Turn cruise visits into opportunities

Helping your business make the most of cruise visits

With over 100% increase in cruise ship visits to Wales in 2025. Wales is becoming a must-visit destination for cruises, with new figures revealing a surge in ship visits over recent years.

Cruise calls bring thousands of visitors to Wales each year. Creating new opportunities for tourism businesses and destinations across coastal and nearby areas.

Cruise Wales works with ports, destinations and industry partners to help you make the most of every visit. From planning ahead to delivering a warm Welsh welcome, we support businesses to:

attract and engage cruise visitors
create memorable, high-quality experiences
encourage longer stays and return visits to Cymru.

By working together, we can maximise the value of cruise tourism - boosting local economies and showcasing the best of Wales. Find out how you can make the most of this opportunity by:

Capitalising on the opportunity for Welsh tourism

Every cruise call brings visitors who want to explore, shop and enjoy Wales. This gives tourism businesses a valuable chance to increase footfall and boost local spend.
Visitors may join organised tours or explore towns and villages on their own. Either way, shore days can bring a strong lift for local businesses, tourism products and experiences.
Cruise tourism can offer:
- more visitors on key arrival days
- opportunities to sell tours, trips and experiences
- greater exposure for your destination and products
- the chance to turn first-time visitors into returning guests.
By working together, ports, destinations and businesses can make the most of each visit. Spreading benefits across local communities and leaving a lasting impression of Cymru.
Checking the cruise calendar and being ready for cruise visitors

Preparation is key to making the most of cruise visits. Here are some simple ways to get ready:
- check the Cruise Wales calls calendar to see when ships are due to arrive
- open your business or attraction on cruise days where possible
- brief staff so they can welcome visitors and answer questions
- showcase local experiences, food, culture and stories
- share information with partners and encourage local engagement.
Destination management organisations, local authorities and industry partners all help businesses get ready and make the most of opportunities.

Cruise Wales calendar
Providing a warm Welsh welcome and sense of Welshness

Cruise passengers may only spend a short time ashore - but that time really matters.
Creating a strong sense of Welshness helps visitors connect with Wales, its people and its culture. A warm Welsh welcome, clear storytelling and unique local experiences all help create a sense of hwyl. Leaving a lasting impression and leading to potential future bookings.
Take a look at our top tips to create a sense of Welshness for your business.

Top tips to creating a sense of Welshness for your business