Strong Cruise Industry Could Be the Solution for Welsh Tourists Eager to Travel
The desire to travel burns bright among Welsh holidaymakers. 2023 data from the Cruise Lines International Association (Clia) has indicated that UK travellers, including those from Wales, are more open to trying a cruise than “ever before.” More specifically, approximately 70% of travellers who had never been on a cruise are considering it in the next few years. This figure rose from 68% the previous year, thus representing a notable increase in interest.
Thankfully, the enthusiasm for cruise vacations aligns perfectly with the thriving cruise industry in Wales. Let’s take a closer look at the status of the cruise industry and its appeal to Welsh tourists below.
Wales takes centre stage in the cruise market
Welsh tourism is experiencing a pivotal moment. In 2023, 91 cruise ships are expected to grace Welsh ports, bringing over 80,000 passengers and 39,000 crew members. This influx of visitors represents the highest number of cruise ship calls in Wales’s history and may potentially inject £8.3 million into the economy.
The 2023 cruise season began on April 6th, with the arrival of the Hurtigruten Spitzbergen in Fishguard and the Viking Venus in Holyhead. A significant highlight is the maiden call of the prestigious MS Queen Victoria to Holyhead in June, following the ownership transition of the deep-water berth to Stenaline.
The allure of cruising
While Wales is making its presence known as a port of call, cruising itself has emerged as a compelling choice for Welsh tourists. Eager to cater to the growing demand for travel experiences, cruise lines are now offering an array of destinations and amenities. Established companies such as Viking Cruises, founded in 1997, and Norwegian Cruise Line, founded in 1966, offer cruise itineraries to bucket list-worthy locations from Paris to Cape Town in Africa. For its maiden season alone, the new cruise line Explora Luxury Cruises is to visit 40 countries and 132 ports in 2023 aboard the plush staterooms of Explora I. Tourists can choose itineraries from A Journey to Alexandria, Haifa and Rhodes to A Journey of Iberian Wonders and Moroccan Mystique, depending on the locations they wish to experience.
The latter itineraries are bound to hit some of the favourite destinations of Welsh travellers, such as mainland Greece and Spain, which Hays Travel managing director Don Bircham has highlighted as particularly popular among Welsh holidaymakers. Meanwhile, Clia UK and Ireland chair Ben Bouldin notes that cruising also appeals to family travellers, with 27% of last year’s passengers travelling alongside three or more generations.
Otherwise, Welsh travellers are increasingly conscious of environmental and sustainable tourism practices — and cruising has quickly responded to this demand. Bouldin comments that the cruise industry’s commitment to sustainability is a reflection of its forward-looking approach. This approach is what remains at the heart of the industry’s success.
Future outlook of cruising
The Welsh Government has reported investments in cruise tourism infrastructure, such as dedicated cruise passenger facilities at ports like Fishguard Harbour. Meanwhile, Cruise Wales is actively engaging with key decision-makers from cruise lines worldwide in platforms such as Seatrade Global.
These efforts are paving the way for larger cruise ships to access Welsh ports and larger growth in Wales’ cruise products. This could offer Welsh tourists a more comprehensive range of cruise options and thus enhance the overall cruise experience for holidaymakers.
As travellers from Wales set their sights on the horizon, the cruise industry is primed to meet their aspirations. For more news from Wales, check out our other reports on North Wales Business News.
