Episode 128 – Explore North Wales & Beyond: Customised Cruise Shore Excursions with John Hadwin

In episode 128 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy again welcomes John Hadwin from Boutique Tours of North Wales. 

Known for his exceptional private tours around North Wales, John shares his insights and expertise in catering to cruise passengers looking to explore beyond the ship’s offerings. 

In this engaging episode, John discusses his background in tourism, including his time with Cunard and how he developed a niche in providing tailored tour experiences for cruise passengers. Learn about the variety of itineraries available at ports like Holyhead and Liverpool, each offering unique insights into Wales’s local culture and hidden gems and beyond. 

John also addresses common concerns about private tours versus cruise ship tours, explaining the benefits of smaller, personalised experiences and how to plan the perfect day ashore. 

For those interested in booking, John shares tips on securing a tour and making the most of your time in port.

Click the blue button below to listen:

Episode 128 – Show Notes

Key Topics

Guest Introduction and Services

• Introduction of John Hadwin and his association with cruise tours
• Discussion of cruise calendar with scheduled slots
• Tailoring private tours based on visitor preferences

Tour Planning and Customisation

• Detailed planning process considering timeframes, destinations, and logistics
• Use of communication tools (FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Meet) for plan finalization
• Ensuring a stress-free experience for guests

Handling Cruise Cancellations

• High success rate with only one cancellation since 2009
• Offers full refunds in the event of cancellations due to weather

Booking and Contact Information

• Encouragement to book early, especially during peak months (December to February)
• John Hadwin is responsive via emails, phone, FaceTime, or WhatsApp

Booking Tips

• Importance of early booking due to diminishing availability
• High demand with over a hundred inquiries from a single ship’s passengers

Exclusive Availability

• John is one of the few full-time driver guides in Holyhead

Guest Background and Experience

• John’s work with Cunard cruise line on creating itineraries
• Successful influence on a transatlantic cruise itinerary
• History of private tour business started in 2009

Growth of Holyhead as a Cruise Destination

• Collaboration with the local council to attract more cruise ships since 2009
• Growth from hosting 5-6 cruise ships to an expected 90 ships

Tours Offered by John Hadwin

• Boutique tours for cruise passengers out of Holyhead and Liverpool
• Unique and differing itineraries for each port

Tour Options and Market Dynamics

• Comparison of mass coach tours vs. private cruise tours
• Market strategy of cruise lines to retain guests with packaged tours

Pricing of Tours

• Cost of shared coach tours (~£150 per person)
• Private tours with independent guides (~£650 to £750)
• Private tours with cruise lines (up to £1,500)

Alternative Cost-Sharing Model

• Booking private tours and sharing costs through platform promotions (like Cruise Critic)
• Increasing popularity post-COVID

Host Endorsement

• Tracy Collins endorses John Hadwin as a preferred tour partner
• Positive reviews and personal vetting

Convenience and Efficiency

• Advantages of private tours: avoiding delays and less stress

Personal Interaction and Flexibility

• Guests can propose itineraries or rely on John’s expertise

Holyhead Tours

• “North Wales in a Nutshell” tour including a loop through national park, castles, and cultural experiences
• Tours guided by John, known as a “walking encyclopedia”
• Option for Anglesey tour, featuring medieval castles and stories about St. Patrick

Liverpool Tours

• Focus on the Beatles, football, and historical sites
• Cross-city tour capturing culture, history, and sports
• Attractions like Wrexham, with football (soccer) club owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney
• Includes stadium tours and historical sites

Customisable Tours

• Personalized based on individual preferences
• “Tale of Two Cities” tour to Liverpool and Chester
• Unique countryside experiences

Reputation and Experience

• Benefits of reputable private tours: personal experiences and timely returns to the ship
• Cruise lines’ discouragement of private tours vs. reliability of reputable private tours

Click here to download a PDF Transcript of Episode 128

Useful resources – Podcasts & Articles

🎧 Podcasts

• Episode #89 – Unforgettable Adventures: Boutique Tours of Wales with John Hadwin
• Episode #52 – Exploring North Wales with Doug Collins
• Episode #32 – Trip Report: A month road trip around the UK