Waverley Excursions
Waverley Excursions
4
About
Waverley is the World's last seagoing paddle steamer offering Day, Afternoon and Evening Cruises in several areas around the UK. Step aboard to enjoy a unique piece of our maritime, industrial and social heritage. Only aboard Waverley can you enjoy unrivalled access to our stunning coastline, savour the sound as the paddles beat, view the ship's powerful steam engine and even watch the paddles turning. Waverley has full catering facilities open throughout the cruise including our very own Souvenir Shop where you can purchase an exclusive Waverley memento of your time aboard this famous survivor from the age of steam!
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Paula B3 contributionsFantastic DayWOW, what an amazing day! Travelled from Clacton Pier along the coast, up into the Thames along to Tower Bridge. The bridge opened twice for us and it was really impressive! It was busy but we could always find a seat. We had an amazing lunch, the biggest fish and chips I've seen for a very long time. The staff work really hard and everything was spotlessly clean. We travelled back from Gravesend by coach (a very posh double decker ) Wear layers as it can get very chilly out on deck when the sun goes down.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 6 October 2023
- bournie253 contributionsFantastic DayAnother absolutely fantastic day aboard Waverley for a return trip to Southend. Despite being very busy, there were also quieter areas onboard. As always the extremely hard working crew had safety as paramount whilst being attentive to all passengers requirements. Thank you so much for an amazing day, as always such a wonderful experience to be aboard the World’s last sea going paddle steamer.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 October 2023
- 827janetsPenzance, United Kingdom36 contributionsAn absolutely amazing experienceWhat an amazing day! Coaches collected us from Ipswich train station, taking us to the Docks to board the PS Waverley. From there, we had a superb journey through the Thames Estuary (calling at Clacton and Southend on the way for some to disembark and embark), through Tower Bridge twice and back to Gravesend where coaches were waiting to take everyone back to their respective starting points. The voyage on the Waverley lasted 11 hours with excellent commentary throughout. It was also very interesting to see the engine room. Although busy, there was adequate seating both on deck and below and good catering facilities. The staff on board, although extremely busy, were friendly, courteous and very professional. All-in-all and very good value day out.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 18 October 2023
- Howard-LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom3,316 contributionsBrilliantYet again another great year on the Waverley. Many trips this year and all superb. Good views good atmosphere great crew and very decent food. This year things certainly improved and am so please. Now we just have to wait till next year for moreVisited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 18 October 2023
- Mark D14 contributionsPaddle steamerAbsolutely amazing experience to go on a paddle steamer with a trip into London and through Tower bridge. Pleasant helpful staff with really good restaurant onboard at fair prices. If anything a little crowded at busy / interesting points but people do spread out well for most parts as it holds quite a lot of peopleVisited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 October 2023
- Cheekycockney190757Basildon, United Kingdom11,487 contributionsGo on it whilst we still have the chance too.We sailed on Friday 22nd September 2023 on the Southend "Pier of the Year" Celebration Cruise with friends on the world's last ocean-going paddle steamer Waverley. A 4-hour cruise visiting the Thames Forts at Shivering Sands, Red Sands & Knock John. Made the mistake of trying to have lunch on board as not only was the queue long and service very slow, but it also clashed with our passing the first set of forts. We were lucky with the weather and sea conditions and overall it was a wonderful experience.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 23 January 2024
- AnonymousEdinburgh, United Kingdom16 contributionsAbsolutely fantasticWent for a combined stag and hen do. Was absolutely fantastic. Live music, beautiful scenery, the engine room was just amazing to see! Lots of smiling faces even people waving from their windows or balconies on the banks. Please try this. It’s a day in your life you will not regret! Just pack for every eventuality - it’s Scotland after allVisited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 February 2024
