The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer is to make its first sailing from Newhaven since the 1980s later this month.
The Waverley is departing from locations across the south coast in the run up to the 80th anniversary of its launch in October 1946.
It will depart from Newhaven on Tuesday, 22 September, sailing to the Isle of Wight where it will stop at Ryde and The Needles.
Captain Bruce Clark, Master of Waverley, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to the south coast for a variety of sailings over the next three weeks, from scenic cruises along the Jurassic Coast to sailings around the Isle of Wight and across the Solent.
“There really is something for everyone, with daytime, afternoon and evening cruises offering locals and visitors the chance to enjoy some of the South Coast’s most spectacular scenery from the unique perspective of Waverley.
“We’re particularly excited about our first public sailing from Newhaven since the 1980s on Tuesday 22 September, when passengers will have the rare opportunity to visit Ryde on the Isle of Wight or cruise to the Needles.
“It’s a great programme and we look forward to welcoming passengers aboard.”
Tickets are now on sale, with a buy one get one half price offer on adult fares.
Onboard, passengers can savour the sight and sound of a real steamship – hear the telegraph ring, visit the engine room and watch the engine start to move and see the paddles turning through the portholes.
Full catering facilities are available throughout all cruises- passengers can enjoy a hot or cold snack, tea and cake in the afternoon, a hot meal in the dining saloon or a refreshment in one of the period lounges.
To book a ticket from Newhaven, call 0141 243 2224.
Probably more reliable than the regular ferry!
Now THIS is splendid news.
An eighty-year-old paddle steamer, a dining saloon, afternoon tea and a leisurely voyage to the Isle of Wight. At last, someone has devised a form of public transport with appropriate standards.
I note Ann E Nicky’s suggestion that an elderly steamship may prove more reliable than the regular ferry. Lady B would never be so mischievous as to make such a comparison herself – although she shall watch the departure boards with considerable interest.
One only hopes standards of dress aboard the Waverley will reflect the occasion. There are limits, after all.
Is this the one Ho Chi Minh worked on?
He worked on the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry.
Please inform us of Newhaven departure time on 22 Sept
Many thanks John and Pamela
It’s all on the waverleyexcursions website. 10.30 departure from Newhaven but the cruise ends at Portsmouth in the evening with coach back to Newhaven.