Cruise Ship Visits

Milford Haven has been an established port of call for cruise vessels navigating the Welsh coastline for over 10 years, welcoming visitors from Europe, the USA, Australia and even passengers from the UK exploring our beautiful coastline in style.

Positioned between calls at ports including Falmouth, Dublin, Holyhead and Plymouth, Milford Haven is an ideal base from which to explore all that Pembrokeshire has to offer. The maximum size of cruise ships that can visit Milford Haven is 220m in length, and they generally have between 400 and 850 passengers aboard, plus crew members. The ships anchor off Milford Shelf, and passengers are brought ashore to the Mackerel Stage landing pontoon by smaller ‘tender’ boats. The arrival of cruise ships always provides excitement across the town, and it shows the diversity of the Port of Milford Haven, with the industrial backdrop of the Milford Haven Waterway and the daily sailings of Irish Ferries passing the ships at anchor.

The Cruise Team at Milford Waterfront provides a warm welcome for passengers visiting Pembrokeshire. Shore side tourist information and entertainment are provided on Mackerel Quay, and guests are greeted by local dignitaries including the Mayor of Milford Haven and the Chair of Pembrokeshire County Council.

Whilst the cruise companies pre-arrange excursions to popular locations including St Davids, Tenby and Carew Castle, many passengers choose to come ashore and explore Milford Haven at their leisure. A complimentary shuttle bus is provided for each cruise call, and 2018 saw the introduction of a volunteer guide to bring our rich heritage to life in a more personal way. Cruise passengers enjoy free entry to Milford Haven Museum during their visit, explore the various walking trails connected to Milford Waterfront and often call in to the businesses at Milford Waterfront, sample the wide selection of local food and drink available and pick up souvenirs from their travels.

Pembrokeshire is renowned for the great outdoors; the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail boasts 186 miles of rugged and beautiful scenery to explore on foot, and the county’s shores are home to an enviable abundance of wildlife including sea birds, seals and even basking sharks and dolphins. Cruise passengers wishing to get closer to the water, can enjoy stand up paddle boarding and kayaking at Milford Beach Activity Centre.

All visitors are assured of a memorable visit to Pembrokeshire, however they have chosen to explore our town and beautiful county from landing in Milford Haven.

If you would like to volunteer to assist welcoming cruise passengers to Milford Haven, please get in touch.