Join our team of volunteers as we commence our 2026 anniversary programme. We’ll have the flags out for the occasion! We will also be joined onboard by the Romsey Shanty Crew, a friendly, inclusive community singing group led by musician Nick Tann. They sing traditional sea shanties and songs from the sea, learned by ear and sung for the joy of shared voices. The crew usually meet weekly to sing together rather than perform, making appearances like this a rare occasion. Their performance will celebrate the maritime roots of the songs in a fitting and historic setting aboard the Shieldhall. Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Iona, Virtuosa, Sky Princess and Ventura depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to the informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and The Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with a wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; real ale; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

The Palmerston Forts built around Britain in the second half of the 19th century represent the country’s largest ever defensive building program in peacetime. Ranging from small gun positions and bunkers to huge walled forts several acres in size, the defences remained important military structures for almost 100 years after they were built and many on the mainland are still in service today. The defence of Portsmouth was central to these installations and today the evidence of this massive programme can still be seen around the Solent. Join the SS Shieldhall on this extended cruise into the Eastern Solent, passing Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s favourite home Osborne House, and the delightful town of Ryde. We will steam close to the mighty No Man’s Land, Spitbank, St Helens and Horse Sand Forts, accompanied with an expert commentary. A very popular cruise in 2025, we have extended our sailing to the east so we can view Sandown from the water too! On our journey we will pass the cruise ships Arvia, Liberty of the Seas and Norwegian Sky in berth, and on our return see a number of the ships depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Iona, Sky Princess and Ventura depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to the informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and The Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with a wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; real ale; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. During your trip there will be performances by The Kings Pond Shantymen to keep you entertained, part of Shieldhall’s first Shanty Weekend! The Kings Pond Shantymen were formed in 2001 and over the years have performed at many events in their home patch of Hampshire and Surrey in England as well as further afield. Their repertoire covers a wide range of shanty styles: long and short hauls, pumping and capstan as well as forebitters and whaling songs. All the well-known favourites are included and audience participation is actively encouraged! Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

Join us on an exciting cruise when Shieldhall will venture into the Medina River on the Isle of Wight! On our way down Southampton Water we will pass the cruise ships Celebrity Apex, Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Oceania Insignia and Seven Seas Grandeur at close quarters. Then, on reaching the Solent we will head east, viewing Norris Castle and Osborne House from the water. We will then return and enter the lower reaches of the Medina River, passing old warehouses and wharves, where in the past flying boats, hovercraft and steam ships were developed and built. We will welcome on board guests from the Cowes Hammerhead Crane Trust, who will give an entertaining insight into the Medina views! This trip had rare reviews when it has been staged in 2024 and 2025! As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Liberty of the Seas and Oceania Vista depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on board The Selsey Shantymen, “… we will sing of Mates and Gaffers and Skippers who are mad; we will sing of heroes and villains of the good and of the bad, but whatever we sing we know that you will join in every song and if you don’t we will just go ON and ON and ON!” As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, complete with musical accompaniment, and seeing the departing cruise ships – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! Enjoy an evening in the company of The Dinner Set, two nationally celebrated instrumentalists Tony Wright (sax for George Michael etc) and Martin Perry (harmonica for Dean Friedman etc). Between them, Tony and Martin have performed, toured, recorded or shared a stage with some of the most famous artists in popular music, including: Wham, Paul Young, Katrina & The Waves, Andy Fairweather Low, Craig Charles, George Michael, King, BBC, ITV, Selina Jones, Dean Friedman and even Russian concert pianist Natalia Posnova and The South Wales Male Voice Choir … though not at the same time! As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

Spend a leisurely day on the Solent, enjoying the spectacle of the Round the Island Yacht Race from the great viewing platform of the Shieldhall! The race regularly attracts over 1,700 boats and around 16,000 sailors, making it one of the largest yacht races in the world and the fourth largest participation sporting event in the UK after the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs. Very popular with photographers, Shieldhall is a very stable vessel and provides a wonderful viewing and photographic platform. During our trip to the Solent we will pass the cruise ships Celebrity Apex, Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Sky Princess and Ventura in Port at close quarters – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to the informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and The Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with a wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; real ale; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Norwegian Sky and Seven Seas Grandeur depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on board The Southampton Salty Sea Dogs Shanty Crew, who will regale guests with a lively litany of sea shanties! As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and volunteer crew; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with a wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; real ale; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, complete with musical accompaniment from ‘Jim Splice and The Main Brace’, a four piece band playing songs of the sea. Included in their play list will be some popular songs, including our own ‘Shieldhall Song.’ Featured musical instruments will include accordian, violin, acoustic guitars, banjo, whistle and harmonica plus bodhran drum. Our journey will see Shieldhall pass the cruise ships Liberty of the Seas, Norwegian Star, Queen Anne and Silver Spirit – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! ( This will be first time we have seen Liberty of the Seas from the Shieldhall in Southampton!). As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Arvia, Liberty of the Seas. Mein Schiff II and Norwegian Star depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on board the Steam Town Shanty Crew, based in Eastleigh, who will be entertaining us with a lively mix of traditional – and not-so-traditional – shanties. As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Sky Princess, Ventura in berth, and on your return see a number of the ships depart - always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Courtesy parking is available close to the berth. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

