The Port of Kings welcomes eight inaugural visits in 2013

Dover Cruise Port welcomes some new visitors and some old friends as plans are laid for an exciting cruise season in 2013. Eight new cruise ships and their passengers will experience the high quality facilities and services available at Doverss cruise terminals when the season begins in March 2013.

There are already 148 cruise calls booked for 2013 including eight first time visits. AIDA has confirmed their commitment to Dover by introducing their brand new ship - the AIDAstella and increasing their number of calls to the Port. AIDAstella will be offering a new four-day city tour from Dover covering Amsterdam and Hamburg.

Also making its Dover debut is Hapag Lloyd's Christopher Columbus 2 on its 14 day tour of the British Isles in addition to NCL's Norwegian Star, Princess Cruises Sea Princess, Royal Caribbean International's Vision of the Seas, MV Explorer from V Ships and MV Voyager from All Leisure Group.

Carnival Cruise Lines is launching its widest selection of European itineries to date with Carnival Legend offering its first Norwegian Fjords package along with 12-day cruises to the Baltic, the Mediterranean and the British Isles. In total Carnival Legend will operate a magnificent 17 European cruises visiting 34 ports across 18 countries and will also be celebrating an inaugural visit to Dover.

Dover Cruise Port is delighted to welcome back ships from Costa Cruises, Fred Olsen, Saga and MSC, the latter will be offering a series of Northern Europe and Mediterranean mini-cruises. Holland America's MS Ryndam will cast-off on a range of Northern European routes and in September 2013 a double dose of cruise splendour will be served up when Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity are both berthed at Dover.

Kate O'Hara, Head of Business Delivery, Port of Dover commented: "We have another busy year ahead for the cruise business in Kent as the popularity of cruise holidays continues to grow. We welcome back repeat cruise lines and embrace new ships and new customers who are drawn to the diverse range of activities and attractions that the region has to offer. Customers will enjoy not only the outstanding facilities and matchless levels of service but also the wealth of shore excursion opportunities in this beautiful county."