and married here. Underground Station: Westminster.

The London Eye   The highest vantage point with an unrivalled view of London. It is best to reserve your ticket in advance as the London Eye is a hugely popular attraction. Underground Station: Westminster.

Kew Gardens - Royal Botanic Garden  London has many beautiful parks, but Kew Gardens is a real gem. It's a green paradise full of wonderful flowers, plants and all things botanical. One should take at least a day to fully enjoy everything that's on offer there, like a boat trip on the River Thames. Underground Station: Kew.

Madame Tussauds An institution in its own right and a definite must when visiting London! Underground Station: Baker Street.

The Tate Modern   This contemporary and hip gallery lies in the Borough of Southwark and is housed in a former power station. This location is the ideal venue to present modern and edgy art. Underground Station: St. Paul's and walk across the Millennium Bridge.

The Tate Britain Art Gallery   The "older sister" of the Tate Modern but nothing short of interesting and captivating art exhibitions. Underground Station: Pimlico.

Shopping and Food

London is a Mecca for shoppers. Designer labels, refined classic cuts, cutting-edge street wear and Harrods hampers all clamour for attention. Make sure your plastic is in a healthy state before you set off on an expedition; shopping, like most of London's pleasures, doesn't come cheap.

The currency throughout the UK is the pound (£). You may also hear the slang term quid for pounds. Scottish bank notes are frowned upon in other parts of the UK, so change the notes before leaving Scotland.

Cash machines (ATM) or less formally 'holes in the wall' are very widely available and usually dispense £10 and £20 notes.

Visa, Mastercard and Maestro, are accepted by most shops and restaurants.

Currency Converter

Communication:

English is spoken throughout the country, but sometimes with heavy accents!

Most cafe's and restaurants offer free WiFi.

The local emergency telephone number is 999, however the EU-wide 112 can also be used.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Shopping hours are in general:

Small stores 6 or 7 days a week (10am - 6pm) Larger stores in general stay open til' 9PM Hyper marts often 24/7

Holidays in the United Kingdom

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London, england cruise port.

As the saying goes, the sun never sets on the British Empire. While this is a bit outdated, Britain’s influence has been spread around the globe. When cruising to London you can learn about the traditions and customs that impacted areas like Hong Kong, Australia and the United States. London is filled with wonderful history of kings and queens, feuding politicians and the boom of the industrial revolution. Today, London remains a world capital that attracts a lot of attention. Especially with new attractions and intrigue into the most famous royals, including the new heir, Prince George. So succumb to full on anglophilia on a cruise to London, and follow our suggestions for a few memorable things to do:

• Britain’s royalty and religious identities are best represented at Westminster Abbey where kings and queens have been crowned, wed and buried for generations.  
• See a cutting edge show at London’s West End. The British equivalent to Broadway, the West End offers amazing performances of classic shows and innovative new dramatic plays.  
• English writers are some of the most lauded wits and scholars, including William Shakespeare, Jane Austen and George Orwell. Perhaps one of the most influential British authors was Charles Dickens. Visit his home to get a true sense into his process and work.  
• Go for a ride on the London Eye for spectacular views. This 443-foot Ferris wheel offers special champagne rides at night, for all you romantics.  
• Explore the Victoria and Albert Museum, which has all forms of arts and crafts. This includes fashion, paintings, furniture and sculpture. 

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London-Tilbury (England)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Ireland - UK - British Isles

Local Time 2024-05-14 06:34

Port London-Tilbury cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from London-Tilbury, England. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Tilbury is a port city in Thurrock (Essex, England). Founded in late-19th century, this is major deep-water harbour port that handles bulk cargo ships, car carriers, containerships and also timber traffic. Following Felixstowe and Southampton , Tilbury is currently ranked UK's 3rd largest container port, UK's main paper importing port (including newsprint) and UK's fastest growing seaport. London's other cruise port is Greenwich .

The majority of the city's inhabitants were employed in the docks until the introduction of standardised containers. The resulting loss of jobs was never made up, and today Tilbury has high unemployment and employment and education prospects are widely perceived as poor.

Port Tilbury

Tilbury port is on Thames River, and is London's principal (deep-water) port. Port facilities include terminals for handling vessels shipping to London bulk cargoes, containers and cars.

Seaport's construction was approved in 1882 when the British Parliament allowed docks at Tilbury to be built. The port's first ship docked in April 1886. Tilbury's main dock was on Gravesend Reach, and connected with three branching docks (East, Central, West). The port also had 2 dry docks.

In 1909, the port became part of the company "Port of London Authority", which made major infrastructure improvements in 1921 and 1929. The improvements included new lock (linking the docks directly to the river) and new (3rd) drydock.

In the period 1963–66 was built a 4th branch dock and tidal basin was closed (eventually filled in). In 1969 a new grain terminal was built. In 1967 was opened a new container cargo port. In 1978, a new riverside berth for large boxships was opened. In 1992, Port Tilbury was privatized and became part of Forth Ports.

