Dover cruise terminals

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.

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.