Cruise Wales is creating excursions that enable cruise guests to taste traditional Welsh dishes, such as cawl 196 NORTHERN EUROPE: INTERVIEW Arrive as a tourist, leave as a local Suzanne Thomas and Elaine Thomas of Cruise Wales explain to Rebecca Gibson why the immersive cultural experiences on offer in Wales make it the ideal destination for every cruise guest Cruise executives joined farmer Gareth Wyn Jones for an immersive experience at Ty’n Llwyfan farm in the foothills of the Carneddau mountains in North Wales as part of a familiarisation trip, organised by Cruise Wales 2023 “The group enjoyed the experience immensely,” says Suzanne Thomas, head of Cruise Wales. “It included llama walking, sheep herding and playing with sheepdog puppies. It’s certainly an experience they will never forget!” Sheep herding is just one of many activities cruise guests can try for themselves if they visit Ty’n Llwyfan farm while in Wales. Jones, who regularly appears on national television to discuss sustainable farming, the environment and Welsh produce, offers sheepdog training demonstrations and takes groups to the Bronze Age fortress set within the mountain. He also leads quad bike tours, and shows guests the world’s only remaining Carneddau ponies. In addition, Rhian (his wife) is happy to teach visitors how to make shortbread or Welsh cakes in her farmhouse kitchen. “The couple provide a fascinating insight into the history of their land, which has been in the family for more than 370 years, as well as the life of a farmer and Welsh culture,” says Thomas. “It’s a unique chance to meet with a local family and learn more about their lives.” While in North Wales, for example, they can head to the Isle of Anglesey to learn about the salt-making process and take a dip in a barrel of saltwater at Halen Môn, or they can discover the lives of historic local criminals at the 19thcentury Beaumaris Gaol and Courthouse. “Tourists can visit the original prison cells, try on wigs and gowns, stand in the dock and reenact a trial, or take a ghost tour,” says Thomas. “Beaumaris itself is a lovely town with a castle, cafes, artisan shops, and much more for tourists to explore too.” Cruise guests can participate in similarly immersive excursions in destinations across Wales, whether their ship is docking at Holyhead, Fishguard, Pembroke Port, Milford Haven, Swansea, or Cardiff. Visitors interested in familiarising themselves with the history of Wales, can Photo: Crown copyright 2018 (Visit Wales)
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