Cruise Port - Copenhagen, Denmark

Introduction

Copenhagen, the Danish capital, is located on the island of Sealand 42 km west of Sweden and 260 km east of the Danish mainland. The city is home to over 1 million citizens, and is the biggest city in the whole of Scandinavia.

The city was founded in the years 1160-67 by Bishop Absalon (1128-1201) an advisor of the renowned King Valdemar the Great of Denmark. In 1416 King Erik VII moved the royal residence to to the city, so promoting it to the country's capital.

Copenhagen's signature buildings were erected in the period spanning the 15th and 16th centuries during the monarchy of King Christian IV. Foremost examples include Rosenborg Castle, the Old Citadel and the Old Stock Exchange. Copenhagen's beautiful canals were also dug during this time.

The 18th century was to be a further important era in the development of the city. The impressive Frederiksstaden district, a beautiful series of stylish palaces, was constructed during the reign of Frederick V.

Today Copenhagen is the most popular city in Scandinavia with many places and attractions to delight the visitor, from interesting museums to historic buildings. The city is also one of the region's most important cruise ship ports, typically handling over 340 cruise ship movements each year.

You Choose The Cruise

Copenhagen's cold winter restricts the cruise ship season to the summer and fall.

Sail around the Baltic and wonder at the quaint medieval streets of Tallinn, Peter the Great's architectural wonders in St Petersburg, the impressive Suomenlinna fortress in Helsiniki and the majestic Royal Palaces of Stockholm. Alternatively voyage to the legendary Fjords of Norway to witness the Art Nouveau town of Alesund, Bryggen harbor in Bergen, the Old Town of Stavanger and the picture-perfect landscape at Geiranger. Or head even further north to the Arctic to visit the wonderful Botanical Gardens at Tromso and the North Cape at Honningsvag.

Cruises from Copenhagen provides a comprehensive calendar of cruise ship sailings out of the city.

Cruise Terminals

Copenhagen is the largest home port in the Baltic region and can cater for 10 cruise vessels at the same time.

There are 4 separate quays in Copenhagen for cruise ships, Nordre Toldbod, 1 mile from the center of the city, Langeline, 2 miles and Ocean Quay, 4 miles.

Nordre Tolbod
The Nordre Tolbod quay is just southwards from Langeline. Just one small cruise ship can moor at this single berth facility, which is rarely used.

Langeline
Langeline Quay is used by cruise vessels making a day visit (turnaround ships use Ocean Quay). The long warehouse behind the pier has been renovated to accommodate a number of small shops which sell items such as amber, porcelain, jewelry and clothing.  The quay is very conveniently placed only a short stroll from the Little Mermaid statue.

Ocean Quay
Ocean Quay (or OceanKaj in Danish), located at Nordhavn, has 3 cruise terminals which are used for homeporting cruise ships. Parking facilities are managed by a independent business at the port entrance.

The port website is at Copenhagen-Malmo port.

Sightseeing In Copenhagen

The Little Mermaid
Art lover Carl Jacobsen asked the sculptor Edvard Eriksento to create a 'Little Mermaid', taking inspiration from the heroine of H.C. Andersen's fairy tale with the same name. The bronze statue was inaugurated in 1913 at the Langelinie waterfront promenade, a stone's throw from the Langelinie cruise ship pier.

Rosenborg Castle
In the early 17th century Christian IV authorized the construction of the impressive Rosenborg Palace to serve as a royal summer palace. Following the reign of Frederik IV, Rosenborg was only employed as a royal official residence on two occasions, consequent to the fire at Christiansborg in 1794, and during the time of the English offensive against Copenhagen in 1801. Four flights of opulent rooms are available for the tourist to see giving you a perspective of the life of the early Danish royal family.

Nyhavn
Nyhavn, meaning New Harbor, was in the 17th century a hard working port where ships hailing from all around the world would dock. Hans Christian Andersen even lived here for 18 years. Nowadays throughout the summer months hoards of tourists visit to enjoy the atmosphere while dining and drinking at the multitude of bars and cafes.

Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace is made up of four similar rococo palaces centered around a large square. In 1794 the palaces were acquired by the Danish royal family, and have ever since been used as a royal winter retreat. Housed in Christian VIII's palace, the extensive Amalienborg Museum offers you a way to see a series of state rooms and learn about the life of the royal family.

Strøget
Copenhagen's largest shopping district is centered around Stroget in the city center. The street runs between the city's City Hall Square near Tivoli and King's New Square near Nyhavn.

Traveling to the Terminals from the Airport

By cab
A taxi is the hassle-free way to travel to Ocean Quay from the city's airport.

By bus/train
A cheaper alternative is to make the journey by train/bus.  For OceanKaj catch the train from the airport to Osterport, then bus no 27 to OceanKaj.

