Passengers embark on a voyage on Discovery (From Western Telegraph)

Passengers embark on a voyage on Discovery

The economic spin-offs of Pembrokeshire's new role as a cruise ship destination were evident this week when 600 passengers on a round-Britain voyage disembarked at Milford Haven.

The 20,000 tonne Discovery, on her inaugural cruise after a multi-million refurbishment, anchored off Milford Haven while her passengers were led on a variety of excursions.

Milford Haven Port Authority, which has focused on initiatives to develop its cruise business, believes this and subsequent visits would be as beneficial to the local business community as the port itself.

Excursions to towns including St Davids, Tenby and Pembroke would bring increased business to those areas, said the Port Authority's general manager, Ted Sangster. Stalls of local crafts had been set up on the dockside to entice visitors.

"Our remit as a Trust port is to not only maintain the port but to play a part in the local community. Attracting cruise ships is a means of achieving that responsibility by bringing in a few hundred visitors."

Pembrokeshire Tourism is confident it will boost the local holiday trade. Co-ordinator Maria Taylor suggests it will lead to visitors returning to Pembrokeshire for future holidays. "We are offering them a really good Pembrokeshire welcome. We want to show them that Pembrokeshire has a lot to offer."

Discovery is the second cruise ship to berth at Milford Haven this year. She followed the Polar Star which visited earlier in May with 100 passengers.