Dover Cruise Welcomes its Final Inaugural Call of the Season from Viking Mira
26 Calls from the Cruise Line to the Port of Dover this Year.
(Copyright, text and Images, Port of Dover Media Team, official press release)
Dover has celebrated the last of five inaugural calls in 2026, as Viking’s newest ship; the four-month-old Viking Mira, arrived on 24 September for a transit call as part of her 12-night Bergen to London cruise.
Her visit formed one of 26 calls from the cruise line to the Port of Dover this year. Viking Saturn concluded a milestone season on 1 October, which has seen six members of the Viking Ocean fleet operating regularly from the Kent port and another year of growth.
Peter Wright, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover, said:
“It’s been wonderful to welcome Viking’s guests, crew and wider team to Dover throughout the year. Over 25,000 people have had the opportunity to explore the world-class attractions on our doorstep through Viking’s regular set of calls. This is an increase of over 30% compared to last year, and our partnership will continue to grow.
“Many of the world’s largest cruise lines are choosing to operate from here, reinforcing Dover’s position as a leading UK cruise destination and the increasingly positive impact cruising has on the local tourist economy.”
Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking UK, said:
“The Viking Mira, classified as a small ship accommodating 998 guests, is the newest addition to our ocean fleet having been delivered in May this year. Having spent her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean we are delighted to offer more guests the opportunity to explore other parts of the world, including UK ports such as Dover. With its rich maritime history and spectacular views of the iconic White Cliffs, our guests always enjoy visiting Dover and the surrounding areas and we are looking forward to showcasing the destination to more travellers next year. We are particularly excited about the upcoming inaugural visit of the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen powered cruise ship, which is launching later this year.”
The Port of Dover will see 34 calls from Viking Cruises in 2027, and 39 in 2028. 2027 will also see the debut call in Dover from Viking Libra.
Further Information
- The Port of Dover is closing the gap every day between the UK and the world by connecting trade, travel, visitors and communities locally-globally, collaborating with local and international partners to create a more seamless, sustainable and tech-enabled port.
- As the UK’s busiest international ferry port and a vital gateway for the movement of people and trade, Dover handles £144 billion of trade per year, 33% of UK trade in goods with the EU and welcomes over 11 million passengers.
- Dover is also an award-winning cruise port, delivering world class travel and visitor experiences to over 20 cruise lines each year. With a growing and diversifying cargo business operating from state-of-the-art facilities, a new marina which is a major feature of the exciting waterfront development, and opportunities for further expansion in the future, Dover’s proud history dating back 400 years has a new modern twist.
