Dover

Dover

England

Explore the dramatic White Cliffs and medieval Dover Castle perched above the iconic English coastline.

Currency British Pound Sterling (GBP)
Language English
Time Zone GMT (UTC+0)
Best Time to Visit May–Aug
Typical Duration 14-25 nights
Price Range $679.50–$91,949 per person
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to the English Channel and Northern Europe, offering easy access to the UK and continental ports with a mix of cultural and coastal destinations.

Cruises that visit Dover

Build Your Day in Dover

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Dover Castle So much to explore and spectacular views of across Dover. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 18k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Kent Downs National Landscape Stunning natural reserve right in the middle of kent. National park · ★ 4.5 · 10k Open now
National Trust - The White Cliffs of Dover Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 7k Closed · Opens 7 AM Fri
Walmer Castle and Gardens What a beautiful day out plenty for the children to do, and so much history Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 5k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
South Foreland Heritage Coast White Cliffs of Dover, beautiful hiking experience. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 4k Open now
Deal Pier Deal beach lovely and clean. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 3k
St James Retail and Leisure Park Shopping centre with dining & a cinema Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 3k Closes soon · 8 PM
Rock Rose Great foods and drink, very friendly staff, nice atmosphere, easy to park. Pub · ★ 4.1 · 3k
Kearsney Abbey Gardens Lovely grounds, boating pool, cafe/restaurant. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 7 AM Fri
National Trust - South Foreland Lighthouse Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
White Cliffs of Dover White Cliffs of Dover is a lovely walk to do on the weekends. Cliff · ★ 4.8 · 2k
Marine Court Table Table The portion size was incredible and the food was cooked to perfection!! Family-friendly · ★ 3.9 · 2k
St Margaret's Beach Taking in the majestic Dover Cliffs on both sides of the beach is fantastic. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Cullins Yard It was a lovely setting, the staff was great, and the food was wonderful. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k
The White Horse The fish and chips were honestly the best I've ever had in my life. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Samphire Hoe Country Park Very nice beach area to start a channel crossing by swim from. Country park · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM Fri
Nando's Dover - St James Food arrived quickly really tasty, friendly helpful staff Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Aspendos Dover The service was professional and efficient and the food was delicious. Turkish · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Minnis Bay Beach Beautiful spot, quiet with a lovely tide pool parking right on the beach. Public beach · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Secret Wartime Tunnels Great underground WWII adventure, very atmospheric Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Il Rustico Restaurant Amazing drinks, appetizers, food, atmosphere and lovely staff!! Italian · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Bella Vita at Dover Marina The food was delicious, the atmosphere relaxed and the service amazing. Italian · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Folkestone Beach A well-kept beach and the water was so clean and clear. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Dover Beach The Castle & Cliffs are the highlights of Dover. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Chef De Mumbai The food, ambiance, and service exceeded our expectations. Modern Indian restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Samphire Hoe Nice place in Dover with beach, rock pools and a coastal walk. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM Fri
Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery Can easily kill an hour and show you some of the roman history of Dover. Museum · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Fri
Little Farthingloe Farm The service was brilliant, the food was freshly made and excellent. Country food restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Dover Transport Museum Various transport to view, interactive museum. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Sun
Breakwater Brewery & Taproom bar & Pizzeria Pizza is delicious, reasonable vegan options. Pub · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Western Heights Of Dover A huge fortress 🏰 overlooking Dover with lots of trails and views. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Blakes of Dover decent pub food, good beer, very affordable-priced wine list; Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Deal Seafront Beautiful clear water's and little town Scenic spot · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Xpresso Cafe illys The cafe is clean, reasonably priced and the service is very good. Cafe · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM Fri
The Nook The ambiance is perfect for a relaxing meal, and the food was outstanding. Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k
La Salle Verte Excellent staff, clean toilets, above the average cafe. Coffee shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Charlton Shopping Centre Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 3.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Fri
The Elephant and Hind Great atmosphere, friendly staff and awesome food! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Tea Cafe | Breakfast Restaurant Dover Excellent breakfast friendly staff good coffee value for money Breakfast · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Fri
The Chance Inn Great food, welcoming atmosphere, lovely beer, friendly staff. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Updown | Hotel & Restaurant The food was fresh, beautifully presented, and full of amazing flavors. Modern European · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Churchill Bar and Lounge The food is excellent, beautifully presented, and full of flavour. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
The Red Lion Bar & Restaurant Great food, large portions, friendly staff and friendly welcoming atmosphere Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Shakespeare Beach Enjoyed sea fishing here and picturesque walks. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Cafe Melange Very well presented, service was very quick and cafe very clean and tidy. Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Mr. White's English Chophouse - Dover Food tasty, service good, for a Tuesday it was busy and gave an atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k
Tamara Resto-Bar Amazing food, great service, and a lovely atmosphere. Indian · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Fan Bay Deep Shelter Museum · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
Dover Pier Good for a walk whether permitted. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
The Grand Shaft Usually free but well worth a donation. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Sun
The Great Tower Loved the tours of the tunnels and the history of the place Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Castle Street Coffee Exceptional cup of coffee, friendly staff and pleasant atmosphere. Coffee shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Fri
Langdon Beach Difficult access but worth the effort Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
The Sunrise Café Very friendly staff, breakfast fresh cooked, reasonable prices. Coffee shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
The Italian Kitchen ... welcoming atmosphere, amazing art on the wall's and delicious food. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Village Kitchen Lovely brunch, really tasty food at a great price Cafe · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
JB Sushi Bar Dover Incredible location with fantastic food at a reasonable price. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
The Loft restaurant Amazing food, great atmosphere, and excellent service. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
The Bean and Barrel Lovely staff, food, drinks and atmosphere. Coffee shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Fri
The Salty Dog Harbour Cafe Had the quiche lorraine with potato salad - absolutely delicious. Cafe · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Fri
Samphire Beach Quiet beach a decent walk from the carpark Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Castleton Retail Park Shopping mall · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Dover is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Dover