- June DBrean, United Kingdom33 contributionsExcellent customer serviceI have yet to enjoy a trip on the Waverley BUT wanted to leave a review due the excellent customer service I have received. I booked a short trip but misread some details. I contacted the company, during the weekend!, and the problem was resolved and a refund made within hours. Brilliant service Can’t wait for the trip and will leave another review thenVisited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 10 March 2024
- nobodytoknowGlasgow, United Kingdom178 contributionsExcellent day trip 'doon the watter', if you get the good weather.I enjoyed the trip, leaving Glasgow at 9:45 and returning at 20:15 was a long trip but there was always something to see. The weather was glorious so watched from the open deck, apart from having lunch. I imagine it's not so much fun if the weather is bad. Ticketing is well organised and there's plenty of info on the web-site on stop-off and FAQs. I 100% emphasis taking a sun hat and sunscreen as the wind and reflected sunlight is strong. Also layers of clothing as it always much cooler on the water. Food and drink on-board was fine, of course you do pay a premium so no point in grumbling. Fish and chips for lunch with a beer was quite tasty and the coffee and cake in the afternoon was a booster. There's a good amount of sitting space in the dining room, bars and tearoom. Toilet facilities on board were fine. My only observation of you are less mobile then getting up and down the gangplank and the steep onboard stairs might be a challenge, although the crew were very helpful assisting elderly passengers. Parking at the Science Centre was no problem, it cost £10 for the time I stayed. Adding that to the trip itself, onboard food and drink I was around £100 all in. All in all, very enjoyable day going 'doon the watter'.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 18 May 2024
- J F2 contributionsBrilliantGlasgow to Oban on the 20th May. One word BRILLIANT. We know you can't take credit for the weather but everything and everyone especially the galley did an excellent job. Thank You All.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 May 2024
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4.0
989 reviews
Excellent
488
Very good
196
Average
102
Poor
65
Terrible
138
sweetFife
Fife107 contributions
Aug 2021
Just back after 7 1/2 hours on the Waverley. Positives: The only positive was that we saw places we have never been to before. Negatives: Very very busy which made me uncomfortable. Went to the restaurant and had soup and a bread roll .... soup was barely warm and they couldnt find the bread rolls, there was a big queue at this point. Gave it back but had to wait 20 minutes before they brought "hot" soup again for us. It was once again just a touch warmer. Not acceptable. Sitting in the lounge area we did not make out a word that was coming thru the microphone to give us some history on the areas we were passing thru and which was a complete waste of time. There are notices saying to wear a face mask when moving around inside the boat but I spotted a crew member without a mask on. Rules for some and rules for others. I will not be on this boat again
Written 19 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VonoRono
Manchester, UK36 contributions
Jul 2021
I cannot rate the cruise because it was cancelled at very short notice, but I feel I have enough experience to rate the overall experience of such a cancellation which I believe is a lot more frequent than is known.
Firstly, We booked the cruise in advance to ensure a place on it and organised our hotel accommodation to suit the date of the cruise.
We drove for 5 hours to get to Largs where the cruise would start the cruise and visited the town and harbour areas, the weather was perfect in every way. We were surprised not to see the ship in the harbour as per her cruise schedule.
We left the town and made our way to our hotel, and just as we booked in, we got a text at 14:54 informing us that the cruise arranged for 12:15 the following day would not take place! When we phoned them up they referred us to their website citing the reason as weather concerns???, and then changing it to mechanical problems ???, a winch had broken and a part had to be made???. They offered us an opportunity to re-book, but I think in all honesty it was a big luck dip as to whether it will sail or not on any given date.
Other people at the hotel had also planned their holiday around this cruise and were bitterly disappointed at the cancellation (21 hours notice). It’s not just a disappointment of the cancellation, but also the daunting task of having to quickly find alternative venues to replace the experience at short notice. The extra night in the hotel is no longer required? Or a host of other considerations and plans and expenses.
The ship did not sail on Tuesday 27th July, Wednesday 28th July (Thursday 29th July is also cancelled) In all fairness, It’s alright listing the cruise times, but can they also make a list of all the cancellations to date so people can see the frequency of cancellations?