"Port of Tilbury Group" reopened the one-time passenger landing stage as "London Cruise Terminal", though it's no longer served by the railway.

In 2017, the London-Tilbury cruise port had scheduled 64 ship calls, of which 55 were from CMV . For 2018, the port had booked 71 calls. As of 2017, the largest cruise liner in Tilbury is the  TUI ship Mein Schiff 3 (docked on Sept 12, 2017). The 2014-launched Schiff 3 vessel has LOA length of 960 ft (293 m) and max passenger capacity 2700 (plus 1000 crew).

On February 26, 2018, P&O Ferries  announced company's agreement with Forth Ports to use for berthing the new Thames River berth at Port Tilbury (read more in the "Terminal" section).

In April 2022 starts operations (entirely based on homeporting in Tilbury) the new brand "Ambassador Cruise Line" with its first ship Ambience (fka Pacific Dawn) . The company offers roundtrips to ports in Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, the Canaries, the Caribbean (including Cuba).

Port Tilbury2

On February 20, 2019, the port owner (Forth Ports) received official development consent to build the new port Tilbury2. The new terminal is adjacent to the current port in Thurrock (land size 930 acres / 1,5 mi2 / 3,8 km2). Port Tilbury2 is sized 152 acres (0,23 mi2 / 0,6 km2) and on the location of the ex Tilbury Power Station.

New port's construction works started in early-March 2019, with scheduled completion in 2020-Q3. The project was privately funded. In late-October 2019 the project joined Lafarge Tarmac - 2013-founded UK company (merger of Lafarge France with Tarmac UK) specializing in building materials, construction, maintenance, and waste services. Lafarge Tarmac was contracted to build onsite aggregate processing and manufacturing facilities and supply all raw and processed construction materials (including asphalt and concrete).

Tilbury2 will be UK’s largest ferry port and also UK’s biggest terminal for construction materials. Port's expansion is mainly due to rising demand from UK’s construction industry, import-export cars and increased Ro-Ro ferry traffic UK-Europe (consumer goods, perishables, steel).

TheE GBP 200 million (EUR 231m / USD 261m) project includes the construction of new rail-road connections, a deepwater berth (jetty and pontoon), dedicated terminal for construction materials (import, distribution, processing-manufacturing), rail terminal (with capacity to handle freight trains with max-length 775 m / 2543 ft), storage areas for goods, parking areas for cars. Tilbury2's RO-RO ferry terminal (partnership with P&O Ferries) will also serve the import-export of TEU-containers and trailers.

Tilbury - Gravesend ferry

In May 2017, the company Jetstream Tours started Thames River crossing ferry operations (between Tilbury and Gravesend) with one high-speed trimaran vessel named "Thames Swift" (formerly "Martin Chuzzlewhit"). Jetstream Tours company operates the new ferry service under a temporary contract (supported financially by Thurrock and Kent County councils) and maintains the old 6-day schedule (Monday-Saturday) the whole year-round.

• During ferry hours operates a bus service (bus line 99) from Tilbury Landing stage to Tilbury Town station. From Gravesend Town Pier, at approx 10 min walking distance is the Gravesend station.
• Ferry fares remained unchanged. Ticket prices are as follows (in brackets - adult / kids fare): Single (GBP 4 / 2), Peak Return (GBP 5 / 2,50), Off-Peak Return (GBP 3 / 2), and Saver 10 (GBP 22 / 11).
• Kids fares apply to children 5-15 yo. Kids under 5 travel free of charge, but must be accompanied by a fare-paying passenger. No more than 4 kids under 5 can travel with one fare-paying passenger.
• Peak fares apply between 5:40 - 9:15 am and between 4:15 - 7:10 pm.
• "Saver 10" ticket allows you to buy in advance  a book of 10 river crossings (either peak or off-peak). The ticket has no expiry date.
• The Thames Swift ship (capacity 50 passengers) continues to accept passengers with bicycles, but can't accommodate motorcycles of any size (foot and bicycle only). Pets (including dogs) travel free of charge, but the animal must be at all times in a carry cage or on a lead.

The ferry service is between "Port of Tilbury Landing Stage" and "Gravesend Town Pier". The pier is owned by Gravesham council and uses a pontoon (via partnership with Kent County Council). The river crossing service Tilbury-Gravesend (previously operated by "Lower Thames and Medway Passenger Boat Company") is from 2002.

London-Tilbury cruise terminal

Most (all large) cruise liners to London UK dock at Port Tilbury - on River Thames' north bank. Smaller ships may dock at the London City's "Greenwich Tier" terminal (located near to the "Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich" and close to the Greenwich railway station). Greenwich Tier is a pontoon in River Thames. Tender boats are used to ferry passengers between the boat and the pier.  The Pier is on-shore, and is where the Thames Clippers (London City's river bus service on Thames) and various other water taxis and riverboats dock.

