Union Jack

Cruise Wales

  • Beamaris
    Beamaris
  • Cardiff
    Cardiff
  • Plas Cadnant
    Plas Cadnant
  • Rhossili Bay Swansea
    Rhossili Bay Swansea
  • Mt Snowdon
    Mt Snowdon
  • Tenby and Caldey
    Tenby and Caldey
  • Fishguard
    Fishguard

Six ports that each offer a different experience of the magical Celtic nation of Wales

cruise-wales-logo

Cruise Wales is a partnership between Welsh Government, the six cruise ports, destinations and many outside stakeholders.   By working together, we create an excellent cruise offer for cruise passengers visiting Wales. We have and continue to attract new cruise lines and we are working on improving the infrastructure at our ports. In terms of day and turnaround calls, Cruise Wales is working closely with Irish Sea and British partners to develop sustainable, short-distance-between-port itineraries.

Come and enjoy a warm Welsh welcome! Along the Bristol Channel you will find Newport, Swansea and Cardiff – all dynamic city ports with superb attractions, shopping and activities that will suit every visitor. Cardiff is the capital of Wales and Swansea and Newport have a good central location with access to city, coast and countryside.

Milford Haven and Fishguard are in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and are gateways to the beauty of rural Wales, a landscape of gentle green hills and picturesque villages.

Located on the Isle of Anglesey, the Port of Holyhead is the gateway to Anglesey, Snowdonia and the North Wales coast.It lies in a well-protected position due east of Holyhead Mountain, shielded from the Irish Sea by the historic Breakwater which is 1.5 miles in length. Holyhead is a 24 hour, deep water, lock–free port, centrally located on the Irish Sea coast within easy reach of several major conurbations both in the UK & Ireland.

Top Five Facts About Wales

  1. St David is the patron Saint of Wales
  2. There is a Village in Wales called Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
  3. English and Welsh are the two official languages of Wales. Welsh is a Celtic-based language and is one of the oldest in Europe.
  4. The country of Wales is said to contain more castles per square mile than any other country in the world – over 661 Castles can be found.
  5. Cardiff’s Principality Stadium has the largest retractable roof of any sports stadium in the world.
Port Contact Information
Cardiff, Newport and Swansea

Name: Richard Butler, Commercial Manager
E-Mail: richard.butler@abports.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)29 2083 5063 +44(0) 7739037419
Website: www.abports.co.uk

Fishguard

Name: Carl Milne, Port Service Manager, PFSO Stenaline
E-Mail: carl.milne@stenaline.com
Telephone:  +44 1348 404435
Mobile   +44 7901 517187
Website: www.fishguardport.com

Holyhead

Name: John Goddard, Harbour Master
Tel: +44 (0)1407 606878

Name: Michael Coates, Deputy Harbour Master
Tel: +44 (0)1407 606775
Mobile: +44 (0) 7540 540545

Website: http://holyheadport.co.uk/
Address: Stena Line Ports Limited, Stena House, Port Control, Holyhead, Anglesey, LL65 1DQ

Milford Haven & Pembroke

Name: Lucy Wonnacott MCIM, Marketing Manager
E-Mail: karen.lewis@mhpa.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1646 696100
Website: www.mhpa.co.uk
Address: Port of Milford Haven Marketing Department, Milford Marina Office, Cleddau House,Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire SA73 3AF

For any further information please contact

Name: Suzanne Thomas, Head of Cruise Wales
E-Mail: Suzanne.Thomas@gov.wales
Telephone: +44 (0) 300 061 6118
Mobile: +44 (0) 7876 824168
Website: www.cruisewales.visitwales.com

Cardiff

The Capital of Wales

Sail into the beating heart of Wales and experience the widest range of visitor attractions and excursions this magical country has to offer.  This Celtic capital city, guarded by its 2000 year old medieval castle is home to a famous shopping hub with quirky arcades, Europe’s largest waterfront development in Cardiff Bay and the iconic performing arts exhibition hub at the copper-covered Millennium Centre.