It’s not only the last paddle steamer in the world, it is even more unique now it’s also the last paddle streamer in the world which we won’t go on.
Firstly, We booked the cruise in advance to ensure a place on it and organised our hotel accommodation to suit the date of the cruise.
We drove for 5 hours to get to Largs where the cruise would start the cruise and visited the town and harbour areas, the weather was perfect in every way. We were surprised not to see the ship in the harbour as per her cruise schedule.
We left the town and made our way to our hotel, and just as we booked in, we got a text at 14:54 informing us that the cruise arranged for 12:15 the following day would not take place! When we phoned them up they referred us to their website citing the reason as weather concerns???, and then changing it to mechanical problems ???, a winch had broken and a part had to be made???. They offered us an opportunity to re-book, but I think in all honesty it was a big luck dip as to whether it will sail or not on any given date.
Other people at the hotel had also planned their holiday around this cruise and were bitterly disappointed at the cancellation (21 hours notice). It’s not just a disappointment of the cancellation, but also the daunting task of having to quickly find alternative venues to replace the experience at short notice. The extra night in the hotel is no longer required? Or a host of other considerations and plans and expenses.
The ship did not sail on Tuesday 27th July, Wednesday 28th July (Thursday 29th July is also cancelled) In all fairness, It’s alright listing the cruise times, but can they also make a list of all the cancellations to date so people can see the frequency of cancellations?
It’s not only the last paddle steamer in the world, it is even more unique now it’s also the last paddle streamer in the world which we won’t go on.
Written 28 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Vonorono, we are sorry that your Waverley cruise was cancelled. This is something which couldn’t be avoided given the nature of repair work required to the steam winch.
This particular cancellation was never related to weather - fortunately this season the weather has been fantastic as other reviews will testify.
If we cancel we notify pre-booked passengers as soon as possible after the decision has been taken. Cancelling is not something we take lightly. Waverley has so far operated 90% of advertised sailings this season. The four cancelled sailings since we started operating have all been related to the essential repair required on the forward steam winch.
🚢
Written 31 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robin B
2 contributions
Sept 2022
On Tuesday 6 September I led a walk from Alum Bay to Yarmouth Isle of Wight and we used the Waverley to get to Yarmouth from Swanage. Most of us booked in advance as there was only one sailing with enough time on the island to do our walk. Unfortunately the weather forecast was dire with thundery showers, a moderate to rough sea and a strong wind. Two of our members were put off by the weather forecast and lost their money which amounted to over £80. The Waverley rocked about a lot and a lady grabbed a cupboard which slid away in the tea lounge. Fortunately the weather cleared for our three hour walk. On arrival at Yarmouth someone mentioned that the Waverley would be diverted to Southampton but we did not get an official announcement until we had been underway for about 20 minutes. I was pleased to have another trip on the Waverley after the ship had been absent for four years. Usually it does three trips on Tuesdays from Swanage with four hours on the island but this time there was only one. £19 for fish and chips and a glass of wine was rather expensive but I expect everywhere will be charging that soon.
Written 13 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mck32
London, UK9 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
I've very mixed feelings about my experiences of the Round the Island cruise of the Isle of Wight. At 10.00 am we departed Southampton docks, via mandatory shuttle bus from Soton Station. Our return was scheduled for 8.00 pm but we were a little late and then unexpectedly the shuttle bus stopped several times to drop off passengers before getting to the station at 8.40. By that time we'd missed our train.
Sadly we weren't allowed to take photos of the boat as we were made to go straight aboard due I imagine to health and safety regs at Southampton docks (Dock Gate 4). So I have no photos of the Waverley other than those taken aboard.