Currently, London cruise port's two moorings (used by smaller ships) are Tower Bridge Upper and Greenwich Ship Tier (a small floating pontoon that serves vessels with LOA length up to 748 ft / 228 m). The 3rd mooring (used by Fred Olsen and Ambassador Cruise Line ) is in Essex (Tilbury Docks), located approx 20 mi / 30 km down the Thames River.

Tilbury London Cruise Terminal

Tilbury is London's principal cruise port. P&O cruise liners ("Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company") were the first using its facilities - starting in 1916. Then were inaugurated the berths specifically built for P&O. In May 1930 was inaugurated the new passenger terminal with direct rail connections to London. This passenger terminal was operated until the 1960s. The passenger terminal was reopened under the name "London Cruise Terminal" in 1995.

In 2017, London International Cruise Terminal in Port Tilbury invested GBP 1,5 million (EUR 1,7 million) in refurbishing its baggage hall (completed in October). The building's roof was also renewed (project cost GBP 1 million). The docking quay (max draft 33 ft / 10 m) was extended to 1148 ft (350 m) - completed in September, project cost GBP 2,5 million. From Tilbury, passengers can travel on MBNA Thames Clippers-operated ships (London river bus service) to Greenwich (travel time 35 min) and to Tower Bridge (travel time 50 min).

The following map of Port Tilbury shows the port's infrastructure as road links, terminals and berths. The port's dedicated cruise ship terminal is in its southern part, and near to the car terminal.

Greenwich Cruise Terminal

Cruise ships in London dock at Greenwich Pier on Thames River. The pier is located in the London Borough of Greenwich (one of the city's 32 boroughs). The Ship Tier berthing facility) is operated by Port of London Authority. Transportation options from Greenwich to central London City include bus, London Underground, light railway and the scenic river boat service to Tower Bridge. Greenwich Pier is used by smaller-sized cruise ships, mega yachrs and riverboats. The next photo shows the Pier, not the Tier.

Greenwich cruise terminal is very close to National Maritime Museum. Other popular among tourists sites located nearby are Greenwich Royal Park, Queen's House,, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Market, Royal Observatory.

(new) London City Cruise Terminal at Enderby Wharf

In July 2015 were approved the plans for building a new cruise terminal at Enderby Wharf (in east Greenwich). These plans were hugely controversial due to the concern that larger cruise ships will generate air pollution as they are powered by dirtier fuels (an equivalent of 50 trucks running their engines 24-hour a day. So the plans were upgraded by adding shore-to-ship power capabilities to the cruise facility.

The new terminal will become the UK capital's first new shipping terminal facility since the Royal Docks' closure in 1981. It will allow cruise vessels with LOA length up to 820 ft (250 m) to stop close to London's popular tourist attractions Cutty Sark (British clipper ship built in 1869 / one of the world's fastest) and Old Royal Naval College (Maritime Greenwich, World Heritage Site).

The new plans were submitted in 2015 by Westcourt Real Estate (development company). The terminal building's size was increased to accommodate baggage handling for embarking / disembarking passengers. Construction works started in September 2015, with scheduled completion in 2018.

The Enderby Wharf London port development project also includes building of 1154 residential homes. Statistics show that Greenwich’s Royal Borough receives millions of visits each year, supports around 16000 jobs and contributes GBP 1,1 billion to London's economy. The new cruise ship terminal would bring thousands more visitors, thus boosting the capital city's tourism.

(new) P&O ferry terminal Tilbury2

On February 26, 2018,  P&O Ferries  announced company's agreement with Forth Ports to use for berthing the new Thames River berth at Port Tilbury.

• The terminal's annual freight capacity is 600,000 units.
• The new (GBP 150 million) ferry terminal will be built by 2020 (subject to planning permission).
• Development consent order was submitted by the newly created Tilbury2 company in October 2017.
• The facility will include a 152 acres (0,6 km2 / 0,2 mi2) site (part of the former Tilbury Power Station) and a deep-water jetty on Thames River. It will be linked directly to A13 (via new road).
• According to P&O Ferries' CEO, the new river berth (deep water jetty) would enable the company to cut crossing time by 1-7 hours, meaning that ferry passengers would be discharged 1 hour earlier (at 5 am), enabling them to bypass the city's morning rush hour on M25.
• In April 2018 was announced that the private company Forth Ports (Ireland) is interested in landside projects and marine works (budgeted around GBP 80 million) for the Tilbury2 port expansion.
• Tilbury2 project is a substantial part of Forth Port's GBP 1 billion investment plans for Port Tilbury.

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London-Tilbury - user reviews and comments

London, England

History beckons at every turn in London. Join a walking tour to see landmarks like Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace, where you can witness the changing of the guard ceremony. Double-decker buses, with their knowledgeable narrators, are another way to see the sights. At the Tower of London, marvel at the British monarchy's Crown Jewels, learn about the weaponry once used to defend this fortress and discover the legend of the resident ravens. Visits to Windsor Castle afford a look at Queen Mary's Dolls' House, while a cruise along the River Thames gives passengers views of the Shard skyscraper, Tower Bridge, Shakespeare's Globe and more. For a bird's-eye perspective of the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben clock tower, enjoy a glass-capsule ride on the London Eye observation wheel. Excursions to the English countryside include stops in Bath and Cotswold as well as Stonehenge.