In close proximity is the breath-taking Brecon Beacons National Park, home to the Waterfall country, and surrounded by a range of castles, heritage attractions, manor houses, botanical gardens and unique experience centres. Feel and see life as a coal miner at the Big Pit industrial heritage centre, produce your own coins at the Royal Mint Visitor Centre or walk through the ages at St Fagan’s, Europe’s leading open air museum and heritage attraction.

Fancy something a little more daring?  Within an hour  you can take on white water rapids, gorge walking, caving and mountain biking activities in the Welsh countryside.

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Cardiff Port
Coach parking is available at the quayside.

Queen Alexandra Dock
Vessel length: 198m
Max draft: 10m
Max Beam: 27m
Pilotage: Yes, 24hr notice required
Tugboat info: Readily available (via agent)
Security Facilities: ISPS accredited transit and turnaround facilities including vehicle access to berth and adjacent parking if required.
Gangway: Ship to provide
Bunkering and Fresh Water: Available
Waste Handling: Available

Fishguard

The historic town and modern ferry port of Fishguard is situated in the north of Pembrokeshire and is the UK’s only Coastal National Park.

The Fishguard Friendly Faces team provides a warm and unique welcome to all cruise passengers and are on hand to provide information and answer any questions the discerning visitor may have. Cruise ship entertainment is usually provided by local school groups singing and dancing on the quayside, along with a selection of stalls showcasing local crafts.

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Coaches are assembled at quayside for cruise passenger tours/excursions.
Fishguard Port can take vessels up to 180 metres on the berth.
The pontoon facility can cater for any size vessel that wishes to go to anchorage.

Dock
Length: 170m
Beam: No restrictions
Draught: 5.5.m
Approx. DWT: No restrictions
Pilotage & Towage: 24hr notice required
Waste Disposal: Yes
ISPS: Yes
Bunkering and fresh water: Yes
Stevedoring for stores: Yes

Holyhead

Holyhead port is the gateway to the island of Anglesey, Snowdonia & the north Wales coast.
A warm Welsh welcome awaits your cruise passengers when arriving in North Wales.The Port of Holyhead provides berthing and handling facilities for a range of commercial operations.

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Holyhead is a 24 hour, deep water, lock-free facility, located on the Irish Sea Coast and is one of the UK’s busiest ferry ports. Security complies with the ISPS code.
A shuttle bus to the town centre and shopping area is provided for cruise passengers and crew.

Jetty
Length: 300m
Beam: no restrictions
Draught: 10m
Approx DWT: 100,000t
Pilotage: compulsory for all commercial non-exempt vessels over 40m+.
Gangway: Yes
Waste Disposal: Yes
ISPS: Yes
Bunkering and fresh water: Yes
Stevedoring for stores: Yes

Newport

Located at the Gateway of England and Wales in South East Wales.
The most easterly of ABP’s South Wales’ ports, the city of Newport offers something for everyone, from medieval history to a previous Ryder Cup host Golf course. For a true taste of the region’s Celtic history, an excursion to the National Roman Legion Museum, located just 20 minutes from the port, offers the chance to fully explore a 2000 year old amphitheatre, Roman Baths, and an uncovered barracks.

To gain a full picture of the area’s rich history, head to the Newport Ship Centre which is just ten minutes away from the port. The medieval ship was discovered in the banks of the River Usk in June 2002 and has been carefully restored. The centre tells the story of Newport’s growth from a small medieval town to a major industrial city.

