Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent and out into the Eastern Solent, passing the cruise ships Arcadia, Independence of the Seas and Norwegian Prima in berth - always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! Our cruise will see Shieldhall heading east, passing the famous Palmerston Forts and on to the near-mythical Nab Tower. In doing so, we’ll be recreating the journey Shieldhall carried out for Southern Water during the mid-1980s, when she visited the nearby ‘dumping grounds’. Part of the celebrations for Shieldhall’s 70th anniversary weekend, look out for some 1950s theming, food and drink and entertainment! 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, 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!

Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent as Shieldhall celebrates her 70th birthday! We will pass the depots that Shieldhall served when in the service of Southern Water at Snow Hills Copse; Marchwood and Woolston – and look out for some 1950s theming, food and drink and entertainment on board! See the departure of the cruise ships Iona, Virtuosa, Sky Princess Ventura and Celebrity Apex - 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 to watch the start of the 2025 Fastnet Race. RORC expects a fantastic fleet to attend one of the world’s great ocean races! After witnessing the departure of the multihulls and IRC 2, IRC 1 and IRC Z & VO65 classes from Cowes, we will continue westwards towards The Needles, one of the most photographed and iconic coastal locations in the UK. Very popular with photographers, Shieldhall is a very stable vessel and provides a wonderful viewing and photographic platform. During the cruise Shieldhall will pass close to the cruise ships Aurora, Celebrity Apex, Iona and MSC Virtuosa - always the chance to sound the 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; real ale; a range of Titanic bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, available on all trips. Courtesy parking is available close to the berth. Children will have fun with an interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!

Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Celebrity Apex, Disney Fantasy, Regal Princess and Vista 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!

Shieldhall Southampton Docks Cruise to mark Heritage Open Days. Pass the cruise ships Arvia, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Prima and Queen Mary 2 and see the mighty container ships at close quarters. The Titanic berth will be highlighted. 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!

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. On our journey we will pass the cruise ships Independence of the Seas, Marina and Norwegian Prima 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. 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!

Rail 200 is the nationwide celebration marking 200 years since the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825. We’ll be looking back at the railway arriving in Southampton – and the earlier introduction, in 1820, of the first steam packet between Southampton and the Isle of Wight, The Prince of Cobourg, which began the first of her three-times daily voyages on Southampton Water. Join us on the Shieldhall with displays and entertainment to mark the occasion! On our journey we will pass the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Sky Princess and Ventura 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. 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!

Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Aurora, Brilliance of the Seas, Iona, MSC Virtuosa and Sky Princess, and on your return see 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!

Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ship Queen Anne depart - always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on board The Southampton Salty Sea Dogs Shanty Band, 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. 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!

Join the Shieldhall team as we pay homage to our celebrated local writer Jane Austen, to mark the 250th anniversary of her birthday. Water parties and yachting was a favourite pastime during Jane’s time in Southampton and she took trips to Hythe and Netley, which we will pass on our cruise. Her landlord, the marquis of Lansdowne almost drowned when his catamaran capsized, whilst the Lance family yacht also foundered! Relive some of Jane’s trips as we head to Portsmouth Harbour, where we will recount Jane’s brothers’ Charles and Frank’s naval connections, with both rising to the position of Admiral. Jane’s father George was a rector of Deane and Steventon in Hampshire, and we will be joined on board by the Shieldhall Padre for a short service to mark Merchant Navy Day, to which all are welcome. 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. 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). Our trip will see us pass the Norwegian Dawn, berthed at Southampton, 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 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!

Join Steamship Shieldhall for a rarely seen and wonderful sight on southern coastal waters on Saturday 13th September when two heritage steamships, both built in Scotland and today forming part of the National Historic Fleet, meet up with one another in the Solent. This special rendezvous is being arranged as the culmination of Shieldhall’s 70th anniversary year afloat, and is not to be missed! Shieldhall will steam down Southampton Water and head out to the Solent Forts, before meeting with Waverley in the Solent, and heading west in tandem with the Waverley towards Cowes. Expect lots of whistle tooting as the two ships salute one another in time-honoured style! During our voyage we will pass the cruise ships Celebrity Apex, Iona, MSC Virtuosa and Sky Princess – more opportunities to sound the 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 (we may also expect some other historic ships to join us!); 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.

Shieldhall will be open on Heritage Open Day Sunday 14th September for pre-booked visits between 10am – 3pm at 110 Berth in the Western Docks, with an opportunity to tour the ship from Bridge to Boiler Room! Come and meet Shieldhall’s volunteer crew and learn about life aboard a heritage steamship. As part of your visit, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines 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; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with a range of refreshments including hot and cold food; tea / coffee; a range of bottled beers and wine, plus ice cream. Tickets (charged for) are available for an afternoon crruise between 4pm - 6pm.

An opportunity to explore Shieldhall from stem to stern, and browse some trader stands as we stage an onboard ‘Liners Exhibition’.

An opportunity to explore Shieldhall from stem to stern, as we mark Shieldhall’s 70th birthday weekend. Shieldhall will be open free of charge. Following the open day, there will be an afternoon sailing (separate charge).

SailGP’s exhilarating, high-speed racing is set to make its long-awaited return to UK waters with the highly anticipated Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, taking place in Portsmouth on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July 2025. In response to popular demand, Steamship Shieldhall will be attending this spectacular event and has secured a prime anchorage position just outside the exclusion zone over both days— offering a strategic vantage point to enjoy the action! Anchored in line with the race course, Shieldhall promises exceptional views, all from the comfort of a spacious and stable historic vessel. Each day, Shieldhall will depart from her berth in Southampton and sail to the designated anchorage in Portsmouth to watch the race. PLEASE NOTE: This is a Shieldhall cruise and as such is not affiliated with official SailGP viewing. If you wish to view SailGP from the Waterfront Grandstand at Southsea, more information and tickets are available by visiting the official SailGP website. Timings of the day are shown below: 12:00 – Depart Berth 110, Southampton Western Docks 15:00 – Arrive at anchorage 16:00 to 17:30 – GP Racing slot (This is what is advertised on the SailGP official website currently) 17:30 to 18:00 – Depart anchorage 20:30 – Arrive Berth 110, Southampton Western Docks 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. 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!

SailGP’s exhilarating, high-speed racing is set to make its long-awaited return to UK waters with the highly anticipated Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, taking place in Portsmouth on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July 2025. In response to popular demand, Steamship Shieldhall will be attending this spectacular event and has secured a prime anchorage position just outside the exclusion zone over both days— offering a strategic vantage point to enjoy the action! Anchored in line with the race course, Shieldhall promises exceptional views, all from the comfort of a spacious and stable historic vessel. Each day, Shieldhall will depart from her berth in Southampton and sail to the designated anchorage in Portsmouth to watch the race. PLEASE NOTE: This is a Shieldhall cruise and as such is not affiliated with official SailGP viewing. If you wish to view SailGP from the Waterfront Grandstand at Southsea, more information and tickets are available by visiting the official SailGP website. Timings of the day are shown below: 12:00 – Depart Berth 110, Southampton Western Docks 15:00 – Arrive at anchorage 16:00 to 17:30 – GP Racing slot (This is what is advertised on the SailGP official website currently) 17:30 to 18:00 – Depart anchorage 20:30 – Arrive Berth 110, Southampton Western Docks 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. 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!