The boat itself was lovely in many ways and parts of it have had a lot of time care and money spent on its restoration. Unfortunately we didn't get to see much of the ship as we had underestimated how many people would be joining at Yarmouth and then Portsmouth. A tip for future travellers: do your exploring before the ship fills up! The stream of people boarding at Yarmouth and Portsmouth seemed scarily never ending. We were sort of trapped on the observation deck until eventually my bladder left me with no alternative than to fight and stumble my way over people's legs and bags and weave my way down two sets of scarily steep stairs to the ladies. (The loos though clean-ish were very tired. Rust and puddles everywhere. Desperately in need of refurbishment. Not glamorous I know, but they let the rest of the boat down.)
In the evening, when most of the passengers had disembarked at Yarmouth and Portsmouth, I was able to explore a little and found there is another staircase in the aft part of the boat that was much less steep than the forward staircase. That one led to the restaurant I think. A deck plan would have been really helpful.
Luckily the weather was fine, though cold. Had it rained I don't know how we would have coped. There wouldn't have been enough shelter for the advertised capacity of 800+. I don't know how many were onboard. I had checked before booking and been told they were operating at reduced capacity. I can only say if that's so it must be scary when full!
The cruise itself was lovely. We saw dolphins and a coastguard helicopter paid us an unexpected and exciting visit, winching a man onto and from the deck in a training exercise. We even enjoyed a Spitfire flying over!
I loved the cruise but feel frustrated that I didn't get to explore the ship. Would I travel again? Probably. But on a less popular and crowded cruise ... if there is such a thing.
A plea to the owners: please put a deck plan on your website and also in prominent positions onboard.
Sadly we weren't allowed to take photos of the boat as we were made to go straight aboard due I imagine to health and safety regs at Southampton docks (Dock Gate 4). So I have no photos of the Waverley other than those taken aboard.
The boat itself was lovely in many ways and parts of it have had a lot of time care and money spent on its restoration. Unfortunately we didn't get to see much of the ship as we had underestimated how many people would be joining at Yarmouth and then Portsmouth. A tip for future travellers: do your exploring before the ship fills up! The stream of people boarding at Yarmouth and Portsmouth seemed scarily never ending. We were sort of trapped on the observation deck until eventually my bladder left me with no alternative than to fight and stumble my way over people's legs and bags and weave my way down two sets of scarily steep stairs to the ladies. (The loos though clean-ish were very tired. Rust and puddles everywhere. Desperately in need of refurbishment. Not glamorous I know, but they let the rest of the boat down.)
In the evening, when most of the passengers had disembarked at Yarmouth and Portsmouth, I was able to explore a little and found there is another staircase in the aft part of the boat that was much less steep than the forward staircase. That one led to the restaurant I think. A deck plan would have been really helpful.
Luckily the weather was fine, though cold. Had it rained I don't know how we would have coped. There wouldn't have been enough shelter for the advertised capacity of 800+. I don't know how many were onboard. I had checked before booking and been told they were operating at reduced capacity. I can only say if that's so it must be scary when full!
The cruise itself was lovely. We saw dolphins and a coastguard helicopter paid us an unexpected and exciting visit, winching a man onto and from the deck in a training exercise. We even enjoyed a Spitfire flying over!
I loved the cruise but feel frustrated that I didn't get to explore the ship. Would I travel again? Probably. But on a less popular and crowded cruise ... if there is such a thing.
A plea to the owners: please put a deck plan on your website and also in prominent positions onboard.
Written 21 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pirie26
Glasgow, UK45 contributions
Jul 2021
Joined the Vessel at Glasgow & had a days sail to Dunoon, Rothsay, and return to Glasgow. During the current restrictions the passenger numbers are reduced, but the atmosphere of a day down the Clyde on the Waverley is the same.
On our trip it is evident that this vessel has a special attraction to both passengers and residents alike, day trippers on Clyde, waving from shore to ship is reciprocated and the passing of the Waverley is a reassuring site to all, The Waverley loves the Clyde and Clyde loves the Waverley.
The crew were exceptional this season , very helpful and professional members, from helping the elderly to ensuring a safe and enjoyable day out for all passengers.
