By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cruise calls continue to rise in Wales. The country welcomed 84 ships in 2025, a 104 per cent increase from the 41 vessels that visited in 2021. Holyhead Port in Anglesey handled 55 of these ships, with the remaining vessels calling at the ports of Cardiff, Fishguard, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock or Swansea.
“Wales is becoming increasingly popular with international cruise guests because it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, ancient history and modern cities,” says Suzanne Thomas, head of Cruise Wales. “We’re continually developing new shore excursions and experiences to appeal to every type of guest and this is positioning us for an even brighter future.”
One of the newest attractions for guests visiting Cardiff is Zip World at the 75,000-seat Principality Stadium, which hosts sports games, concerts and other events. Since October 2025, visitors have been able to take guided rooftop walks, abseil 30 metres down the outer wall of the stadium or climb to a platform 60 metres above the roof canopy and ‘fly’ along a 170-metre-long zipline at speeds of up to 27 miles per hour.
“These activities are ideal for cruise guests who want to enjoy a thrilling adventure while taking in the 360-degree views of the city, coastline, River Taff and the Brecon Beacons,” says Suzanne Thomas, head of Cruise Wales.
Swansea, the second-largest city in Wales, will soon be home to a major new attraction offering similar adrenaline-inducing activities for cruise guests too. Currently under construction and expected to open in 2028, the new £50 million ( $67 million) Skyline in Swansea attraction will be located on Kilvey Hill and offer a one-kilometre-long zipline, a five-person sky swing and two luge tracks with gravity-powered carts. Visitors will be able to take a 1.6 kilometre-long gondola ride from the city up to the summit, where they will also find a food hall and an outdoor terrace with views over Swansea Bay.
Skyline will also create a new children’s play park, more picnic areas, a bridleway, beginner-friendly mountain biking trails and additional walking paths through the grasslands and woodlands. “Skyline in Swansea will be one of Wales’s most exciting new adventure destinations for locals, cruise visitors and other tourists,” says Thomas.
All six cruise ports in Wales offer opportunities for adventure. When berthing at either Milford Haven or Pembroke Dock, cruise guests can participate in experiences such as foraging for wild food, coasteering, alpaca trekking, or e-mountain biking. Meanwhile, those calling at Holyhead Port in North Wales can take a new wildlife sightseeing boat tour to Holy Island, which is jointly run by RSPB and Anglesey Fishing.
“This excursion is ideal for nature and wildlife lovers – there’s no better way to see seals and puffins in their natural habitat,” says Thomas. “There’s also an expert guide onboard to provide information about the wildlife and guests have time for a stroll to South Stack, the island’s RSPB nature reserve.”
Guests looking for relaxation can explore Cardiff’s seven historic shopping arcades (Photo: Visit Wales)
Wales Outdoors provides guided small-group tours and hikes from all six ports. Some of the six-hour excursions include a hike to four waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons, walks in Snowdonia, a trip from Swansea to key points along the Gower Peninsula, and a tour from either Milford Haven or Pembroke Dock to Pembroke Castle, Carew Castle, Tidal Mill and Tenby.
“Wales is an ideal destination for expedition cruise brands and guests who want to explore nature in an adventurous way,” says Thomas. “Of course, there are plenty of relaxed onshore experiences too. Guests can visit castles, cathedrals, historical houses, interactive museums, art galleries, independent shops and dining venues, Cardiff’s glass-covered Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades, and many other attractions.”
Cruise Wales continues to work with local partners to develop excursions showcasing Welsh culture and cuisine too. “We offer opportunities for guests to try local delicacies, make their own gin, listen to Welsh male choirs, watch traditional entertainment, and much more,” says Thomas. “We’re also collaborating with Cadw [the Welsh Government’s historic environment service] to enable cruise guests to attend its medieval events at Beaumaris Castle.”
In addition to expanding its shore excursion offerings, Cruise Wales remains focused on ensuring every guest and crew member receives a warm Welsh welcome in all six cruise ports.
“Our aim is to immerse guests in Welsh life as soon as they step off their ships,” says Thomas. “Fishguard is particularly well-known for its multi-award-winning welcome experience, which is run by volunteers. As the port is hosting a growing number of German cruise ships, it has now introduced German-speaking ambassadors to the team. Holyhead has done the same, and is also working with Stena Line and The Mission of Seafarers charity to provide a crew welfare facility on the jetty, with free Wi-Fi, soft furnishings and a mental health consultation room. We want guests and crew to feel equally welcome in Wales.”
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