“We actively encourage winter calls and overnight stays and work hard with Visit Kent and Dover Tourism organizations to off unique local experiences,” said Barbara Buczek, director of port development for the Port of Dover.

This year, the port’s season is highlighted by four Disney Cruise Line calls, along with inaugural visits from Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas as well as a Pullmantur vessel. Traffic trends up 10 percent for 2018, Buczek told Cruise Industry News, and should pass the 200,000 passenger mark. The port can host three ships at once using two modern terminal facilities.

“We are working hard to build our winter offer,” Buczek continued.

“Last year, we launched our White Cliffs Christmas event in Cruise Terminal. We hope this will incentivize further winter calls in the future. That said, our winter season is already expanding for 2018-2019,” she said.

As well, the 200 million pound Dover Western Docks Revival is continuing on schedule to transform the port’s western docks and introduce new waterfront facilities.

Dover is working to underline itself as a premier cruise choice in Southeast England, and could be poised to take a chunk out of Southampton’s business. Heathrow and Gatwick are within 90 minute drives.

“Situated on the English Channel, Dover is perfectly placed for both turnaround and port-of-call visits for Norway, the Baltic, round Britain, Iceland, Mediterranean and the Canaries,” Buczek noted.