Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

2 4 7 Fishguard’s award-winning welcome – which aims to give passengers a high- quality visitor experience and a taste of Welsh culture across Holyhead, Milford Haven, Pembroke, Cardiff and Swansea. “This will help us achieve consistency throughout all ports and will also enable us to create videos, brochures and other marketing materials,” Thomas says. Cruise Wales is also working to improve the experience of an increasing number of German visitors. “We have delivered German ambassador training through Llandrillo College to provide German speaking guide provision and increase the number of German ambassadors shoreside,” says Thomas. Great effort has been made to welcome tourism student groups too. “We’ve run a number of successful familiarisation trips for students, so that they can learn first-hand about everything Wales has to offer,” Thomas explains. “We look forward to running another one of these in 2020.” Thomas believes this all adds up to a unique experience for guests visiting Wales. “We want our offering to be truly original,” she says. This means thinking up new itineraries that are a little bit different. For example, this year we’ll be offering ice cream making using local ingredients; a vine, wine and dine experience at a local vineyard; and a tour of The Royal Mint. We’ll also be offering a trip to Rhondda Heritage Park, situated on the former Lewis Merthyr Colliery – once a thriving coal mine.” Cruise Wales is also working in collaboration with the National Trust – a move that will enable cruise passengers to visit many of the recently refurbished historical properties in the area. “Wales has a huge amount to offer,” Thomas says. “It’s so satisfying to see a marked rise in cruise guests visiting the area. I have every confidence that this trend will continue in the years to come.” CFR “It’s so satisfying to see a marked rise in cruise guests visiting the area. I have every confidence that this trend will continue in the years to come”