Standard of cuisine has improved and we had a choice of 3 mains and various sides for lunch. The obligatory rolls n sausages are available in the morning with fresh rolls delivered each day.
During these strange times, a day trip on the Waverley was such an enjoyed experience, the Vessel is old but cared for in an exemplary fashion, and contributed to a great day out and excursion if on the West Coast.
On our trip it is evident that this vessel has a special attraction to both passengers and residents alike, day trippers on Clyde, waving from shore to ship is reciprocated and the passing of the Waverley is a reassuring site to all, The Waverley loves the Clyde and Clyde loves the Waverley.
The crew were exceptional this season , very helpful and professional members, from helping the elderly to ensuring a safe and enjoyable day out for all passengers.
Standard of cuisine has improved and we had a choice of 3 mains and various sides for lunch. The obligatory rolls n sausages are available in the morning with fresh rolls delivered each day.
During these strange times, a day trip on the Waverley was such an enjoyed experience, the Vessel is old but cared for in an exemplary fashion, and contributed to a great day out and excursion if on the West Coast.
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark V
Saxmundham, UK1 contribution
Sept 2023 • Friends
My wife Meg and I, taking along our lovely neighbour Dawn on the day cruise from Ipswich Dock to Tower Hill, London on Saturday 23rd Sept 2023. In a nutshell a fabulous way to spend a Saturday, the weather was warm and the sea was rather calm too. The Vessel is fabulous, built in the late 40s(1949?) and a credit to the owners and charity that run it, all of the crew were very approachable and friendly. Despite some previous negativity regarding lack of places to sit we never found this problem on this trip, and there were 500 passengers on board.
It only made one stop at Clacton Pier where some passengers disembarked and a few got on. It was a 1 1/4hr stop and you could pop off if you wished.
They serve breakfast rolls until 11am which had 3 rashers of lovely thick bacon, pretty good for £4.95😀 extra items were a £1 each I seem to remember.
The Waverley has a large dining room, several lounge areas in which you could buy refreshments and nice gift shop. If you time it right the queues are not long, this particular trip was 10 hrs long, we waited until about
2-30 before having lunch. We all had the fish, chips and peas which was really nice and very generous portions, again a good deal at £14.95 each.
The highlight of the trip was of course sailing up the Thames from the North Sea, when we started to pass the sights we have all seen on tv it was twilight and the buildings and landmarks were lit up. Having worked and lived in London for 30 yrs I have felt it looked much prettier at night. The final treat was the raising of Tower Bridge so we could pass under before we docked the other side at Tower Pier. I had only ever seen it raised once before so to be on a vessel passing under it raised was quite special.
We could not fault this trip in any way, our neighbour lost her hubby 2 yrs ago and she said it was the best day she had since he passed, praise indeed😀
The chap commentating on points of interest was very knowledgable
If you get the chance take a trip on the Waverley, please do so, you will not be disappointed.
It only made one stop at Clacton Pier where some passengers disembarked and a few got on. It was a 1 1/4hr stop and you could pop off if you wished.
They serve breakfast rolls until 11am which had 3 rashers of lovely thick bacon, pretty good for £4.95😀 extra items were a £1 each I seem to remember.
The Waverley has a large dining room, several lounge areas in which you could buy refreshments and nice gift shop. If you time it right the queues are not long, this particular trip was 10 hrs long, we waited until about
2-30 before having lunch. We all had the fish, chips and peas which was really nice and very generous portions, again a good deal at £14.95 each.
The highlight of the trip was of course sailing up the Thames from the North Sea, when we started to pass the sights we have all seen on tv it was twilight and the buildings and landmarks were lit up. Having worked and lived in London for 30 yrs I have felt it looked much prettier at night. The final treat was the raising of Tower Bridge so we could pass under before we docked the other side at Tower Pier. I had only ever seen it raised once before so to be on a vessel passing under it raised was quite special.