Cruise Departure Port - Dover, England

Introduction

The town of Dover is located at the outlet of the River Dour, after which the town takes its name, on the southern coastline of the county of Kent in Britain. On a clear day you can look across the English Channel from the cliffs above Dover and see France, which is only 21 miles away. Every day throughout the year, numerous cross-Channel car and truck ferries voyage between Dover and the French ports of Boulogne, Dunkirk and Calais. Both to the west and east side of Dover rear the stunning White Cliffs, which are composed of chalk. The Latin word for white is albus, and in ancient times England was called Albion.

Even long ago in Anglo-Saxon times Dover was an important center, well ordered with a metalworks, a large church, a busy port and a mint. King Henry VIII had a keen interest in Dover, having held the position of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports before he ascended the throne. He specified additions to Dover castle, and the building of extra heavy gun batteries overlooking the docks. During both World Wars Dover was one of the largest military centers in England. Huge numbers of soldiers with their armaments made the crossing between Dover and France.

Today Dover’s role as a major port continues, and over 60% of the 18 million passengers who cross the Channel every year do so from the town. The town’s modern cruise terminals have attracted many cruise lines including Fred Olsen, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruises and Saga Cruises, who all use Dover as a UK turnaround port.

You Choose The Cruise

Cruises from Dover visit a large number of exciting destinations. Pick a cruise to the warm Mediterranean and sightsee around world-renowned cities like Rome, Dubrovnik, Barcelona and Athens. Cruise south to the wonderful Canary Islands, and find moon-like landscapes and subtropical greenery. Head east into the Baltic to view magnificent St Petersburg with its exquisite Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood and enormous Hermitage art museum. Circumnavigate the British Isles and appreciate these charming islands off Europe’s mainland.

Cruises from Dover shows all the cruise departures from Dover.

Cruise Terminals

In 1988 the Channel Tunnel scheme began building work. The Port of Dover, anticipating the tunnel as a major risk to its vital cross-channel business, planned to branch out with the opening of a cruise port and a marina.

Cruise Terminal 1

In 1994 the old Marine Railway Station at the Western docks was converted into cruise terminal 1. Lots of the Edwardian features are still in place and give a flavor of a bygone era. Services comprise of cafeteria, security, post box, check-in desk, restrooms and taxi rank.

Cruise Terminal 2

Rising demand from the cruise lines led to the construction of cruise terminal 2, just further along from cruise terminal 1, in 2001. The terminal offers all the necessary facilities including an information point, check-in desks, snack machines and restrooms.

Parking

The cruise port’s 1120 capacity car park is next Cruise Terminal 1, so no transfers are required. Porters will take care of your bags. The car park has been given the Park Mark for secure parking.

For the port website see Port of Dover.

Sightseeing In Dover

Dover Castle
Dover Castle ranks among the largest castles in England. It stands proudly on top of the White Cliffs, watching guard over the bustling port below. Your sightseeing ticklist includes the Guest Chamber, the King’s Kitchen, the King’s Brewery, the King’s Chamber, the King’s Hall, the Great Tower, the medieval tunnels and the Guest Hall. The castle is a steep climb up from the town, but you can catch a bus instead of walking.

White Cliffs Of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover are five miles of magnificent coastline today under the protection of the National Trust. One idea is to take the bus to St Margaret’s Bay, then hike the 3 miles back to Dover following the well-signed path along the cliff tops. The cliffs were the inspiration for the 1942 Vera Lynn World War Two song, There’ll Be Bluebirds Over the White Cliffs of Dover.

Dover Museum
Dover Museum premier exhibit is a Bronze Age Boat, the world's oldest known seagoing boat and a major archaeological discovery. The boat was originally constructed using oak timbers tied together by yew lashings. The museum is a five minute walk from the cruise dock.

Traveling to Dover Cruise Port

By Car
On the M2/A2 from Canterbury
Follow the A2 (Jubillee Way) down into Dover town. Coming to a roundabout turn left onto the A20 with a sign for Cruise Terminal. Keep to the A20 for around 2 miles as it follows the bay. Then at a roundabout, take the 2nd exit along Viaduct St signed for Cruise Terminals. Carry along this for half-a-mile to arrive at Cruise Terminal 1.
On the M20/A20 from Ashford
Head along the A20. Shortly before arriving in Dover town a roundabout has a right hand exit signed for the Cruise Terminals. Take this and drive for half-a-mile to arrive at Cruise Terminal 1.

By Train
Southeastern trains provide a convenient service by high speed train from London St Pancras and Stratford International to Dover Priory railway station. Journey time is just over one hour. Once at Dover station there are taxis which can transfer you to the cruise port, about 10 minutes away.