Suzanne Thomas of Cruise Wales gives Rebecca Gibson an insight into how the association is working with tourism businesses to develop innovative excursions for cruise guests in Wales
By
Rebecca Gibson |
What does it mean to be Welsh? Cruise Wales is collaborating closely with tourism businesses across Wales to create a myriad of immersive shore excursions enabling cruise guests to experience the country’s culture, history, nature and gastronomy and answer that question for themselves.
Each visit starts with what Suzanne Thomas, head of Cruise Wales, describes as an “authentic warm Welsh welcome” when passengers arrive at one of the country’s six cruise ports: Cardiff, Fishguard, Holyhead, Milford Haven and Pembroke, Newport and Swansea.
“Guests are welcomed to the ‘land of song’ with a musical performance by either a local male choir or schoolchildren who are sometimes accompanied by a Welsh harpist,” says Thomas. “All the ports involve music and locals in greeting cruise visitors to immediately immerse them in our culture and showcase the ‘real’ Wales.”
Locals also play a key role in delivering many of the onshore experiences across the country. “The community is eager to welcome passengers ashore,” says Thomas. “Our home visits programme is particularly popular in Fishguard, where the locals invite cruise guests into their houses to hear the Welsh language and see how a typical family lives.”
Another local, farmer and television personality Gareth Wyn Jones, has introduced a new experience at his farm in the foothills of the Carneddau mountains in north Wales. “Gareth invites small groups to watch sheepdog training demonstrations and takes them to Dinas, a Bronze Age fortress behind his farm,” says Thomas. “He can also show them the world’s only remaining Carneddau ponies. It’s a fully immersive experience that gives an insight into the history of farming in Wales.”
Elsewhere in north Wales, cruise guests arriving at Holyhead can join Anglesey Fishing Trips for fishing or sightseeing voyages to South Stack, North Stack and the Skerries, or arrange private charters along the coastline. Visitors can also taste seafood and other locally sourced produce at multiple cafes and restaurants.
One of many excursions in Wales is a visit to Rhondda Heritage Park to see the world's only Carneddau ponies
“Dylan’s four award-winning restaurants in Criccieth, Conwy, Llandudno and Menai Bridge are particularly popular in north Wales,” says Thomas. “The company also offers cookery school experiences, where guests learn to prepare game meat and fish, or make bread, cakes and cocktails.”
Passengers calling at Holyhead can also visit Halen Môn in Anglesey to learn about the salt-making process and bathe in an insulated barrel of seawater. “Tourists can take a dip while enjoying a view of the glorious Menai Strait, embark on a salt-tasting tour or head to the gift shop and cafe,” says Thomas. “Halen Môn won a TripAdvisor’s Choice award in 2024, which means that visitor reviews and ratings have put it in the top 10 per cent of things to do in the world. And, with eight million listings on TripAdvisor, this is an impressive achievement!”
To learn about the varied history of Wales, cruise guests can explore some of the many museums, castles, churches and National Trust properties. “Cruise passengers will be spoilt for choice in north Wales, with castles like Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy and Penrhyn, as well as properties like Plas Newydd, the home of the Marquesses of Anglesey,” says Thomas. “Alternatively, they can play the role of prisoner, lawyer or judge in a mock trial at the 19th-century Beaumaris Gaol and Courthouse, or ride on the Ffestiniog and West Highland Railway’s heritage steam train through the stunning Snowdonia countryside.”
In addition, cruise guests can head to historical attractions such as the medieval castle and owl garden at Picton near Haverfordwest, or learn about the region’s industrial heritage during a tour at Penderyn Distillery’s new premises in Swansea. “They can also sample the award-winning whisky at the distillery,” says Thomas. “Meanwhile, the ‘Coal, Coin and Cheers’ experience allows cruise guests to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Mint, explore the former colliery at Rhondda Heritage Park with an ex-miner, and join a gin-tasting and making session at Hensol Castle’s award-winning distillery.”
Other interactive excursions in destinations such as Pembrokeshire enable cruise guests to try candle and tapestry making, photography, alpaca trekking, birdwatching and stargazing. In addition, they can participate in a new experience that enables them to take a three-hour Welsh harp lesson and achieve a level one certificate. “Everyone can keep the small traditional wooden harp as a memento,” says Thomas. “We’re also developing new experiences with the Welsh National Opera, which is keen to perform onboard cruise ships or give full performances to cruise passengers at venues in both Holyhead and Cardiff.
“A visit to Wales will never disappoint; we truly have something for everyone. Cruise Wales is always ready to help cruise lines and advise on any future experiences for their passengers.”
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