We could not fault this trip in any way, our neighbour lost her hubby 2 yrs ago and she said it was the best day she had since he passed, praise indeed😀
The chap commentating on points of interest was very knowledgable
If you get the chance take a trip on the Waverley, please do so, you will not be disappointed.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PR
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Friends
AVOID
A booze cruise never to be done again!!
We were hoping the rumours weren’t true about taking the cruise on a Friday evening, but it is! A booze cruise with continual queues non stop to buy alcohol. Seemed a calm boarding process until the band started up. Initially calm but when the band starts ramping up the music and playing all the party songs you know already where this is going. Drunk people (continually being served more alcohol), people dancing and throwing each other around, swimming pool of a floor and having you and your family bashed, bumped and your belongings knocked around is not what this historical boat should be doing. The band play all the party songs right up until you are almost back in the docking area. Clearly just packing people in to scrape some money in. This is a horrendous way to manage and treat such a boat with its history. Towards the end when people had to get off,and then for those that bought tickets on the boat (no idea how that worked and was followed up), the crew clearly just wanted everyone off and couldn’t care less. A total disappointment of such a historical problematic boat which is just a booze and party cruise. What a sad way to see this boat go down just to pack people in. Management and crew needs to change and a very different strategy taken rather than just ticket numbers with drunk people and a band. Such a sad state of affairs for a charity to go down and embarrassment to its history, the city and the whole ethos of what it could be!!! Get your act together and change this!
A booze cruise never to be done again!!
We were hoping the rumours weren’t true about taking the cruise on a Friday evening, but it is! A booze cruise with continual queues non stop to buy alcohol. Seemed a calm boarding process until the band started up. Initially calm but when the band starts ramping up the music and playing all the party songs you know already where this is going. Drunk people (continually being served more alcohol), people dancing and throwing each other around, swimming pool of a floor and having you and your family bashed, bumped and your belongings knocked around is not what this historical boat should be doing. The band play all the party songs right up until you are almost back in the docking area. Clearly just packing people in to scrape some money in. This is a horrendous way to manage and treat such a boat with its history. Towards the end when people had to get off,and then for those that bought tickets on the boat (no idea how that worked and was followed up), the crew clearly just wanted everyone off and couldn’t care less. A total disappointment of such a historical problematic boat which is just a booze and party cruise. What a sad way to see this boat go down just to pack people in. Management and crew needs to change and a very different strategy taken rather than just ticket numbers with drunk people and a band. Such a sad state of affairs for a charity to go down and embarrassment to its history, the city and the whole ethos of what it could be!!! Get your act together and change this!
Written 30 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Paul R, we have received several good reports in regard to the Sunset Cruise on Waverley and your report is at odds with others.
One passenger was so impressed by how helpful the crew were with his disabled wife that he called our office to pass on his appreciation to the crew.
Waverley carried less than half her capacity on the evening cruise as we restrict capacity to ensure that everyone can be seated inside should the scottish summer weather be damp or cold. It can get chilly on deck after dark so again best we limit numbers to ensure people have plenty of space inside. We noted on boarding many passengers came with jumpers or extra clothing should they have needed it.
The band played in the forward lounge and while that created a fun and enjoyable atmosphere in that area there are other lounges on board. If you were seated in the forward lounge and were not wanting to be surrounded by other passengers who were enjoying the band there would have been other areas to move to.
Your comment on tickets isn’t clear - tickets are handed in as passengers disembark the ship. Some passengers bought tickets on board while most had pre-booked them in advance.
You are suggesting there should be changes in your report but it’s not clear what those changes should be - if you can contact us directly that would be the best way to pass on your comments for us to consider rather than via an online report.
Thank you,
Waverley Excursions Ltd.
