Cardiff cruise port guide

Why go?

With the attractive waterfront destination of Cardiff Bay close by and all the big-city attractions beyond, the Welsh capital is a growing cruise port for day and turnaround visits — some 3,500 passengers in 2018.

The proximity to the city and range of excursions offers a smart alternative to larger ports. 

Cruise port location

Cruise ships dock alongside at one of four berths, primarily at the Cardiff Cruise Terminal located in the Cardiff Bay area, and passengers are bused onwards. The port is roughly two miles from the city centre and train station.

Some smaller ships, such as Noble Caledonia vessels, can dock at Britannia Quay — walking distance to Mermaid Quay.

Can I walk to any places of interest?

There are welcome facilities harbour side and shuttle buses on a loop to Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Castle (for the city centre). A stroll around the Bay takes in the Wales Millennium Centre, the National Assembly for Wales, The Senedd, and the Norwegian Church arts centre, plus the lively cafe-bars of Mermaid Quay. 

Getting around

Most city attractions are walking distance from the free shuttle stops. The public bus, The Baycar, also connects to city with stops along way, making this an ideal port for independent explorers. Otherwise taxis wait harbourside to run out to further-afield attractions. Catch the tourist Aquabus for pleasure cruises of the bay.

Getting there

Cardiff Bay and the port region is located some 15 minutes driving from the M4 motorway, while Cardiff Central Station is well served with connections across Wales, plus Bristol, Manchester and London Paddington. It’s 13 miles to Cardiff Airport for UK and international connections. 

Hotels

The landmark property in Cardiff Bay is the St David’s Hotel and Spa with its distinctive cruise-ship design looking out to the Bristol Channel. Arrive the day before departure for easy port access, or non-resident day visitors can buy a day pass to the spa, combining with lunch or afternoon tea in The Admiral, the all-day restaurant.

Otherwise, the Park Plaza is a smart option for sampling dining and nightlife options of the city centre. The New House Country Hotel is a Georgian manor, located north of Cardiff on the road to Caerphilly Castle. The Vale Resort is a haven for kids and golfers outside Cardiff. It’s the most family friendly option. 

What can I do in four hours or less?

Staying in the city centre, passengers can take independent tours of Cardiff Castle or the Principality Stadium, combining a visit with browsing the independent boutiques of the Victorian and Edwardian arcades that are the backbone of the city’s shopping district. Alternatively take a short taxi ride out to St Fagans National Museum of History, located four miles west of Cardiff just off the A4232. The museum recently reopened with new two galleries tracing the story of Welsh life from the Celtic era to the present day. It offers lots of open spaces and hands-on activities for families. 

What can I do in eight hours or less? 

The Cruise & Maritime Voyages ship, Marco Polo, will return for turnaround voyages from Cardiff in April and May 2019 with British Isles Discovery and Iceland Circumnavigation itineraries, among others. Popular full-day excursions include delving into Wales’ industrial heritage with a visit to the Big Pit National Coal Museum, part of the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre.

Alternatively, a visit to Tredegar House, a 17th-century manor house managed by the National Trust, takes a more cultural theme, while the Royal Mint Experience offers a glimpse of the processes behind the making of the pound sterling.

Further afield, Chepstow Castle commands a dramatic position and is one of Britain’s oldest castles — built 1190. Located on the banks of the River Wye, the ruined Tintern Abbey has inspired the likes of Wordsworth and JMW Turner.

Venturing into the Brecon Beacons National Park, day walks abound while even children can explore safely at the National Showcaves for Wales. Finish by stocking up following the guided visit to the Penderyn Distillery, home to Welsh whisky.

What can I do with a bit longer?

Early arrivals can combine big-city sightseeing in Cardiff with a day walking in the mountains of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Or take a train over to Swansea to follow in the footsteps of Dylan Thomas, tracing a route around the celebrated Welsh writer’s “ugly, lovely town” of birth. 

Eat and drink

Wales is strong on local produce with lamb and beef featuring on most dinner menus. Look out, too, for a steaming bowl of crawl, a hearty lamb stew, or head to Cardiff Central Market for a lunchtime plate of faggots, offal-like meatballs, served with mash, peas and gravy.

Afternoon tea always features scone-like Welsh cakes and bara brith, a rich fruit loaf. And don’t leave without sampling a pint from Cardiff’s landmark Brains Brewery, trying its Brains Dark stout, or one of the new offshoot craft ales, such as Barry Island IPA. 

Don’t leave Cardiff without…

Traditional Welsh souvenirs include carved lovespoons and cuddly dragons — head to Castle Welsh Crafts for these.

But the Royal and Morgan arcades will reveal more original souvenirs, such as Melin Tregwynt for Welsh woven fabrics and Spillers Records, the world’s oldest record shop, for rare Welsh vinyl and in-store events.

Need to know

Safety

Most visits are trouble free, with usual precautions. 

Best time to go

Cruise departures run April to September; avoid home games at the Principality Stadium when the city can be log-jammed with traffic.

Closures

Most places are open daily save for the National Museum Cardiff, which is closed on Mondays.

Save money

Pick up a Cardiff Bus adult/family day pass for multiple journeys if staying on.