About Dover

Dover stands as one of Northern Europe's most accessible and strategically positioned cruise ports, serving as an ideal gateway for exploring both the dramatic White Cliffs and the wider attractions of southeast England. This bustling port welcomes eleven major cruise lines, including Viking Ocean Cruises, Holland America Line, and Celebrity Cruises, with over 321 upcoming sailings offering passengers exceptional flexibility in choosing their perfect voyage.

As a primarily port-of-call destination, Dover features prominently on extended Northern European itineraries, particularly the popular 14-night cruises that explore the region's most captivating destinations. From here, cruise lines craft voyages to Rotterdam, Belfast, Bergen, and the enchanting Shetland Islands, with many itineraries including a visit to London at Greenwich, allowing passengers to experience the heart of England's capital. The peak season runs from April through August, with May and June offering particularly favorable conditions for exploration.

What makes Dover especially appealing is its remarkable proximity to world-class attractions. The iconic White Cliffs are immediately visible from the port, while Dover Castle—a magnificent medieval fortress—sits just above the waterfront. The port's excellent facilities and convenient location mean passengers can easily venture into the charming town center, explore the historic harbor, or arrange excursions to nearby Canterbury, the Cinque Ports, or even London itself. Whether you're embarking on a grand Northern European adventure or simply enjoying a port day, Dover delivers authentic English charm with effortless accessibility.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Iconic White Cliffs Discovery

Marvel at Dover's legendary white chalk cliffs, towering 350 feet above the English Channel. These stunning natural formations have welcomed travelers for centuries and offer breathtaking views from the clifftop walking paths. The dramatic landscape is best experienced on foot, with several scenic trails departing directly from the port area.

2

Medieval Dover Castle Exploration

Explore this magnificent 12th-century fortress perched above the port, featuring impressive medieval architecture and underground wartime tunnels. The castle offers panoramic views of the English Channel and France beyond. Inside, discover centuries of English history through interactive exhibits and authentic period rooms that bring the past to life.

3

Fresh Seafood & Local Flavors

Savor Dover's famous Dover sole and other fresh catches at waterfront restaurants near the cruise terminal. Local fish and chip shops serve crispy, golden-battered fish with traditional mushy peas. Sample authentic British cuisine paired with local ales in charming pubs scattered throughout the historic town center.

4

Charming Town Center Shopping

Stroll through Dover's pedestrian-friendly High Street lined with independent boutiques, antique shops, and traditional British retailers. Browse local crafts, vintage finds, and souvenirs in family-owned stores that reflect authentic English character. The compact town center is easily walkable from the port in under 15 minutes.

5

Secret Wartime Tunnels Tour

Descend into Dover's fascinating underground tunnels carved from chalk during World War II, used as a secret military headquarters and bomb shelter. These atmospheric passages reveal gripping stories of wartime operations and civilian resilience. Guided tours bring this hidden history vividly to life with period details and personal accounts.

Cruise Lines at Dover

Cruises Departing From Dover

Cruises Visiting Dover

Ship Schedule at Dover

Dover Location

Other Cruise Ports in England

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dover known for?

Dover is England's gateway port, offering ferry routes to the continent and rich history at Dover Castle and the White Cliffs.

How can I reach Dover Port?

Dover Port is accessible by road and rail. The town provides ferry and cruise services to nearby destinations.

What facilities does the port offer?

Facilities include passenger terminals, travel services, and connections to local transport for exploring the White Cliffs Country.

When is the best time to visit Dover?

Summer months offer the best weather and most ferry and cruise options; plan around peak tourist periods.