The number of cruise ships visiting Wales have more than doubled since 2021 but fallen slightly on last year, according to new figures.
The Welsh Government said Wales welcomed 84 cruise ships in 2025, compared to 41 in 2021. In 2024 there were 96. The year-on-year fall has been put down to changes in itineraries and bad weather.
Wales offers cruise operators and passengers access to the ports of Cardiff, Swansea, Milford Haven, Fishguard, and Holyhead.
Holyhead, which has facilities capable of accommodating vessels up to 300 metres in length, handled 55 of the 84 ships that visited Wales this year.
For larger ships, the port’s anchorage system allows passengers to be transferred via tender vessels to the marina, ensuring even the world’s largest vessels can bring visitors to experience North Wales.
The 84 cruise ships combined carried nearly 80,00 passengers and generate around 10% of total overseas visitors to Wales. However, in a Ƶ-wide context Wales still has a relatively small share of the cruise ship market. This year Portsmouth welcomed a record 94 cruise ships alone.
The cruise ship market operates mainly from the early spring to late summer period.
Tourism is worth £3.8bn to the Welsh economy each year, with tourism and hospitality businesses driving local economies and generating income for local communities.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said:“This remarkable growth in cruise visits demonstrates our rising profile as a premier destination.
“I’m delighted that our ports are welcoming increasing numbers of international visitors who bring vital investment to our local communities. It is a success story that reflects our tourism sector’s commitment to building a sustainable industry that delivers significant economic benefits whilst enriching our culture.
“Wales offers visitors an extraordinary blend of stunning landscapes, rich heritage and vibrant communities, all delivered with our renowned Welsh croeso (welcome). This growth trajectory positions us perfectly for an even brighter future for the cruise sector here.”
Wendy Atkin-Smith, managing director of cruise ship venture Viking Ƶ, said:“Visiting Holyhead and the surrounding region is one of the highlights of our British Isles ocean voyages. Our guests enjoy learning about the culture and history of the destinations they visit as well as having the chance to meet local people and they always receive a very warm welcome in Wales.
“We are scheduled to call in to Holyhead 25 times next year, an increase of nearly 40% from 2025, so we look forward to bringing many more travellers to explore the region in 2026.”