One way trip to Poole, passengers make their own way back (coach transport may be booked – see separate form). Our trip will see us pass the sights and sounds of busy Southampton Water, The Needles, Hengistbury Head and Poole Harbour, passing Brownsea Island and Sandbanks. Shieldhall will berth at Poole Quay, close to Poole Pottery, an approx. 15 min walk from Poole Railway Station. As part of your cruise, view the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to the informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and The Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of Titanic bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, available on all trips. Courtesy parking is available close to Shieldhall’s Southampton berth. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

See the sights of Poole Harbour, passing Brownsea Island and Sandbanks, Old Harry Rocks and Hengistbury Head, before sailing to the Needles themselves, one of the most photographed and iconic coastal locations in the UK. We will later return to our berth in Poole Quay with entertainment provided by the Dorset Mutineers Shanty Band. Listen out for the Shieldhall steam whistle and ‘organ’ as we say ‘hello’ to the Sandbanks Chain Ferry! As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary of Poole Harbour; pass by Sandbanks and Studland; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. A pay car park is available 5 mins walk from the berth. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

One way trip to Southampton, departing Poole Quay, passengers make their own way back to Poole. (coach transport may be booked – see separate form). See the sights of Poole Harbour, passing Brownsea Island and Sandbanks, Old Harry Rocks, Hengistbury Head, The Needles and Southampton Water, where we will pass the cruise ships Disney Dream and Explorer III in berth. As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; real ale; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, available on all trips. A pay car park is available 5 mins walk from the berth in Poole. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board! Please note that there is a coach return available to take you back to Poole after this cruise at an additional cost.

Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Ventura and Queen Mary 2 in berth, and on your return see a number of the ships depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We are delighted to welcome Stephen Payne, British Naval Architect and designer of the Queen Mary 2 on board this sailing, who will give an oversight from the bridge PA as we pass close to the world’s only true remaining ocean liner! The Shieldhall Padre, Dennis Mould, will also be present and during the sailing will conduct a service to mark Merchant Navy Day, to which all are welcome. As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

Shieldhall will initially steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Arvia and Queen Anne – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! Then heading east, Shieldhall will pass into Portsmouth Harbour, home to the Royal Navy – an exciting opportunity to view Britain’s naval vessels and the dramatic skyline of Portsmouth, including Southsea; Clarence pier; Spice Island and the Spinnaker Tower, from the water. Get your cameras at the ready! As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

Shieldhall Southampton Docks Cruise to mark Heritage Open Days, at a very special price of £19.55 per adult ticket, reflecting the date of launch of Steamship Shieldhall! Pass the four cruise ships Arvia, Borealis, Mein Schiff 2 and Norwegian Star and see the mighty container ships at close quarters. The Titanic berth will be highlighted. This is an ideal ‘introductory sea cruise’ on a very smooth vessel with two hours on the water. As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board! During the day between 10am – 2pm Shieldhall will be open free of charge in support of the Heritage Open Days event, with timed entry admission.

We will pass into Portsmouth Harbour, home to the Royal Navy – an exciting opportunity to view Britain’s naval vessels and the dramatic skyline of Portsmouth, including Southsea; Clarence Pier; Spice Island and the Spinnaker Tower, from the water. On our return to berth we can expect to see the cruise ships Norwegian Sky and Queen Anne departing Southampton – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’ As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to the informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and The Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with a wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; real ale; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

Join our volunteers as we explore the World Heritage Jurassic Coast coastline. Our route will see Shieldhall depart her Poole Quay berth, passing the exclusive Sandbanks area and crossing the chain ferry route close to the port entrance before sailing south. We’ll pass Old Harry Rocks, Swanage, Peveral Point, historic Durlston Castle and Anvil Point Lighthouse. Once past Anvil point we’ll head west passing Guillemot Ledge, Dancing Ledge and Seacombe Cliff to reach our western most point, St. Aldhem’s Head, before turning around and retracing our route to Poole, at which point guests will be serenaded by the Wareham Whalers Shanty Band. As part of your cruise, view the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to the informed commentary on the sights and sounds of the Jurassic Coast; pass close to the sea traffic in Poole Harbour; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; real ale; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, available on all trips. A pay car park is available 5 mins walk from the berth. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