Info@waverleyexcursions.co.uk
Written 30 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rhi D
5 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
The trip from Penarth was fine the steamer seemed over crowded but enough space below deck etc. The departure to Minehead was fine and we enjoyed the trip on the Diesel rail car although clearly something was amiss as the heritage railway operators didn't have enough coach seats for everyone so people had to stand again elderly frail people. But things took a very sorry turn when the buses to take our party of 60 from Minehead to Ilfracombe which was included on our itinerary and we all present and correct on time for did not materialise. After waiting for 2 hours, myself with a very tired 4 year old the railway staff were in the dark about what happened and very aplogetic but it was not on them to sort this out. A member of our group had a friend who worked on the Waverely boat and they called him to say the boat was leaving Ilfracombe. Very disappointed but not to mention frightened people then were told we had to make our own way back to Penarth neatly 2.5 hours away by car! Our cars were in Penarth! We had to ring for a family member to come and get us home. Absolutely disgusting and heartbreaking end to a special family day out I am sure there will be a lot of similar comments. Our party was under the surname Duthie and we demand a full refund plus costs to cover the expenses incurred for a sundiries we had to get in Minehead to wait for our lift plus petrol for our family member who drove to get us. If these demands are not met we will be going to the press about our experience especially on behalf of the families with small children and disabled frail elderly loved ones. You should all be investigated for this severe and potentially dangerous lack of duty of care. We could not contact anyone at the waverely contact line as the line was closed. Its absolutely abysmal service and I will be telling all our family in South Wales to about this trip which is a very sad state of affairs as we were all very passionate about helping to keep the waverely running. My contact number is 07761300749 and I demand someone calls us to provide a full explanation and provide full compensation otherwise I will be speaking to contacts both in BBC Wales and BBC Scotland about this experience.
Written 11 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Please contact us to enable a full ticket refund to be processed as outlined in the reply via Facebook.
Statement Issued by Waverley Excursions Ltd.
We would like to offer our most sincere apologies that the return travel arrangements caused such a great deal of inconvenience and disappointment when it should have been a memorable trip on Waverley for the right reasons.
The coaches did operate as planned but there was clearly a miscommunication on our part as passengers were informed that the coaches would depart from Minehead Station rather than being informed it was the Coach Park at Minehead Station. Furthermore some passengers thought the coaches would depart from the Bus Stop outside the station which is not in the same location as the Coach Park.
We were first alerted to passengers waiting at the front of the Railway Station at 1650 via an online message with the first reports from passengers suggesting that no coaches had turned up. It took some time to establish that the coaches had in fact operated but around 70 passengers were still in Minehead waiting at the station. Owing to restrictions on driver hours we were unable to secure further coaches from the same operator. With the ship being restricted by tides it wasn’t possible to hold the ship in Ilfracombe for several hours while we made alternative travel plans.
We attempted to contact all other coach companies in the area but booking new coaches at short notice on a Saturday evening was not possible. Taxi companies were then contacted but given the need to move around 70 people this was a lengthy process and took time to secure. Where possible pre-paid taxis were provided although late into the evening. Most passengers were able to make their own arrangements to return to Penarth.
We would like to reimburse passengers who incurred travel expenses in returning to Penarth. Receipts can be submitted by post or by email to info@waverleyexcursions.co.uk (a clear picture is sufficient) with bank details and a Waverley Booking Reference Number. We are also able to make a full ticket refund if a Booking Reference Number is provided. The refund will be made in the same manner as tickets were originally purchased.
We do apologise that we did not issue sufficiently clear information on the pick up point for the return journey.
Written 11 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Merrowmum
Guildford, UK1,373 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We did the day trip from Glasgow up the Clyde to Bute. Despite the rainy July weather we had a very enjoyable, gentle day out! There are plenty of seats on the Waverley, some indoors and many under cover (although it’s still wise to bring something to wipe seating dry if you can).
The scenery en route is very attractive and you get around 1 3/4 hours in Rothesay to explore or have lunch.
There are several catering options on the Waverley herself (not cheap but all monies spent on board go towards keeping her sailing in the future) as well as a small souvenir shop.
Seeing the engines is particularly interesting (and encouraged - easily seen midway through the ship). You can see glimpse the paddle wheels working through portholes.
