• 2 min de lectura
• 2 min de lectura
Port of Dover and international maritime charity Stella Maris opened a new crew welfare lounge at Cruise Terminal 2.
The facility launched last week with attendance from representatives of the port and Stella Maris, Carnival Cruise Line, the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and Bishop Paul Hendricks.
The terminal handles turnaround cruises and welcomes thousands of crew members annually.
"Port of Dover is recognised across the cruise industry for its exceptional customer service – we look after everyone, and none more so than the crew members who work so hard to provide memories to last a lifetime for our cruise lines and their guests," said Peter Wright, Port of Dover's head of cruise.
"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."
The Stella Maris-funded facility accommodates approximately 25 people and provides a quiet space for crew breaks and family communication.
Amenities include refreshments, complimentary Wi-Fi, television, pool table and dartboard.
Port chaplains from Stella Maris will provide practical, pastoral and spiritual support to visiting crew members.
"The new crew welfare facility will be an oasis for cruise ship crew visiting Dover," commented Tim Hill, CEO and National Director of Stella Maris UK.
"It is a welcoming space where Stella Maris chaplains and volunteer ship visitors will be on hand to offer friendship and support whenever it is needed."
Hill added: "Crew members spend months away from their families and deserve a place where they can rest and truly feel at home while they are in port. I am grateful to our chaplaincy team in Kent and the South of England, and to the Port of Dover, for working together to create this much needed facility."
The opening ceremony included a ribbon cutting and official blessing from Bishop Hendricks.
