166 Cruise guests can now walk along the rooftop, abseil down or zipline across Principality Stadium in Cardiff EUROPE: INTERVIEW New ways to explore Wales Suzanne Thomas explains to Rebecca Gibson how Cruise Wales is collaborating with local partners to develop onshore experiences to suit adventurous guests and those looking for cultural immersion 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 adrenalineinducing 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-kilometrelong 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, Photo: Zip World
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