The Port of Dover’s 2026 cruise season is starting on April 1, with the Viking Vela visiting for the first of 115 cruise calls.
Marking the 30th anniversary year of cruising in Dover, this season is expected to see a fifth consecutive year of growth, the port said in a press release.
Around 200,000 cruise guests are scheduled to visit, sailing to and from the Garden of England for cruises exploring Northern Europe, the Norwegian Fjords, the Baltic Sea and the British Isles.
Peter Wright, head of cruise at the Port of Dover said: “We are thrilled to launch another great season for Dover Cruise on our milestone 30th anniversary year and look forward to celebrating with our cruise lines and their guests through the many special events and multiple ship days that are taking place here.”
22 cruise lines will visit the port, with Carnival Cruise Line, Saga Cruises, AIDA and Seabourn returning regularly throughout the season.
There will also be six inaugural calls – the Sapphire Princess, TUI Mein Schiff 2, Silversea Silver Spirit, Europa 2, Scenic Eclipse and Viking Mira.
In May, the Port will see its first ever four cruise ship day, with the arrival of the Celebrity Eclipse, Viking Sky, Ponant’s Le Bellot and HX Expedition’ Fram.
After that, on July 2, the second English Heritage and Azamara Cruises AzAmazing event will take place at Dover Castle.
Other highlights include 18 double cruise ship days and two triple cruise ship days.
Holland America Line will operate another full season from Dover with the Nieuw Statendam, while six of Viking’s ocean ships will sail in for a set of transit calls.
Karen Farndell, Holland America Line associate vice-president of sales and marketing for the UK and Ireland, said: “After a hugely successful 2025, when we sailed across Europe from Dover for the first time in 10 years, Holland America will be back for an even longer season in 2026. Guests will set sail on a series of seven and 14-day voyages including to the Norwegian fjords, Iceland and Canary Islands from April to October.”
Farndell added that Holland will return next year as well, as it has confidence in the local market and the positive feedback received from visitors to the area.