Southampton, England

Southampton is a coastal city located in southern England, about 70 miles southwest of London. The city is a major cruise departure port and one of the country's largest commercial ports. Visitors will find the longest surviving stretch of medieval walls in England and museums such as Tudor House and Garden, the maritime SeaCity Museum and the aviation-focused Solent Sky. Many London tours hit the highlights, from the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace and the Crown Jewels display at the Tower of London, to a cruise along the River Thames and a ride on the world-famous London Eye, a 443-foot Ferris wheel offering bird's-eye views of the capital city. It also is a great starting point for countryside excursions to the mysterious structures at Stonehenge as well as the towns of Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare.

Port of Southampton

City Cruise Terminal 101 Berth, Dock Gate 8 Solent Road Southampton SO15 1HJ

Horizon Cruise Terminal 102 Berth, Dock Gate 10 West Bay Road Southampton SO15 1AW

Mayflower Cruise Terminal Berth 106, Gate 20 Herbert Walker Avenue, Southampton SO15 OGN

Ocean Cruise Terminal Berth 46, Dock Gate 4, Cunard Road, Southampton SO14 3QN QEII Cruise Terminal Berth 38, Dock Gate 4, Test Road Southampton SO14 3GG

From/To: London Heathrow/Pier (Southampton) Distance/Time: 77 miles/2 hours

From/To: London Gatwick/Pier (Southampton) Distance/Time: 91 miles/2 hours, 30 minutes

From/To: Victoria Coach Station/Pier (Southampton) Distance/Time: 80 miles/2 hours

Train transportation is available - South West Trains operate from London Waterloo direct to Southampton Central Station approximately every 30 minutes. Travel time is approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes.

Directions from Airport

From London Heathrow: Take A3113 from the airport to M25 (M25 is the London Orbital Freeway). Follow signs for M3 at junction 12 - join M3. Head south following signs for Southampton and Southampton Docks. On leaving the M3, take the M27 following signs Southampton Docks. At junction 3 - join M271 and continue to follow signs for Southampton Docks. Enter the gate for your assigned terminal as indicated in the addresses above.

From London Gatwick: Take A23 from airport to junction 9a. Join the M23 driving to junction 7. Join the M25 following signs for M3. Join at junction 12. Join M3 and head south following signs for Southampton and Southampton Docks. On leaving the M3 take the M27 following signs for Southampton Docks. At junction 3 - join M271 and continue to follow signs for Southampton Docks. Enter the gate for your assigned terminal as indicated in the addresses above.

Directions by Rail - Direct train services link Southampton with many parts of the UK. South West Train operates 15-minute interval daytime fast service between London Waterloo and Southampton Central. Longer distance services provide direct links with Bristol, South Wales, the Midlands, the North and Scotland.

From outside the train station (southside and signed for Red Funnel and Isle of Wight) you can either use a taxi, or there is a free CityLink bus service (green coloured bus) which runs every 10-15 minutes between the rail station and Town Quay.

London, England

London Cruise Ship Schedule

• Ambience 1.915 passengers 16 May 2024 - 18:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 23 May 2024 - 18:00
• Norwegian Dawn 2.808 passengers 26 May 2024 - 18:30
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 04 Jun 2024 - 17:00
• Viking Venus 930 passengers 15 Jun 2024 - 00:00
• Star Legend 312 passengers 16 Jun 2024 - 17:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 17 Jun 2024 - 18:00
• Oceania Marina 1.447 passengers 22 Jun 2024 - 21:00
• Viking Saturn 930 passengers 27 Jun 2024 - 00:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 30 Jun 2024 - 18:00
• Viking Neptune 930 passengers 05 Jul 2024 - 00:00
• Oceania Nautica 803 passengers 06 Jul 2024 - 18:00
• Seabourn Quest 540 passengers 14 Jul 2024 - 17:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 14 Jul 2024 - 18:00
• Seven Seas Voyager 777 passengers 15 Jul 2024 - 21:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 22 Jul 2024 - 18:00
• Seven Seas Navigator 557 passengers 24 Jul 2024 - 19:00
• Viking Sky 930 passengers 30 Jul 2024 - 00:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 03 Aug 2024 - 18:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 10 Aug 2024 - 18:00
• Oceania Insignia 803 passengers 17 Aug 2024 - 19:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 22 Aug 2024 - 18:00
• ms Europa 408 passengers 26 Aug 2024 - 18:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 27 Aug 2024 - 18:00
• Viking Neptune 930 passengers 30 Aug 2024 - 00:00
• Viking Venus 930 passengers 03 Sep 2024 - 00:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 03 Sep 2024 - 18:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 14 Sep 2024 - 18:00
• Norwegian Dawn 2.808 passengers 25 Sep 2024 - 18:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 26 Sep 2024 - 18:00
• Norwegian Dawn 2.808 passengers 28 Sep 2024 - 20:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 03 Oct 2024 - 18:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 24 Oct 2024 - 18:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 27 Oct 2024 - 18:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 01 Nov 2024 - 18:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 15 Nov 2024 - 18:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 26 Nov 2024 - 18:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 08 Dec 2024 - 18:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 12 Dec 2024 - 17:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 15 Dec 2024 - 17:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 19 Dec 2024 - 18:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 20 Dec 2024 - 18:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 05 Jan 2025 - 19:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 09 Jan 2025 - 18:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 13 Feb 2025 - 17:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 23 Feb 2025 - 17:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 24 Feb 2025 - 17:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 09 Mar 2025 - 18:00
• Ambience 1.915 passengers 20 Mar 2025 - 17:00
• Ambition 1.428 passengers 21 Mar 2025 - 18:00

