In 2023 and 2024 Visit Wales is celebrating ‘Llwybrau. Wales, by Trails’, inviting visitors and the people of Wales to be trail takers and curate their own epic trails in Wales. Whether it’s heritage or walking trails, literary or music trails, or restaurant and distillery trails, there are so many new experiences to explore. Visitors can take in the wonder of Wales by designing their perfect trail of discovery with a selection of recommended routes and unique experiences

Llwybrau - Wales by Trails | Visit Wales

Portsmouth International Port is officially on track to become a leading shore power port, after accepting an offer from Scottish and Southern Energy Network (SSEN) to secure extra power. This additional capacity will enable Portsmouth to provide shore power within the next two years, allowing cruise vessels to plug-in alongside and reduce harmful emissions. The industry expects ports to provide shore power facilities by 2030, so Portsmouth’s ahead of target and set to become the most advanced UK port to provide a fully operational multi berth, multi user shore power system.

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Portland Port’s biggest investment and development project to date began in October 2022. Costing £26 million, the project will significantly enhance the port’s capabilities by providing two adjacent berths, both capable of handling cruise ships up to 350m. Phase one is on track for mid-April with the new berth due to be christened by Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Silhouette on 1 May. Prior to the extension project, it would have been impossible for these two ships to be in port together but in May they will bring a record 6,500 passengers into the area.

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Global towage operator, Svitzer, has achieved gold status in the Port of London Authority (PLA)’s Thames Green Scheme, in recognition of its environmental commitments and decarbonisation strategy. Svitzer introduced carbon neutral biofuel across its Thames-based fleet in 2022, offering customers a new, cleaner towage service called Ecotow which is now available across all of Svitzer’s UK ports. Ecotow exclusively uses sustainable second-generation biofuels. Relative to marine diesel, these biofuels reduce carbon emissions by 100% on a tank-to-wake basis and about 90% on a well-to-wake basis.

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For the fourth time the Bailiwick of Guernsey has won Cruise Critic’s award for Best UK & British Isles Port of Call. Winning the award highlights the excellent work across the Bailiwick’s hospitality sector to ensure a high-quality onshore offering to cruise passengers. The cruise market continues to be an integral part of the islands’ tourism offer and helps drive visitor numbers and revenue, in particular following the relaunch of the cruise market post-Covid.

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2023 events include Armed Forces Day, The International Sea Shanty Festival, Falmouth Classics, Falmouth Week and the start of the 2023 Tall Ships Races Magellan-Elcano. This year is looking to be Falmouth Harbour’s busiest cruise season yet with over 50 cruise calls April -October; the majority berthing alongside at A&P Falmouth and the largest vessels and those wanting tidal flexibility utilising the cruise ship anchorage off Pendennis Point. The 333m MSC Euribia is currently the largest visitor of the season.

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Forth Ports’ Capital Cruising business continues to make strides in Scotland with a 50% increase in calls for 2023 across Edinburgh, Fife and Dundee. Shore power is now available at the Imperial Dock in Leith, making the Port the first large Scottish mainland commercial port to offer this facility. Extensive destination work is supporting the sustainability agenda including the introduction of electric bike tours for shore excursions.

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With increasing cruise calls into Plymouth has come a greater emphasis on the Green Tourism programme with many accredited attractions included in shore excursion choices. Plymouth has three berthing and anchorage options for cruise ships including berths alongside Trinity Pier and West Wharf at Mill Bay, plus a number of anchorages in Plymouth Sound. An early 2023 familiarisation trip for some cruise lines and agents really showcased the many attractions and highlights.

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A brand refresh is paving the way for Dover’s new look: brand-new waterfront facilities, including a stunning marina due to open soon, exciting plans for future expansion of the cruise terminals, plus a sustainable operation that’s leading the way in the industry, Dover’s proud history dating back 400 years has a new modern twist. There’s never been a better time to witness the iconic backdrop and culture of the White Cliffs and Dover Castle alongside a fresh look and experience that reflects our ever-changing world.

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Developing Poole’s cruise capability is very much part of the 20-year vision with a particular focus on becoming a Leading Green Port, with a new Sustainability and Decarbonisation Plan, including investigating opportunities for shore power, to aid on that journey. The Port’s deep berth in its central location along England’s south coast can take vessels up to 210m long, there’s a dedicated lounge for cruise guests, experienced baggage handlers and excellent “can-do” attitude.

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Cruise and Passenger Services (CPS) and its sister companies expect to see cruise ship activity return to pre-pandemic levels this year. The valet parking specialist, which operates in Southampton, Portsmouth, Liverpool and Dover, is expecting to support more than 350 UK ship calls, while sister companies providing stevedoring and other support also expect growth in passenger volumes.

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The year kicks off in Fort Lauderdale with Seatrade Cruise Global, 27-30 March, bringing the international cruise community together for four days of networking, content and sourcing opportunities. Seatrade Cruise Global are also presenting the world’s first dedicated cruise F&B experience F&B@Sea.
Seatrade Europe returns to Hamburg 6-8 September. The leading bi-annual event serving the European and river cruise community organised by Hamburg Messe in partnership with Seatrade Cruise, will see the industry unite to network and discuss issues confronting the European cruise market.

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GAC UK’s new Managing Director, Nick Browne, has big plans to expand the company’s cruise agency portfolio across the UK and Ireland through building on the company’s existing strengths and continuing to provide best in class customer service.

A new marketing team is in place at Cowes Harbour Commission under CEO Gary Hall. Head of Business Development Ra Hennessy is actively talking to cruise ship operators and tour organisers to further develop the Isle of Wight luxury cruise offering with exciting developments ahead.

September will see a first as two ships berth together in the heart of Liverpool. This year also sees a record number of turnaround calls including a new turnaround operator for the city, the return of Cunard and a 20th anniversary celebration.

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The expanded Port of Aberdeen will welcome a wide range of new cruise vessels to the city in 2023, which could boost the regional economy by more than £1.5 million. The new £400 million Aberdeen South Harbour will welcome its first call (AIDAaura) on 2nd May. More than 25 cruise calls are currently scheduled from May and September, with up to 12,000 tourists visiting the North East of Scotland.

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