The rail track was the first thing to be removed when setting up the cruise terminal and many people, including myself, were surprised at DHB's short sightedness.
With tracks already in place, a restored old steam engine and a couple of carriages to ferry cruise passengers to or from Dover Priory would have been a big hit for the terminal and Dover in general.
The only thing they offered passengers in the first few years, was busses into Canterbury.
Dover can't compete with Southampton. Not in winter anyway. Cruise companies will always opt for Southampton during the winter months, because of its position and access. That's not to say it can't become a busier port but cruise companies run Brochures and itineraries, as much as 5 years in advance. Unless Dover can convince these businesses of their intention to improve Dover for tourism, then they will be reluctant to add Dover as a visiting port of call. They are the extra cruises that Dover needs.
That's why Rogers work on tourism for Dover was so important and he should have got more support, in my view.
My dad was born in Newcastle