London, England

History beckons at every turn in London. Join a walking tour to see landmarks like Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace, where you can witness the changing of the guard ceremony. Double-decker buses, with their knowledgeable narrators, are another way to see the sights. At the Tower of London, marvel at the British monarchy's Crown Jewels, learn about the weaponry once used to defend this fortress and discover the legend of the resident ravens. Visits to Windsor Castle afford a look at Queen Mary's Dolls' House, while a cruise along the River Thames gives passengers views of the Shard skyscraper, Tower Bridge, Shakespeare's Globe and more. For a bird's-eye perspective of the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben clock tower, enjoy a glass-capsule ride on the London Eye observation wheel. Excursions to the English countryside include stops in Bath and Cotswold as well as Stonehenge.

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On this page, dover cruise ship shuttles, shared transfer tours, private transfers & tours, public transport, transfer options to/from, port of dover.

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Dover cruise terminals

Passengers' guide to using dover cruise terminals.

The Dover cruise terminals are about 75 miles (120km) from Central London. It is one of three ports used by cruise ships visiting the London area. The others are Southampton and Harwich, both a similar distance from London than Dover.

The main function of Dover is as a ferry port connecting the UK and France and it is this trade that dominates the port. Outside the summer months visits by cruise ships are rare. The three cruise terminals are at the Western docks, the ferry port at the Eastern Docks. The town of Dover is in between. The busiest terminal that tends to be used by the larger cruise ships is Terminal 2.

The cruise calendar in Dover normally starts from the month of April until late September/October. Cruise Terminal 1 is set in the former Marine Railway Station. As a listed building, many of the original features are still evident and provide a flavour of a bygone era.

Disembarkation and embarkation at Dover

Most cruise ships arrive in Dover around 5.30am to 6am. The majority of cruise ships have assisted disembarkation starting about 7am with the last stragglers coming off around 9am. All cruise ships depart the same day they arrive, normally between 4pm and 6pm. Many passengers assume they can disembark much later than 9am. This is not normally the case, although Disney cruises are a notable exception to the rule.

Embarkation normally closes for departing cruises around 3pm to 4pm. Do check direct with your individual cruise, the above is just what happens on the majority of cruises using Dover. Some of the largest ships may delay docking to fit around local conditions.

Marshalling is well organised and you will not be pestered by touts for hotels and taxis. Porters will greet your vehicle immediately on arrival and take your luggage of you, make sure they're fully labelled! When disembarking they will wheel the luggage to your vehicle or taxi rank.

The taxi ranks outside each terminal are orderly and well regulated. Queues happen, but you will not have to wait too long. If you are using a cruise line coach transfer you will be escorted directly to your waiting coach, immediately outside the terminal. If you have pre booked a taxi or charter bus the driver will normally be outside the customs/baggage hall with your name on a board immediately on exiting into the public area.

Transfers between Cruise Terminals & London buses & trains

No shuttle buses are provided between the cruise and the train station or London bus stops at Dover. You therefore need to get a taxi between the cruise terminal and the train station/bus stop. The fare should be around £8. Taxi cabs at Dover come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, the image tight is fairly typical. If you have two cases per person and more than 2 people you may end up with multiple taxi cabs.

It's just a 5 minute drive between the cruise terminals at Dover to/from the railway and bus stations and ferry terminal. The cruise terminals are far too far to walk with luggage from the train stations.

All fares within Dover should be on a meter. For longer journeys outside Dover never leap into a taxi without agreeing the price beforehand. Although drivers may offer to accept your Euro or Dollar currency it will almost certainly be at a very poor exchange rate. Only do so as a last resort.

The taxi rank at the cruise terminal is well marshalled. Porters from the ship will normally take your luggage as far as the taxi rank immediately outside the front doors of the cruise terminal. It is customary to leave a small tip with cab drivers, assuming they provide a good service.

