A RECORD number of cruise ships are expected to dock at Dover this year - including the biggest ever to visit the cruise port.

Around 10 per cent more ships will dock at Dover Cruise Port in 2008 than in 2007.

A new customer to the port is Carnival Cruise Line. The line is building a new ship, Carnival Splendor, which will carry 3,000 passengers and from July will become the largest cruise ship to berth at the port.

Many of the lines use the port as a base to run tourist excursions to Kent visitor attractions.

Kate O'Hara, head of commercial and marketing, said: "The growth in the port's cruise business reflects the increasing popularity in cruise vacations from the UK.

"We are perfectly positioned to grow with the trend with our two dedicated liner terminals which enjoy good access by sea and road. We also have a wealth of landmark tourist sites for shore visits."

Port of Dover spokesman Keith Southey said: "The port is a partner in the Visit Kent tourism initiative. The inititative promotes shore excursions and also pre-and post- cruise passenger stays in the county.

"This has been enthusiastically received by cruise line itinerary planners. Cruise lines using the port include Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Saga Cruises and Italian operator MSC."