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South Dock
Vessel length: 244m
Draught: 10.4m
Max Beam: 30.1m
Pilotage: Yes
Tugboat info: Yes
Security Facilities: ISPS accredited transit and turnaround facilities available.
Fresh Water: Yes
Fuel Supply: Yes
Waste Handling: Yes

Swansea

Wales’ Heritage Hub and gateway to the famous Gower Peninsula.
Much like the Capital, the port of Swansea is a stone’s throw from the action, with the maritime quarter nestled between the port and city centre. Here passengers can access the National Waterfront museum, Swansea museum, The Dylan Thomas Centre and a multitude of pubs and cafes overlooking the harbour. The Glyn Vivian Arts Centre is a big hitter also, and is easily accessible by foot. The fantastic excursions include a literary lunch and exclusive guided tour, exploring and celebrating Swansea’s famous poet Dylan Thomas. The Discover Gower full day offers a relaxing countryside meets coastal retreat, which includes stops at the world famous Three Cliffs Bay, Rhossilli Head and a chance to indulge in local Welsh produce at a country pub.
Coming soon will be the Welsh Whiskey experience – the taste and smells of the Penderyn Whiskey distillery, accessible via a river cruise on-board a restored river barge. Medieval to Modern is another full day which includes a guided tour of the medieval castle in Mumbles village, the sweep of the bay to the National Waterfront Museum, which tells the story of Wales’ links with the sea and its strong industrial heritage. This tour includes lunch in Wales’ tallest restaurant with incredible views.

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Kings Dock
Vessel length: 200m
Draught 9.9m
Beam: 26.2m
Pilotage: Yes
Security Facilities: ISPS accredited transit and turnaround facilities including vehicle access to berth and adjacent parking if required.
Fresh Water: Yes

Milford Haven and Pembroke Port

The heart of Pembrokeshire providing easy access to a world-class landscape
With the option of anchorage at Milford Haven or alongside at Pembroke Port, both locations offer exploration of some of the visible treasures such as the majestic St David’s Cathedral (in the UK’s smallest city), the stunning heritage at Pembroke Castle (birthplace of Henry VII), and the exceptionally pretty seaside town of Tenby.

Plus, there are some undiscovered gems. Highlights could include dedicated wildlife boat tours, walking experiences on the incredible Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a trip to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, foodie experiences or even a local craft session.

Or, for life on the active side, we can find you expert guides in kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, coasteering, sailing, kite surfing, surfing, biking, fishing and diving to name a few. Pembrokeshire really is exceptional and we are confident passengers will think so too.

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We can accommodate 24/7 arrival and departure, have capacity for stores delivery, and, if needed, have extensive maritime and engineering services available locally. Both Milford Haven and Pembroke Port are close to facilities for crew and there are strong public transportation links for visitors and crew arriving on route.

Milford Shelf
Length: 220m
Beam: No restriction
Draught: 10m
Approx. DWT: 3000t-6150t
Pilotage & Towage: see below
Waste: Yes
ISPS: Yes
Fresh Water & Bunkering: Yes
Stevedoring for Stores: Yes

Cruise ships, up to 220m LOA, may anchor on Milford Shelf to tender passengers to/from shore. The designated cruise ship anchorage position is 510 42.06’N 0050 02’W and is marked on BA Chart 3274, 3275. A Milford Haven pilot will be aboard at all times and a harbour tug made fast. Wind limits for cruise ships are: 20knots with a Svitzer tug; 15knots with a smaller tug.

Milford Docks
Length: 100m
Beam: 20m Max
Draught: 7.9m
Approx. DWT: No Restrictions
Pilotage & Towage: *see below
Waste: Yes
ISPS: Yes
Fresh Water & Bunkering: Yes
Stevedoring for Stores: Yes

Pembroke Quay 1
Length: 164m
Beam: No Restriction
Draught: 6.8m
Approx. DWT: No Restrictions
Pilotage & Towage: *see below
Waste Disposal: Yes
ISPS: Yes
Fresh Water & Bunkering: Yes
Stevedoring for Stores: Yes

Pembroke Quay 2
Length: 96m
Beam: No Restriction
Draught: 5.8m
Approx. DWT: No Restrictions
Pilotage & Towage: *see below
Waste Disposal: Yes
ISPS: Yes
Fresh Water & Bunkering: Yes
Stevedoring for Stores: Yes

*NB – All Ports Pilotage compulsory, to be arranged in advance, and tugs compulsory at anchor – to be arranged by the vessel in advance.
Tugs are operated by Svitzer Marine Ltd (Tel: (0)1642 258390 Mob: (0)7919 570892).