Walking from/to cruise terminals

It is a couple of kilometres or well over a mile between the rail and bus stations and the cruise terminals. With luggage we would advise against walking. The taxi cabs really are not expensive and walking through the port is not the greatest way to end a cruise.

Alternative transport to/from London to cruise line buses

If you do not want to take the expensive transport offered by the cruise line, these are your options:

Embarkation normally closes for departing cruises around 3pm to 4pm. Do check direct with your individual cruise, the above is what happens on the majority of cruises using Southampton, yours may be the exception.

The cheapest option are the National Express scheduled buses . Full size 50 seat coaches with washrooms that depart from London's Victoria Coach Stations. They do not go to the cruise terminals, you will need a taxi between Dover Town or Dover Ferry Terminal and Dover cruise terminals.

The fastest option are the Dover train services , faster than a taxi. Several trains an hour run along three separate routes between Dover's Priory Station and around 5 major train stations in Central London. The fastest trains by far run between London St Pancras and Dover. Like the National Express buses you will need a taxi between Dover Priory Train Station and Dover cruise terminals.

The only door to door shared service between your hotel in London and the cruise terminal are the Dover Cruise Bus Shuttles . Shuttles pick-up and drop at all the major Central London hotel districts and Heathrow airport and only go to the cruise terminals at Dover. The service only operates on dates when a major cruise ship is in port. In the Dover to London direction there is also a choice of guided tour transfers in addition to the direct shuttle.

And of course the money no object option is a private car service door to door at a time specified by you. If you have a group there are vans, even coaches available.

PRIVATE CRUISE TRANSFER TO HEATHROW WITH WINDSOR VISIT

Early morning disembarkation / late Heathrow flight solution

• Visit Windsor, only 15 minutes from Heathrow • Private cruise ship transfer • Secure luggage storage in Windsor • Private airport transfer from Windsor

• Cruise From
• London (Dover), England

Dover (London), England

• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Miracle

* Coming Soon

Be captivated by cliff-top walks and 2,000 years of history on cruises from Dover, England. Set against the backdrop of the White Cliffs and peering across to France on the other side of the English Channel, Dover’s setting is a sight to behold. This bustling English port is steeped in history and coastal beauty. Explore the secret tunnels beneath medieval Dover Castle and easily make your way to iconic London landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the House of Parliament.

• Follow in King Henry II’s footsteps at Dover Castle.
• Feel the power of the sea as you hike along the White Cliffs of Dover.
• Immerse yourself in the City of Canterbury, literary setting of Chaucer’s epic tales.
• Catch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
• Snap a selfie in front of Big Ben, London’s celebrity clock tower.

See it all from Dover (London).

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

Transport Links

Perfectly placed only moments from the English Channel shipping lanes.

How to get here

Directions to the Port of Dover by car, train, air and taxi.

Terminal facilities

The Port of Dover has two impressive state-of-the-art terminals.

Car parking

On-site secure, conveniently located parking while you're away.

Cruise car parking

Conveniently located parking while you're away.

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If you have lost property, please get in touch.

Travel trade & development

Information on travel trade & business development.

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Get in touch with the Port of Dover, or leave feedback.

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Dover Cruise

The premier port for international cruise lines in the South East

Dover is the premier hub port for cruise lines in the South East of England. It’s one of the busiest cruise ports in Britain and Northern Europe, welcoming over 20 individual cruise lines and 200,000 cruise passengers every year. Located just 76 miles South East of London, Dover is England’s getaway to Europe.

Forward-thinking Cruise Port

Historic, spacious terminals

With the ability to accommodate up to three ships simultaneously, the Port of Dover is strategically located for convenient turnaround and port-of-call visits to a range of exciting destinations, including France, Norway, the Baltic, Iceland, and the Mediterranean. 

Explore the region’s rich history and enjoy exceptional pre and post-cruise accommodations with the wide variety of itineraries available to passengers.

Quick links

Travel advice

Excellent transport connection, unrivalled location

Located just moments from the English Channel shipping lanes, the Port of Dover is ideally positioned for convenient turnaround and port-of-call visits to a range of exciting destinations, including France, Norway, the Baltic, around Britain, Iceland, and the Mediterranean.

Travel Trade

A unique & iconic town

Experience a fantastic stop at Dover Cruise Port and explore all the unique attractions within Dover or for onward travel.

Dover is an ideal destination for cruise customers seeking to experience the charm of Kent, The Garden of England. The port boasts a team of experts in the industry and has an extensive knowledge of the area and its attractions, making it a fantastic option for both cruise lines and passengers.

Find a cruise

Please find below the latest cruise schedule.

Affiliations & partners

Port of Dover continues to foster mutual partnerships and affiliations to grow the awareness of Dover and the Kent region. The Port is a member of:

Leaders and innovators in responsible tourism and the best way for travelers to experience the world.

Cruise Britain

A unique way to explore the UK’s stunning coastline and historic ports.