A very nice day for all ages - and dogs too!
The scenery en route is very attractive and you get around 1 3/4 hours in Rothesay to explore or have lunch.
There are several catering options on the Waverley herself (not cheap but all monies spent on board go towards keeping her sailing in the future) as well as a small souvenir shop.
Seeing the engines is particularly interesting (and encouraged - easily seen midway through the ship). You can see glimpse the paddle wheels working through portholes.
A very nice day for all ages - and dogs too!
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the 5* review. We try to price catering in line with other attractions, any profits from catering go back to the ship to keep her sailing.
We hope you get back aboard again next season.
Written 7 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David G
Redditch, UK35 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We booked a trip from Girvan around Ailsa Craig and it was a great day. The ship arrived on time and boarding went smoothly. The weather was not playing ball as it decided to rain for the whole trip but that did not spoil it at all. The ship is amazing t is just like stepping back in time. On the lower decks you can stand and watch the engines working which I found quite mesmerising. The commentary as we circumnavigated the island was fascinating and then we continued along the coast back to Ayr where we left the ship and caught the coaches that were laid on to return us to Girvan.
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable day. We look forward to being able to get aboard again.
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable day. We look forward to being able to get aboard again.
Written 25 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Georg S
Munich, Germany
Are all the Busses Mandatory? For instance there is a connection Worthing to Ryde and back. However this connection is actually a Bus from Worthing to Shoreham, then Shoreham to Ryde, then Ryde to Southampton and a shuttle bus back from Southampton to Worthing. I'd rather just get on at Shoreham and off at Southampton, as I live in Shoreham and have Relatives near Southampton. Hoping for an answer before September!
Written 20 July 2024
What time is sea time to Lundy Island from Penarth
Written 7 March 2024
What time is sea time to Lundy Island from Penarth
Written 7 March 2024
what is the cost for sailing from southend to london please?
Written 25 February 2024
Have a look at their website. Many fays many prices - not sure they have issued the Thames sailings yet.
Written 26 February 2024
Hello, can we bring my husband's small, folding mobility scooter on board? We can carry it the gangway ourselves, it weighs 20kg.
Written 5 August 2023
Yes, you most certainly can, the crew will help you in any way you need. The only thing I’d mention is that the only toilets are NOT for people who need assistance, they’re down one deck and then up a couple of steps.
Glad to help if I can give you more info
Written 6 August 2023
I use a walker to get around can I get aboard OK , I realise that I will have to stay on deck, but that doesn't worry me.
Written 28 August 2022
You should be able to, there were people in wheelchairs on my recent trip from Ayr
Written 28 August 2022
Does the Waverley still serve hot food on board. I am thinking of doing a full day greenock around holy island and back to greenock
Written 25 August 2021
I sailed from Glasgow and Hot rolls were being served 30mins after departure, as the day went on a standard selection of food was available including Fish and Chips
The upper coffee counter and bar were all operating as normal
Only real difference was the need to wear a mask while while in the enclosed areas.
Hand gel is readily available when you get on board.
Hope you have a great time
Written 26 August 2021
I would like to know how close we can drop off an 80 year old to the ship at the science centre? Whilst being able to walk, she isn't great over long distances.
Written 11 July 2021
Hi Elizabeth.did not see any dogs on board the Waverley,you could ring there office and ask them,sorry not to be able to help,
best wishes Anne.
Written 8 February 2019
Hi Kimberley! I was wondering about the price of the ps Waverley as I'm thinking of getting it on the firth of clyde as a gift for a 50th wedding anniversary. How much was it please? Ps website says 2019 information out soon and I'd like to budget it sooner ratherthan later.
Thank you Kimberley
Written 12 January 2019
ALLOW ABOUT £0 TO £40 each depending on length of trip.
The best value one is probably to Tarbert in Argyle of Brodick on Arran, Fares should be avaible mid February.
Written 3 February 2019
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