Dover Cruise, in collaboration with international maritime charity Stella Maris, has officially opened a new crew welfare lounge at the Port of Dover's Cruise Terminal 2. The facility, inaugurated on Friday, is designed to provide a quiet space for crew members to relax, connect with family, and access support services during their breaks.
The lounge, funded by Stella Maris, is the first of its kind within a cruise terminal and can accommodate around 25 people. It offers free WiFi, refreshments, and entertainment options such as a TV, pool table, and dartboard. Importantly, Stella Maris port chaplains will be on hand to provide practical, pastoral, and spiritual support to crew members.
Peter Wright, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover, highlighted the port's commitment to exceptional customer service, particularly for crew members who contribute significantly to the cruise experience. "Thank you to Stella Maris for providing this wonderful lounge, giving the crew easy access to their own space that they can use for socialising, relaxing, and connecting with their loved ones," he said.
Tim Hill, CEO and National Director of Stella Maris UK, described the facility as an "oasis" for crew members visiting Dover, offering a welcoming space where they can feel at home. The opening ceremony included a ribbon cutting and an official blessing by Bishop Paul Hendricks, Auxiliary Bishop for the Kent Area.
Stella Maris is renowned for its support of seafarers, fishers, and their families globally, and operates the largest ship-visiting network in the world
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