Cruise Europe

An exclusive B2B network that allows companies to connect with partners and customers around the continent.

Things to do and see in Kent, attractions, ideas & days out.

Explore Dover

At Port of Dover, we deliver world-class travel and our cruise customers can have an incredible experience immersing themselves in a unique location, with a variety of attractions available in Dover or for onward travel.

Local attractions  

Samphire Hoe

A man-made nature reserve created during the construction of the Channel Tunnel.

South Foreland Lighthouse

Victorian lighthouse built to warn mariners of shifting sands & guide them through the Strait of Dover.

Dover Museum

Featuring the world’s only Bronze Age Boat, discovered in Dover in the early 90’s.

Secret Wartime Tunnels

A fascinating insight into the lives of soldiers during Operation Dynamo, during the Second World War.

Dover Castle

Overlooking the town and long regarded as one of the most important fortresses in England.

White Cliffs of Dover

A magnificent and world famous natural landmark – visible when arriving from mainland Europe.

London, England

History beckons at every turn in London. Join a walking tour to see landmarks like Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace, where you can witness the changing of the guard ceremony. Double-decker buses, with their knowledgeable narrators, are another way to see the sights. At the Tower of London, marvel at the British monarchy's Crown Jewels, learn about the weaponry once used to defend this fortress and discover the legend of the resident ravens. Visits to Windsor Castle afford a look at Queen Mary's Dolls' House, while a cruise along the River Thames gives passengers views of the Shard skyscraper, Tower Bridge, Shakespeare's Globe and more. For a bird's-eye perspective of the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben clock tower, enjoy a glass-capsule ride on the London Eye observation wheel. Excursions to the English countryside include stops in Bath and Cotswold as well as Stonehenge.

Love Exploring

The Most-Loved Cruise Ships That Were Scrapped From The Seas

Posted: May 9, 2024 | Last updated: May 9, 2024

Out of service cruise ships

The cruise industry navigated some very choppy waters during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic. While many have drifted back out to sea, some of our most-loved ships have been taken out of service, sold or scrapped entirely. Is your favorite on our list?

Read on to discover the once-beloved cruise ships that are no longer sailing...

Built in 1991 for Royal Caribbean and known as Monarch of the Seas, this vessel was the largest ship afloat at the time of her launch, accommodating around 2,744 passengers. The first ship in the fleet to be fitted with balconies, the groundbreaking facilities included a basketball court, shuffleboard courts and even a rock climbing wall, installed after a refit in 2003. 

Launched in January 1988, Sovereign began life as Royal Caribbean’s Sovereign of the Seas, sailing Caribbean itineraries including stops at Coco Cay (once called Little Stirrup Cay), the line’s private island. The largest cruise ship in the world at the time and regarded a ‘megaship', it was the first to flaunt a multi-deck atrium with glass elevators and sweeping staircases. 

In 2008, the ship was transferred to Pullmantur and renamed MS Sovereign. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pullmantur requested to be liquidated and Sovereign was beached in Aliaga, Turkey next to its sister Monarch, with the scrapping completed in February 2021.

Carnival Fantasy

Drawing passengers from across the globe, Carnival Cruise Line owns some of the world's most exciting ships, but the Miami-based operator has sold or scrapped four vessels in the last few years. One of the most beloved was Carnival Fantasy. Entering service in 1990 and the first of Carnival’s Fantasy Class of eight ships, she broke the mold with her revolutionary interior that included a huge atrium. Groundbreaking when launched, this 70,367-tonne, 855-foot long vessel would be dwarfed by today's megaships but still had a 30-year career sailing around the Western Caribbean and Mexico from Miami, and more recently from Mobile, Alabama. 

Carnival Fascination

Built in the early 1990s and designed by renowned ship architect Joe Farcus, the interior of the fourth ship in Carnival’s Fantasy Class evoked the golden age of Hollywood. Originally sailing out of New York, for most of its service its home port was San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

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In July 2020, Carnival announced its exit from the fleet and the ship was sold and renamed the Century Harmony. However, despite plans to become a floating hotel, the ship was sold to a Singaporean trading company which sold her off for scrap metal. She arrived at the Gadani ship-breaking yard in Pakistan in February 2022 where workers stripped her down. Only her empty hull remains with just the bow thrusters visible. 

Carnival Imagination

Also debuting in the mid-1990s, the 2,594-passenger Carnival Imagination boasted a ‘classical and mythological’ interior featuring Venetian glass and Medusa heads, thanks to architect Joe Farcus’s vision. Later refits saw the addition of a water park and golf putting course and Imagination was the first Carnival ship with a 24-hour pizzeria.

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Following Carnival’s downsizing strategy for four of the Fantasy Class ships due to COVID-19, Imagination arrived in Aliaga, Turkey, in autumn 2020 to be scrapped.

