By
Rebecca Gibson |
When cruise guests visit Wales, they will experience a feeling that is difficult to find anywhere else in the world, claims Suzanne Thomas, head of Cruise Wales.
“Hwyl can’t be directly translated into English, but it describes the deep state of joy that comes from being totally immersed in the moment,” she says. “From a coastal walk to an adrenaline-fuelled zipline ride, culture-hopping in our cosmopolitan cities, or enjoying a hearty meal in a local pub – there are countless opportunities for guests to experience memorable moments of hwyl during a cruise call.”
Hwyl will be particularly abundant in 2025, which is the ‘Year of Croeso’ (‘welcome’). “We’re celebrating the unique experiences, culture and destinations that can only be found in Wales and offering one-of-a-kind welcomes at our six cruise ports in Holyhead, Pembroke Port, Milford Haven, Swansea, Cardiff and Fishguard,” says Thomas. “Fishguard is already renowned for the warm welcome delivered by its multi-award-winning volunteers who help with queries and provide gift bags with local treats. The port also hosts markets and performances by local musicians to instantly immerse guests in Welsh culture.”
Located in Pembrokeshire, Fishguard can accommodate vessels of up to 105 metres at berth or larger ships at tender. Here, guests can experience hwyl while exploring the town of Tenby and visiting historical sites such as Cardigan Castle or family-friendly places like Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo. Meanwhile, adventurous guests can find hwyl while coasteering, alpaca trekking, stargazing, foraging for wild food, or on the new Hidden Routes e-mountain bike tours. “They take small groups on little-known routes in rural North Pembrokeshire, where they meet locals and learn about our culture,” says Thomas.
Elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, Milford Haven provides plenty of places to experience hwyl, despite being an industrial town. “It has a lovely coastline and is close to sites such as St Davids Bishop’s Palace and Ramsey Island, where you can see dolphins, puffins and seals,” says Thomas. “There are also lots of pubs and restaurants where you can sample local dishes too.”
Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, offers an even wider choice of both Welsh and international cuisine. Some other popular places in the city include the cathedral, castle, museums, Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades, the indoor market and sport stadiums. “Regular shuttle services take cruise guests from the port to the city centre within 15 minutes, and there are lots of great organised tour options too,” says Thomas. “For example, you can go behind the scenes at the Royal Mint, join a tour and tasting session at Hensol Castle’s gin distillery, or listen to ex-miners telling stories about Wales’s industrial history at the former mine and colliery in Rhondda Heritage Park.”
Cruise guests can make their own flavoured gin during a masterclass at the Spirit of Anglesey Gin Experience in Beaumaris
Cruise visitors can expect a warm croeso in Holyhead in north Wales too. “Holyhead is the only deep water 24/7 port in Wales and cruise calls are increasing yearly,” says Thomas. “The team has worked hard to improve operations and there’s now a duty-free shop with local products, a designated crew area, and a space for coaches to ensure quick departures for excursions to Penrhyn Castle, Conwy Castle and attractions on the Isle of Anglesey. Guests can also join fishing trips and boat tours from the marina.”
One increasingly popular Anglesey attraction is family-owned salt producer Halen Môn. “Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the salt-making process and taste the products,” says Thomas. “They can also boost their health and wellbeing by immersing themselves in an insulated barrel of seawater overlooking the breathtaking scenery of the Menai Strait.”
For an alternative view of the Menai Strait, cruise guests can visit Plas Newydd, the stately home of the Marquess of Anglesey, which has 40 acres of gardens situated on the banks of the water. “It’s a wonderful half-day tour and the gardens are beautiful throughout the year,” says Thomas. “Further along the banks of the Menai Strait is Chateau Rhianfa, where you can relax with a delicious traditional Welsh afternoon tea.”
At the eastern entrance of the Menai Strait is the town of Beaumaris, where tourists can explore the artisan shops and a castle, or participate in a mock trial at the 19th-century jail and courthouse. “Visitors love dressing up to reenact trials or looking for ghosts in the prison cells,” says Thomas. “Beaumaris is also home to the Spirit of Anglesey Gin Experience where you can make your own flavoured gin. It’s just one of the many places in Wales where cruise guests are able to experience our warm croeso/welcome, feel the hwyl and explore the heritage, culture and communities we love so much.”
Discover more insights like this in the Spring/Summer 2025 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review. Don’t miss out – subscribe for FREE and get the next issue delivered straight to your inbox.