The growing number of people looking to cruise Wales as well as other UK ports could well see Wales emulating top European ports which are destinations for the big leisure cruise market. This is the conclusion of a report by the Welsh Affairs Select Committee of legislators in the House of Commons, the British Parliament. The report points to massive growth in the UK cruise market over the last decade or so, and points to an urgent need to secure a slice of this growth so as to strengthen the economies of Welsh port communities.
But before some eager ocean travellers make advanced bookings to cruise Wales, we should note that a current constraint is the lack of satisfactory docking facilities and infrastructure at Welsh ports to cater for the ever growing fleet of mega cruise liners in European waters. In the background a campaign has already been set up, called the "Celtic Wave", costing 1.2 m and led by Anglesey, which covers Irish Sea ports in Ireland and Wales, and aims to attract more cruise visitors to these ports as well as their regional economic hinterland.
In Cardiff the Welsh Assembly Government is urging the UK government to offer extra infrastructure investment to get ports like Holyhead on Anglesey, Swansea and Milford Haven up to a quality threshold demanded by the cruise line operators. There is a mega potential boost for local port economies, according to the conclusions of the House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee, and their regional economies would benefit by making it easier for people to cruise Wales as part of the UK cruising vacation.
Over the longer term the prospects are for Welsh ports to emulate the success enjoyed by Baltic ports where there is an established and popular cruise market. From Holyhead in north west Wales via Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire and Swansea to Newport, Welsh ports can act as engines of economic regeneration when they encourage travellers to cruise Wales. In the summer of 2009 the first cruise ship visited Newport, and nearby is the Celtic Manor where the Ryder Cup will be held in 2010. Cruise passengers from Newport were able to visit the Millennium Centre, Cardiff Castle and other attractions in nearby Cardiff.
In the same upon arrival at the port of Holyhead on Anglesey, cruise visitors would be able to see some fantastic attractions including World Heritage Castles of Wales at Beaumaris and Caernarfon, South Stack Lighthouse and Llynnon Mill. Then there is the 125 mile long island coastal path with breathtaking views, and the notable Oriel Art Gallery and Seawatch centre at Moelfre.
To boost the berthing facilities for the anticipated increase in cruise ship arrivals at Holyhead, the Welsh Assembly Government is providing financial support to strengthen the jetty used by Anglesey Aluminium Metals (AAM), which provides excellent sheltered anchorage and a convenient disembarkation point for cruise line passengers. When completed this upgrade will see the Holyhead outer harbour jetty strong enough to allow mega liners such as the 2,000 passenger carrying, 285 metre Westerdam to berth at Holyhead Port.
The future looks bright and exciting for visitors to the UK looking to cruise Wales as part of their overall experience, and Holyhead port will be ready to welcome them as they look to explore the many island attractions.
But before some eager ocean travellers make advanced bookings to cruise Wales, we should note that a current constraint is the lack of satisfactory docking facilities and infrastructure at Welsh ports to cater for the ever growing fleet of mega cruise liners in European waters. In the background a campaign has already been set up, called the "Celtic Wave", costing 1.2 m and led by Anglesey, which covers Irish Sea ports in Ireland and Wales, and aims to attract more cruise visitors to these ports as well as their regional economic hinterland.
In Cardiff the Welsh Assembly Government is urging the UK government to offer extra infrastructure investment to get ports like Holyhead on Anglesey, Swansea and Milford Haven up to a quality threshold demanded by the cruise line operators. There is a mega potential boost for local port economies, according to the conclusions of the House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee, and their regional economies would benefit by making it easier for people to cruise Wales as part of the UK cruising vacation.
Over the longer term the prospects are for Welsh ports to emulate the success enjoyed by Baltic ports where there is an established and popular cruise market. From Holyhead in north west Wales via Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire and Swansea to Newport, Welsh ports can act as engines of economic regeneration when they encourage travellers to cruise Wales. In the summer of 2009 the first cruise ship visited Newport, and nearby is the Celtic Manor where the Ryder Cup will be held in 2010. Cruise passengers from Newport were able to visit the Millennium Centre, Cardiff Castle and other attractions in nearby Cardiff.
In the same upon arrival at the port of Holyhead on Anglesey, cruise visitors would be able to see some fantastic attractions including World Heritage Castles of Wales at Beaumaris and Caernarfon, South Stack Lighthouse and Llynnon Mill. Then there is the 125 mile long island coastal path with breathtaking views, and the notable Oriel Art Gallery and Seawatch centre at Moelfre.
To boost the berthing facilities for the anticipated increase in cruise ship arrivals at Holyhead, the Welsh Assembly Government is providing financial support to strengthen the jetty used by Anglesey Aluminium Metals (AAM), which provides excellent sheltered anchorage and a convenient disembarkation point for cruise line passengers. When completed this upgrade will see the Holyhead outer harbour jetty strong enough to allow mega liners such as the 2,000 passenger carrying, 285 metre Westerdam to berth at Holyhead Port.
The future looks bright and exciting for visitors to the UK looking to cruise Wales as part of their overall experience, and Holyhead port will be ready to welcome them as they look to explore the many island attractions.
About the Author:
Living on the beautiful island of Anglesey Wales in the UK, the author, David Phillips, manages a helpful online resource focusing on local news and information. Discover more about organising to cruise Wales here to help make your vacation more pleasurable.
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