AN ANGLESEY town welcomed passengers from the biggest vessel ever to dock on the island with a day of entertainment.
Anglesey Council cruise coordinator Julia McCormack said that the 82,000 tonne Westerdam’s visit to Holyhead on Saturday would generate £150,000 for the region’s economy.
“It’s a great showcase for Anglesey and I hope the visit will put us on the map of the global cruise industry,” she said.
Julia said that six more liners would dock at Holyhead this year. She added that several 3,500 capacity liners could arrive in 2011.
“Today really is being watched by the rest of the industry to see if we can make today a success and I’d say that yes we have,” she said. “I hope that more cruise liners will come here on the back of this success."
Around 2,000 passengers from America and Europe left the 950 ft long liner to explore the region.
Some took trips to Caernarfon and Beaumaris castles, South Stack Lighthouse, Bodnant Gardens and nearby seaside towns.
The passengers were entertained on the Anglesey Aluminium jetty by Prince Charles’ official harpist, Claire Jones.
Around 1,000 were welcomed in Holyhead High Street with live music, street performers, face painting and exhibitions.
Susan Fiolet, of the Hague in the Netherlands, enjoyed her visit to the Maritime Museum.
“The people here are very friendly,” she said. “I was very interested to hear that Dutch people were here during the war.”
The day ended with a Roman history reenactment, an archery display and a performance by Lobscows choir in St Cybi’s Church.
Mayor of Holyhead Councillor JV Owen said that residents and visitors were very pleased with the day’s events.
He added: “All in all, from the volunteers to the officers, everyone should be congratulated.
“We can use this as a vehicle to promote the town and the island.”
Businesses on the High Street welcomed the visitors and the entertainment provided for them.
Phyllis Edwards, who works at the Picnic Hamper said: “It’s very busy and it’s nice to see people on the street because it is usually very quiet on a Saturday.”
The Westerdam left Holyhead for Scotland at 5pm on Saturday. It will then continue to Northern Ireland and back to the Netherlands.
However, some traders in other parts of Holyhead said that the cruise would not benefit them.
Newsagent Carol Roberts said: “We don’t get a significant amount of tourists down here.
“I want to see the town busy but as far as including us I feel left out.”