Milford Haven and Pembroke cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: Figures and transport depend on whether the ship uses Milford Shelf anchorage or an alongside berth at Pembroke Port; Milford Waterfront and Pembroke town centre are the respective local landmarks.

Sources: Visit Wales cruise-port profile, Milford Waterfront.

Orientation, not a walking route

Visit Wales identifies Milford Haven as an anchorage arrival and Pembroke Port as the alongside option. The Milford Shelf anchorage therefore involves tendering, while ships allocated a suitable Pembroke berth can disembark passengers directly onto the quay. The ship's daily programme identifies which location applies.

Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock have separate railway stations, so use the station on the same side of the waterway as your landing.

Visit Wales lists shuttle buses among the quayside services for cruise passengers and crew. At Pembroke Port, follow staff directions through the commercial premises; do not head for Milford Haven simply because that name appears on the itinerary.

About this port

A Milford Haven call can give you a quiet waterfront visit or an introduction to Pembrokeshire's castles and coast. The name covers a waterway with cruise facilities on both shores. Milford Haven town and Pembroke Dock are separate places, so establish where you will arrive before booking transport or choosing a walking route.

For a short call, the most useful choice is between staying around Milford Waterfront and arranging one principal excursion. Pembroke Castle suits an interest in medieval history; Carew combines a castle with a millpond landscape. Trying to fit several coastal towns into the same outing leaves little margin for returning to the ship.

Getting Around

Milford Waterfront works as a local outing on foot once you have reached its public marina area. For Pembroke Castle, Carew or the wider coast, an excursion coach or prearranged taxi keeps the route straightforward. Give an independent driver the actual berth or tender meeting point, and agree the return before departure.

Rail stations on the two sides of the waterway are separate starting points. Use Transport for Wales to check a complete outward and return journey before relying on a train. The time needed to reach the station and return through the port must be included.

If you want a coastal walk, select a short section with a known collection point. A route described as a circular walk may still be well beyond a few hours once transport is included.

Things to Do

Milford Waterfront brings together the marina, places to eat and independent businesses. It is a practical local option for passengers landing in Milford Haven; arrivals at Pembroke Port need a transfer. Milford Haven Museum offers an introduction to the town's maritime past; check its current visiting arrangements before making it the centrepiece.

Pembroke Castle is associated with the birth of Henry VII. Its walls, towers and internal spaces reward a focused visit. The operator's accessibility and visitor information will help you decide which areas suit your group; steep staircases are part of the historic structure.

Carew Castle and Tidal Mill make another self-contained outing. The National Park authority describes a mile-long circuit linking the millpond, castle setting, medieval bridge and Celtic cross, with a route suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. Access within the buildings is a separate consideration. Follow the operator's current information for opening and admission.

Tenby and St Davids are further alternatives promoted by Visit Wales. Choose either as the main excursion for the day, with enough time to enjoy the harbour or cathedral surroundings, rather than adding both to a castle itinerary.

Getting back to your ship

Rail stations on the two sides of the waterway are separate starting points. Use Transport for Wales to check a complete outward and return journey before relying on a train. The time needed to reach the station and return through the port must be included.

Practical Information

Currency is pounds sterling (£); Welsh and English are used. Emergencies: 999 or 112.

Bring a waterproof layer and shoes suitable for wet paths. Keep your return instructions accessible without a mobile signal. Tender access depends on the boat and conditions, so discuss assistance with the cruise line in advance.

Use the museum, castle and transport operators' pages for opening arrangements and tickets. Seasonal opening and the final admission time can matter as much as the journey itself.

Frequently asked

Can you walk around Milford Waterfront? Yes. Once at the public marina area, the waterfront's restaurants, museum and independent businesses make a practical outing on foot.

Is there a cruise shuttle in Milford Haven? Yes. Visit Wales lists shuttle buses among the quayside services for cruise passengers and crew.

Where do cruise ships arrive in Milford Haven? They either anchor at Milford Shelf and tender ashore or berth alongside at Pembroke Port.

Do cruise ships dock or tender at Milford Haven? Both. Larger vessels anchor on Milford Shelf and tender to the old docks, while ships up to 160 metres can berth alongside at Pembroke Port.