A sold-out trip on the world’s only seagoing paddle steamer, sailing out of a Pembrokeshire port for the first time this morning has been cancelled.

The Waverley was due to sail out of Fishguard at 11am today travelling up the coast of north Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion to New Quay before arriving back at 3pm.

However, due to the weather conditions today, Thursday, May 30, the cruise was cancelled.

The Waverley is due to arrive in Fishguard this morning having sailed overnight from Northern Ireland.

“Unfortunately for the past few hours she has been experiencing wind and sea conditions which we deem too uncomfortable for passengers and given that conditions will not improve for most of today we have taken the decision to cancel today’s cruise,” said a spokesperson for Waverley Excursions Ltd.

“We understand the disappointment this will cause, particularly since this was a special sailing from Fishguard, but we must consider the comfort and safety of passengers and crew.”

All is not lost. Those with tickets will be offered a refund or a transfer to an alternative sailing.

Initially those who had tickets for today were still going to be  be able to onboard the historic ship and have a look round.

However, this option has now been withdrawn as sea conditions in the harbour risk damaging the boat and she will depart imminently. 

"Unfortunately, the swell conditions at the quayside risk damaging the ship’s paddlebox on the concrete and she will need to depart as soon as possible," said the spokesperson.

"We are therefore unable to offer the open ship visits as initially thought between 10.30 and 12.00. I do apologise for this."

Those with tickets for today can have a free transfer to any other available sailing this year or to any sailing in 2025. Alternately a full a full refund is on offer.

Details below on how to Transfer or request a Refund have been emailed to all of today’s passengers.