Anglesey has already attracted one of the world’s biggest cruise liners this summer – now it prepares to welcome the world’s most luxurious.
The Island faces a busy end to a successful summer cruise campaign as four luxury cruise liners, carrying a total of more than 2,000 passengers from all over the world; arrive in the space of four days.
Dubbed the world’s most beautiful yacht, the Europa will dock in the Port of Holyhead on Thursday, September 2nd.
The Europa sets international standards in luxury travel as the only cruise ship in the world to be awarded the coveted five-star plus ranking by the Berlitz Cruise Guide 2010. Owned by the German shipping company, Hapag Lloyd, she will be carrying around 400 passengers, mainly German, Swiss and Austrian.
The Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Cruise Co-ordinator, Julia McCormack, stressed, “Having four luxury cruise ships in on four consecutive days is a real coup for Anglesey. There are currently only a few luxury cruise liners which make up the cream of the industry and we’re thrilled to be able to welcome them to Anglesey in September.”
The Crystal Symphony visits Anglesey a day before the Europa on September 1st. Also one of the largest luxury ships, she boasts fine facilities, service and crew. The passenger mix is 85% North American and 15% European and Japanese.
On September 3rd, Anglesey also hosts the Westerdam’s sister ship, the Prinsendam, before finally welcoming Le Diamante on September 4th.
Julia added, “We’ll be giving visitors a warm Welsh welcome with performances from Royal harpist, Clare Jones, singer Lucy Kelly, and Dawnswyr Bro Cefni. There will also be plenty activities on in Holyhead town centre on September 1st to coincide with the Crystal Symphony’s visit, including live music, street entertainers, face painting, craft stalls, and historical displays throughout the town centre as well as performances by the Holyhead Male Voice Choir and Helen Barton’s School of Dance.”
Passengers onboard the four luxury cruise ships will be visiting sites on Anglesey, including South Stack and Beaumaris Castle, and other attractions across North West Wales. The Europa even carries a PGA golf pro on all cruises and some its passengers will be playing golf whilst on Anglesey.
Anglesey Economic Development portfolio holder, Councillor Bob Parry OBE, said, “These latest luxury cruise ship visits confirm Anglesey’s position as Wales’ premier cruise port destination. The fact that we’re welcoming four cruise ship visits, with many affluent passengers, on four consecutive days is fantastic and should provide a boost for the local economy.”
“Things are also looking good for next year with 15 cruise ships already booked to visit Anglesey.”
There was a real buzz about Holyhead when the Westerdam – one of the world’s biggest cruise liners – docked the port earlier this month with many of the passengers onboard going into the town as well as on planned excursions.
All four luxury cruise liners will be docking alongside the recently re-furbished jetty owned and operated by Anglesey Aluminium at Holyhead. A partnership comprising of Anglesey Aluminium, Stena and the Welsh Assembly Government has enabled the provision of new facilities which include a gift shop, information centre, disabled toilets, an internet centre and a dedicated stage and entertainment area.
A busy week in Holyhead will finish on the weekend with the annual Gaffers traditional sailing event, which will include boat races, coracles, model ships, a mock sea battle, Anglesey Hussars, angling competition, rope making and other activities on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th September on Newry promenade or in the harbour.
