Portland, United Kingdom Cruise Port

A narrow piece of land—known as Chesil Beach or Chesil Bank—connects the small Isle of Portland to the mainland of Dorset, England. This island acted as a British naval base after World War II and remained in use until 1995, a few years after the Cold War ended. Despite its fifty-year military history, Portland is probably most known for its unique white limestone and the quarrying of it on the island. The UK port welcomes ships whose passengers are free to explore Portland or the attractions and sights in nearby Dorset. An expansion in 2017 allowed the port to dock larger ships and more of them each year. The harbor, which was once the naval base, is often filled with friendly volunteers to help travelers find their way. A brass band is on hand an hour before most ships depart and offers a spirited sendoff alongside a gun salute from the Nothe Fort Artillery Volunteers.

• The small yet substantive Portland Museum covers a large portion of Portland’s history that stretches back as far as the dinosaurs.
   
• Fancy’s Farm is a quaint place to see a variety of working and grazing farm animals, and admission is free every day of the year except for Christmas.
   
• Take a stroll over to the Portland Bill Lighthouse and appreciate the well-maintained structure that has stood tall and guided ships for more than 300 years.
   
• Church Ope Cove is a craggy, yet peaceful pebble beach that offers travelers a quiet getaway from the rest of the already quiet island.