Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning 2025

71 “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.” Photo: Rhian Jones Two of the many excursions in Wales include a visit to Rhondda Heritage Park, where cruise guests can watch a male choir, and a trip to see the world’s only Carneddau ponies

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