Leading cruise passenger valet parking providers Cruise and Passenger Services (CPS) have been awarded a contract to provide services for cruise passengers at the port of Dover.
CPS will utilise on-site and undercover parking facilities in the Port to offer safe and secure parking with a seamless transit to the Terminal, and will also be responsible for bookings and marshalling for the facilities, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free journey to Dover’s two cruise terminals. In addition, CPS has secured a contract to manage car parking bookings for the port of Tilbury’s cruise facilities.
The company, part of the Independent Port Handling group, already has operations in Southampton, Liverpool and Portsmouth. In a typical year, CPS carries out annual valet car parking services for over 90,000 cruise passengers.
CPS’ established service includes ease of booking via a call centre or website, personal meet and greets, car moving service from terminal to secure car park, safeguarding the vehicle during the passengers’ cruise and then return of the vehicle when passengers arrive back.
CPS’ customer experience includes bespoke hardware and software systems. Having booked to park and store their vehicles, cruise passengers arrive at their cruise terminal with their details and vehicle information downloaded to CPS operatives who meet them on berth. The software was developed entirely by CPS in-house IT specialists.
CPS reception staff on berth use Motorola handsets to verify booking by entering the vehicle’s registration. A key tag containing a bar code is presented to the customer and the bar code is scanned to confirm receipt of the vehicle. Photographs are then taken of the vehicle to verify any future claims and the vehicles are driven by CPS operatives to nearby secure car parks. Bookings can also be taken on site using a purpose-developed app that links back via the handset to the call centre server.
Sonia Limbrick, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover said: “We are really pleased to be working with CPS, and look forward to enhancing our award winning customer service with a new parking facility for our cruise customers.
“With a personal meet and greet at berth and online booking prior to arrival, our customers can make the most of a stress-free parking experience that follows strict COVID-19 protection measures. They can start relaxing and enjoying their holiday before stepping foot in the Terminal.”
Head of Cruise Operations Paulo Oliveira commented: “As the UK’s most extensive provider of cruise passenger valet parking services, we are delighted to add the port of Dover to our network. We will work closely with the port to enhance cruise passenger experience, utilising the services and technology that have enabled us to provide a first-class service at other locations.”