Join us for a truly special day of steam and seafaring tradition. Steamship Shieldhall invites you to witness a rare and memorable sight as two of Britain’s most treasured steamships — Shieldhall and Waverley — meet and sail together in the Solent. This special cruise will mark Waverley’s 80th year launch anniversary. Both vessels were built in Scotland and are now proud members of the National Historic Fleet. Between them, they represent an extraordinary 151 years of continuous steamship heritage still afloat today — a century and a half of British craftsmanship, engineering excellence and faithful service at sea. To see Shieldhall and Waverley steaming side-by-side is to experience living maritime history in motion — a rare and deeply stirring reminder of Britain’s proud coastal traditions. Shieldhall will steam down Southampton Water towards Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, where she will meet Waverley before both vessels head east towards the Solent Forts. (Exact position on the day will depend on shipping traffic). For approximately 45 minutes, they will steam in formation, whistles sounding in traditional salute — a wonderful opportunity for photography and an unforgettable experience at sea. During the voyage, Shieldhall is also expected to pass five modern cruise liners — Celebrity Apex, Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Sky Princess and Ventura. The striking contrast between these vast contemporary ships and our beautifully preserved steamship offers a powerful reminder of how maritime travel has evolved — while proving that the elegance, sound and presence of steam still holds a very special place in our hearts. With the gentle rhythm of the engines, the deep note of the whistle, and the unmistakable sound of the Shieldhall Steam Organ, this promises to be a day of nostalgia, pride and celebration. We are expecting this cruise to be extremely popular, and tickets are likely to sell quickly. We strongly recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. Please note that Waverley’s South Coast and Isle of Wight timetable will be released in late March. Join us on board for this remarkable gathering of steam at sea — and secure your place while tickets remain available.

Join us as we celebrate the organisations that help keep us all safe in the Solent, in a cruise that will include an exercise at sea with Solent Rescue. We will welcome guests from the National Coastwatch Institution on board, and meet up with other vessels on the water. On our way down Southampton Water we will pass the cruise ship Arvia at close quarters, always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Courtesy parking is available close to the berth. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

Cruise down Southampton Water to the Solent, then head west along the New Forest Coast, travelling out beyond Hurst Castle and the Needles Passage to the Needles themselves, one of the most photographed and iconic coastal locations in the UK. We will pass west of the Needles to allow a view of the west coast of the Isle of Wight and the chalk cliffs – will you spot the famous ‘Isle of Wight Polar Bear’ chalk formation, best seen in the afternoon sunshine?! Sailing up and down Southampton Water we will pass the cruise ships Liberty of the Seas and Norwegian Star at close quarters - always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

We are delighted to announce that Steamship Shieldhall will be sailing to view the Cowes Fireworks and Red Arrows. Returning after many years, this special event has been organised to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Cowes Week. With musical entertainment on board, hot food, a fully stocked bar, and unrivalled views of both the spectacular fireworks and aerial displays, this promises to be a truly memorable evening at sea. The cruise will depart from Berth 110 at 5.30pm and return by 11.59pm, with a wonderful atmosphere guaranteed throughout the voyage. The Isle of Wight County Press writes: “The world-famous Red Arrows, combined with the closing night fireworks over the Solent, will headline a week celebrating the bicentenary of the world’s longest-running sailing regatta. Their return is a major highlight of what organisers suggest could be the most ambitious Cowes Week in living memory, and a fitting tribute to two centuries of tradition and competition.” During the cruise, guests will also have the opportunity to explore this magnificent steamship. Visit the impressive engine room, where the original steam engines will be in full operation, and step onto the bridge to see its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork. Admire the ship’s steam-assisted steering gear—similar to that used on Titanic—and chat with the Captain and our volunteer crew. Enjoy informative commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent, pass close to great ocean liners and container ships, stroll along the teak decks, or relax in the Saloon. A wide range of refreshments will be available throughout the trip, including tea and coffee, real ale, bottled beers, wine, and hot and cold food—plus ice cream. Previous Cowes Week Fireworks sailings have proved extremely popular, with tickets selling out quickly. We strongly recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

The RMS Titanic was launched on 31 May 1911, and departed Southampton on her maiden voyage on 10 April, 1912. Join us as SS Shieldhall steams down Southampton Water towards the Solent, and learn about Southampton’s links with the White Star liner. Pass the Titanic berth, and hear about the ‘New York Incident’ that nearly resulted in a collision between Titanic and SS New York in Southampton Water, just off Dock Head. Hear about the fate of the Southampton crew after her collision with the iceberg. Use the opportunity on board to ‘feel the burn’ in the Boiler Room, and experience the temperatures that Titanic’s ‘Black Gang’ would have known working in the bowels of the ship. We will welcome Titanic experts on board who will be happy to answer your Titanic questions. On our return to berth, get close to the departing cruise ships Celebrity Apex; Iona; MSC Virtuosa; Sky Princess and Ventura – always the cue to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! The Titanic, the largest ship of her day, weighed 46,000 tonnes – the Iona some 184,000 tonnes – effectively four times the size! As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original triple expansion steam engines at work and the Bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam-assisted steering gear (again similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great cruise and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon or on the open deck; enjoy our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips. Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Passport, collecting stickers from various stations on board! Recognising the educational value of this sailing, there is a special price of just £9 for children.