The announcement that the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer will once again sail from Llandudno Pier this year has been welcomed by the attraction, which hailed PS Waverley’s return as a crucial boost for local tourism.

Pier owner Adam Williams told the Daily Post that the vessel’s trips between Liverpool and the north Wales coast remain a perennial favourite among holidaymakers, and represent an important part of the town’s cultural legacy.

“It’s really great to see it’s back and going to the pier,” said Williams. “It’s so important to keep up certain things like nostalgia to keep that link unbroken.”

‌“It fills up in Liverpool, it comes to us, they get off, some go on trips from the pier, then people who came from Liverpool get back on and go back home. We are not reinventing the wheel. We are just doing something that people have always done.”

The Waverley is provisionally scheduled to cruise between Liverpool and Llandudno in June of this year, with bookings open from February.

“We are proud to announce the return of the Waverly Paddle Steamer for 2026,” said a spokesperson for Waverley Excursions, who added the vessel is currently laid up for a winter refit, with £1.5m to be spent on survey works, routine maintenance and renovation.