Wales is becoming a must-visit destination for cruises, with new
figures revealing a surge in ship visits over recent years.
The country welcomed 84 cruise ships in 2025, representing a more
than 100% increase when compared with the 41 ships that visited
Welsh ports in 2021.
This sustained growth demonstrates Wales' increasing recognition
as a must-visit destination for cruise passengers seeking
authentic experiences and stunning landscapes.
Wales offers cruise operators and passengers access to five
strategically located ports across the country: Cardiff, Swansea,
Milford Haven, Fishguard, and Holyhead, with each providing
unparalleled access to the country's diverse attractions.
The growing appeal to international passengers is thanks to
Wales' unique blend of ancient history, modern culture, and
spectacular natural beauty – from ancient castles and historic
sites to vibrant cities.
Holyhead, which has facilities capable of accommodating vessels
up to 300 metres in length, handled 55 of the 84 ships that
visited Wales in 2025.
For larger ships, the port's anchorage system allows passengers
to be transferred via tender vessels to the marina, ensuring even
the world's largest vessels can bring visitors to experience
North Wales.
Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking UK, said:
“Visiting Holyhead and the surrounding region is one of the
highlights of our British Isles ocean voyages. Our guests enjoy
learning about the culture and history of the destinations they
visit as well as having the chance to meet local people and they
always receive a very warm welcome in Wales.
“Our guests love exploring the local area and the region has a
lot to offer - from learning about the seafaring history and
visiting the Roman forts and ancient burial chambers to meeting
the family who own Gwydir Castle and other members of the local
community to sampling the culinary specialties of Anglesey
through to a scenic hike in Snowdonia or a RIB ride in the Menai
Strait.
“We are scheduled to call in to Holyhead 25 times next year, an
increase of nearly 40 per cent from 2025, so we look forward to
bringing many more travellers to explore the region in
2026.”
Tourism makes an important contribution to Wales, putting £3.8bn
into the Welsh economy each year, with tourism and hospitality
businesses driving local economies and generating income for
local communities.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, , said:
"This remarkable growth in cruise visits demonstrates our rising
profile as a premier destination.
“I'm delighted that our ports are welcoming increasing numbers of
international visitors who bring vital investment to our local
communities. It is a success story that reflects our tourism
sector's commitment to building a sustainable industry that
delivers significant economic benefits whilst enriching our
culture.
"Wales offers visitors an extraordinary blend of stunning
landscapes, rich heritage and vibrant communities, all delivered
with our renowned Welsh croeso. This growth trajectory positions
us perfectly for an even brighter future for the cruise sector
here."
