Steamship Shieldhall Solent Cruise and watch four cruise ships depart and Merchant Navy Day Service

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!