13 May 2024
Compagnie Française de Croisières (CFC) Renaissance, Seabourn Venture and TUI Mein Schiff 4 all sailed into Dover over the past week for inaugural port of call visits. The three vessels each made a grand entrance being sprayed by water cannons at the first glimpse of sunrise, before a plaque exchange ceremony took place onboard.
On Tuesday 7th May, CFC, which launched as a cruise line less than a year ago, visited Dover with Renaissance as part of her ten-day Scottish Highlands voyage ending in Le Havre-Paris on 8th May. Renaissance kicked off her first ever season last September.
Then following on Thursday 9th May was TUI Cruises with Mein Schiff 4, joining Mein Schiff 3 to become their second ship to sail from Dover this year. Mein Schiff 3 returns in June and throughout the summer as part of her British Isles and Western European cruises.
For the grand finale, Seabourn Venture arrived on Saturday 11th May to become the latest member of their Dover fleet, with eight more turnaround visits still to come in 2024 from Ovation, Sojourn and Quest.
Peter Wright, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover said: “It’s been a fantastic week for us; we are delighted to have welcomed a trio of wonderful cruise ships for debut calls, with their guests being able to sit alongside the stunning backdrop of the White Cliffs in all its glory as the sun arrived just in time. Thank you to CFC, TUI and Seabourn, we can’t wait to welcome you back again soon.”
Sonia Limbrick, Head of Business Development for Cruise added: “Thank you to the teams onboard, in particular the captains for celebrating these extraordinary calls with us. I’m proud of the diverse and growing portfolio of cruise lines choosing Dover as their number one destination in the UK for turnaround and port of calls. We are looking forward to some exciting journeys ahead.”
Marcus Puttich, TUI Cruises Director Destinations said: “TUI Cruises calls at various ports in the UK. Dover, with its location on the south-east coast of England and quick access to London, is an attractive port for the Mein Schiff fleet. We are delighted that the guests of Mein Schiff 4 have now also been able to discover the city and the region for the first time.”
Tobias Pietsch, Captain of Mein Schiff 4 commented: “The first call of Mein Schiff 4 in Dover was a really successful premiere. Dover Castle, high above the city, and the bright white chalk cliffs in the rising sun were indeed a particularly impressive welcome for our ship and also a special moment for me as the Captain.”