Iconic steamer returns for six cruises
April
29, 2024
The world’s last surviving seagoing passenger
carrying paddle steamer will be back in Clacton with six cruises this year, it
has been revealed.
Waverley’s excursions are picking up at the
town’s pier in the autumn and will include two new trips – and bookings are now
open.
There will be a special cruise to celebrate Radio
Caroline’s 60th anniversary (October 4) and another out to view the
Principality of Sealand (October 8), a famous wartime fort at sea which is an
independent nation with its own currency and passports.
The steamer, which was built in 1946 and is
charity-owned, will also operate three trips from Clacton to the River Thames
and under Tower Bridge (September 27, October 5 and 9) as well as an evening
sunset excursion to the Port of Felixstowe and the River Orwell (October 4).
Waverley recently completed her annual dry
docking and survey in Scotland where she is based in readiness for the new
season.
Tim Wardley, a spokesman for the vessel and
Chairman of the National Piers Society, said: “We are delighted to be returning
to Clacton Pier again in 2024 with a superb programme of cruises for all the
family.
“Clacton is vital to the continued success and
viability of the Thames cruising programme and we look forward to welcoming
everyone aboard again this year.
“We would also like to thank the pier owners,
staff and passengers for their continued support and enthusiasm.”
He said that it is great to have two new exciting
excursions this year.
On October 4 Waverley will cruise to Radio
Caroline ship Ross Revenge on the River Blackwater where DJs past and present
will be aboard with radio personalities Steve Scruton and Ian Wyatt.
“With 60s music it will be a real party cruise as
we salute one of the UK’s most famous radio stations,” added Mr Wardley.
Four days later the ship will make only her
second ever visit to Sealand in forty years.
The principality’s Royal Family – including
Prince Michael – will be aboard to inform passengers of its fascinating history
since its occupation in the 1960s. There will be a welcome from the fort as
Waverley slowly steams around it, allowing unique photographic opportunities.
Nigel Brown, Clacton Pier’s communications
manager, said that the team is looking forward to welcoming the vessel back.
“It’s good to have an extra cruise – and two new
ones – for 2024 and our team will make sure our berthing arm is ready to
receive Waverley, her crew and passengers,” he added.
“It is always a special occasion when she docks
and creates a great deal of interest. There is a real buzz when she arrives at
the pier.”
Full details, including times and prices of
cruises can be found at www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk
Ends
Nigel Brown
Nigel joined Clacton Pier as its Communications Manager in February 2018. He had just retired as Tendring District Council's Communications Manager after 12 years. Previously he was Deputy Editor at the Clacton Gazette where he worked for 23 years.
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