Some of the largest cruise ships in the world can now stop in Kent following the completion of a £6 million upgrade project.

The investment means ships as long as 350m can pull into Dover port following improvements to its two dedicated cruise berths. One of the biggest cruise ships in the world, Allure of the Seas, is 362m in length.

New quick release hooks have been installed, which will enable the bigger ships to dock.

Previously, ships as long as 320m could berth at Dover.

This summer, the Celebrity Eclipse ship, which is 317m in length and 121,878 gross tonnes, will arrive in the town on July 3. It can carry up to 2,852 passengers.

Also this year, Holland America will be offering cruises that sail from Dover for the first time.

The port authority says cruising from the historic town is becoming increasingly popular, with Fred Olsen, Carnival, Seabourn, and Saga all set to offer departures in 2025.

KentOnline’s own Millie Bowles departed for 11 nights from Dover on Fred Olsen’s Borealis just last year. Read her review here.

The berth upgrades marks the first step towards a wider expansion of the cruise service, which is one of the key elements of the port authority’s Port of Dover 2050 project.

This will also include upgrading ferry berths at the Eastern Docks, creating a commercial quarter at the waterfront and improved walkways along the coastline.

Peter Wright, head of cruise at the Port of Dover, said: “This demonstrates our long-term commitment to be one of the UK’s leading cruise destinations.

“My thanks go to our engineering and operations teams for delivering this key project.

“Our 2025 season is in full swing, and we already see a diverse range of cruise ships bringing in thousands of guests each week during high season.

“Our vision for cruise will ensure that Dover remains at the forefront of the sector, whilst delivering economic benefits across the region.”

Sonia Limbrick, head of business development for cruise, added: “Dover, and the surrounding areas, have a huge appeal to cruise visitors from all over the world with iconic heritage and culture.

“It is also a convenient turnaround hub.”

Some spectacular cruise ships have visited Dover over the years.

Virgin’s Scarlet Lady was at the port in February 2020.

The colossal 11-deck Disney Magic was there in summer 2020.

It has large silhouettes of Mickey Mouse on the funnels.