Shieldhall’s sailing programme includes new D-Day 80 cruises

The volunteers at Steamship Shieldhall in Southampton have released details of the ship’s 2024 sailing progamme. Commencing on Friday 3rd May, with a final sailing on Sunday 15th September, there are different durations to choose from including some returning favourite cruises as well as new trips.

A regular sight on the Solent during the summer months, Steamship Shieldhall is said to delight passengers who wish to experience the magic of ‘steam at sea.’ It is access all areas on board with groups encouraged to visit the Engine Room and Boiler Room and also meet the captain on the bridge.

“Through the hard work of our volunteers the ship is looking better than ever and we can look forward to an exciting season.”

Martin Phipps, Shieldhall’s chairman

There’s a 10% discount for parties of ten or more on all excursion tickets booked. Groups can also book a package to include an afternoon cruise as well as a visit to one of Southampton’s museums and a guided walk with a local guide. 

New for 2024: sunset music cruises, D-Day sailings and Hampshire Food Festival

There will be special sunset music cruises on selected dates in July and August with entertainment on board.

Also new for 2024 are D-Day 80 cruises on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June, showcasing the important role the Solent and its environs played in Operation Overlord.

Shieldhall will also be supporting the Hampshire Food Festival, with a cruise inclusive of a two-course Hampshire inspired lunch on Sunday 7th July.

Back by popular demand: return trips to Portsmouth Harbour and sea shanties

Following sell-out trips to Portsmouth Harbour, Shieldhall’s 2024 programme will see two trips into Portsmouth Harbour on Sunday 9th June (as part of D-Day 80 weekend) and Sunday 18th August. In addition to the naval ships, the trips give an exciting opportunity to view the dramatic skyline of Portsmouth, including Southsea; Clarence pier; Spice Island and the Spinnaker Tower, from the water.

Shieldhall’s volunteers will welcome back the Selsey Shantymen for a performance on Saturday 4th May and Southampton’s own ‘Salty Sea Dogs’ on Sunday 28th July, in addition to the Friday evening music trips. And Shieldhall’s own in-house jazz band, The Stompers, will provide entertainment on her positional cruise to Poole on the August Bank Holiday.

Shieldhall chairman Martin Phipps noted: “2023 saw our volunteers faced with a difficult year, with exceptional cost pressures and a continued hesitation by many to book post Covid. Whilst our sailing season was a success the drain on our funds left us with a doubt over our ability to fund essential dry docking prior to the 2024 season.

“Thanks however to the generosity of our members and the success in securing additional funds, the pressures have eased and the ship is now booked to attend dry dock in May. Through the hard work of our volunteers the ship is looking better than ever and we can look forward to an exciting season.”