The Welsh Assembly government has revealed that it is keen to make the country's docking facilities a regular port of call for cruise ships.
Deputy first minister Ieuan Wyn Jones told the Commons Welsh Affairs committee that the cruise market is something that is "underdeveloped in Wales".
Holyhead's port has already targeted attracting 30 vessels to dock each year by 2013, with public sector money potentially being applied for to improve its facilities.
Meanwhile, the
Holland America line recently docked the first cruise ship in Newport as part of a 14-day trip around Britain, with around 800 passengers on board.
Mr Jones said: "Our position is that we want to develop the potential of Welsh ports."
According to Wales Online, he added: "More and more people are looking for holidays by cruise ship, so cruise operators are looking for new destinations all the time."
He continued in his speech that Celtic countries such as Wales could be an option that appeals to port operators and cruise lines.
Among the other destinations of the British cruise trip were Belfast, Dublin and the Isle of Skye.
Written by Chris Smith