Carnival Inspiration

Built in 1987, the 650-passenger Astor was a traditionally-styled ship with teak wood decks and it had a loyal following in Europe, South Africa and Australia. In 2013, Astor sailed for Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) under charter for the Australian market, before becoming a permanent member of the fleet in 2014.

The ship was set to be renamed the Jules Verne and operate Northern European cruises from France in April 2021. However, Cruise & Maritime Voyages collapsed and was placed into administration in July 2020 and Astor was sold for just $1.7 million. In November 2020 she was beached in Turkey and has since been completely scrapped.

Black Watch

Launched in the early 1970s, the 804-passenger Black Watch was originally owned by Royal Viking Line. With its generous promenade and public spaces, it was once considered among the most luxurious ships in the world. 

After briefly sailing for Kloster Cruises in the 1980s, the ship was transferred to Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) in the 1990s and sailed out of New York. NCL sold her to Fred Olsen in 1996 when the ship was renamed Black Watch in honor of an infantry battalion of the Scottish military. In August 2020, Black Watch was sold as an accommodation ship intended for workers, however that contract fell through. Ownership changed numerous times before the ship was eventually beached in Alang, India in 2022 and scrapped.

Sister ship to Black Watch, Boudicca also began its life with Royal Viking Line, having first set sail in 1973. In the early 1990s, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) purchased the ship and a couple of years later it was chartered to Princess Cruises, sailing as Golden Princess. More owners followed before Fred Olsen acquired her in 2005. 

In 2018, Boudicca’s interior and passenger cabins underwent a major upgrade but sadly the ship followed in its sister’s wake and was sold as an accommodation vessel in 2020. Again, those plans fell through and she was beached then scrapped in Aliaga, Turkey in 2021. Boudicca will be remembered for her lively entertainment and flamboyant seasonal stops – such as at the flower festival on the Portuguese island of Madeira pictured here – and also for her poignant cruises, including a one-day special for D Day veterans of the Second World War in June 2019. 

Usually adults-only, the ship was known for its varied dining spots, friendly service and world cruise itineraries. But following CMV's collapse in July 2020, Columbus was sold at auction for an unknown sum. Bought by a Greek ferry operator she was then sold on again, with the Alang scrapyard in India her final port of call in 2021.

Costa Victoria

Starting life in the mid-1980s as Carnival Cruise Lines’ MS Holiday, Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Magellan was a small but much-loved ship with British cruise fans thanks to its affordable itineraries departing from Tilbury port, near London, UK. 

Originally built in the 1960s for the Soviet Union's Baltic Shipping Company and first known as the Aleksandra Pushkin, the Marco Polo was one of the last surviving ocean liners built for transatlantic crossings. Designed to withstand broken ice, in her later years the Marco Polo made regular trips to Antarctica. 

Ocean Dream

There were also dalliances with P&O Australia and Pullmantur Cruises, before being transferred to Japanese-based Peace Boat in 2012 and used for their educational and sustainable voyages. The ship sailed as the Ocean Dream until 2020, before she was reported as scrapped in Alang, India in January 2021. 

When CMV went into administration in 2020, Astoria was put up for auction in February 2021 and it seemed likely she would never sail again. Hope was on the horizon when it seemed she'd been spared the scrapyard after a cryptocurrency billionaire took an interest in buying her, but plans fell through. In 2023 it was reported she was docked in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, awaiting her final voyage to be scrapped.

The Horizon began life in 1990 as part of the Celebrity Cruises fleet, and featured 721 cabins, a Broadway-style show lounge and two pools. In 2005 it became Island Cruises’ Island Star before transferring back to Royal Caribbean and then to its Spanish-owned subsidiary Pullmantur in 2008. 

Marella Celebration

Built in 1984 as Holland America Line’s MS Noordam, Marella Celebration was bought by Thomson in 2005 and continued to sail as Thomson Celebration. Many of the ship's original features were retained including teak decks and artwork dating from the 16th century. When the company was reborn as Marella Cruises in 2017, the 1,250-passenger ship became Marella Celebration. However, there was no celebrating to be done when the vessel left the fleet in April 2020. In 2022, it was confirmed beached ready for scrapping.

Marella Dream

The Marella Dream was built in 1986 as the last new ship for the now defunct Italian firm Home Lines. Two years later, the ship became Holland America Line's MS Westerdam, briefly becoming a movie star in the 1990s comedy Out to Sea which starred Walter Matthau. The ship was transferred to Costa Cruises in 2002 and entered service for Thomson in 2010, before being renamed as Marella Dream in 2017. In October 2020 it was withdrawn from service and sat anchored in Greece for two years before being beached then scrapped in Aliaga, Turkey.

Grand Celebration

The 1,500-passenger Grand Celebration was more than a cruise ship – she also helped the people of Grand Bahama Island during the devastating events caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. However, the ship was sold for scrap during the COVID-19 pandemic and headed for the Alang shipyard in India at the end of 2020.  

Now discover where cruise ships, planes, trains and cars go to die

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