Orwell Lady river trips
Orwell Lady river trips
Orwell Lady river trips
4.5
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About
Family-owned since 2001, Orwell Lady offers a unique and unforgettable river trip experience, time after time. We offer 1, 2.5 and 3.5-hour trips as well as private charter hire and special events.
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Orwell Lady river trips
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
159 reviews
Excellent
102
Very good
41
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
8
Diane S
2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We went on the 3.5 hour trip today from Ipswich to Felixstowe & Harwich. Boarding very easy as right next to car park and places to eat along riverside. Friendly crew, happy to answer questions. Really interesting trip, through Ipswich lock, down river Orwell, lovely scenery and spectacular views of Felixstowe container port. Recommend taking warm clothing if you want to sit up on open deck, otherwise there is plenty of sitting down below with big windows.
Written 22 April 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 Diane!
Written 4 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GabyEngland
Bedford, UK73 contributions
Aug 2021
Last Sunday we had a lunch time river trip on Orwell Lady. What a fabulous day. The running commentary was with Gareth and he was informative, friendly, funny and a sheer delight. Thanks you so much to him and his Crew. All very friendly and helpful.
The lunch was amazing. Served individually but just delicious and so much of it too. We had an amazing time and can definitely recommend.
Thank you to all concerned.
The lunch was amazing. Served individually but just delicious and so much of it too. We had an amazing time and can definitely recommend.
Thank you to all concerned.
Written 21 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.
Thank you!
Gareth does a wonderful commentary.
Hope to see you on board again soon.
Written 1 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bob J
Hertfordshire, UK106 contributions
Mar 2022
What can do you do in Ipswich I was asked, well aside from the football, it has a lovely regenerated marina area from where it's possible to enjoy a pleasant afternoon cruising and learning about the history of the port of Ipswich aboard the Orwell Lady. Admittedly the weather was kind for March, which allowed for relaxing on the upper deck, on the lower deck the ship does have more seating and a bar area with hot and cold drinks and snacks. We selected the 3.5 hour cruise out of the Orwell estuary to Felixstowe and Harwich, with the master explaining the history of everything we sailed past and the development of the port over time. I really enjoyed the experience as did my wife, it's relaxing, informative - I really chilled out. Staying as we were at a hotel on the marina front, it was a perfect way to spend the afternoon. I'd thoroughly recommend it.
Written 2 April 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.
Thank you for this lovely review and summing up what we hope to achieve for everyone, so beautifully!
Written 1 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Roger W
Oulton Broad, UK929 contributions
Jul 2022
Booked this via Belles Coaches, full cruise down to Felixstowe and back to Orwell Quay. It also included a 2 course Buffet lunch (Stated on the booking advertisement with Belles).
The boat was quite full and fortunately the weather was very good, to sure what the arrangements would have been if everyone had to go below, some standing ~I suppose.
Once we were through the lock we saw some very nice views of the areas either side of the river. The Skipper gave some information as we travelled down and then back.
The Buffet was served quite soon after leaving the Quay, however this is where it became somewhat disappointing. The food was not what I would call a Buffet, more like finger bites and as there was no room to sit below we had to go back up to the top seating area with the food only on paper plates with no plastic forks to use, secondly the seating on the top deck are made of aluminium slats there are very uncomfortable. (Should have brought some cushions) May be okay for short cruise but not 3.5 hours. After finishing the bites we decided to find somewhere to dispose of the plates and went downstairs, we then saw people helping themselves to some cakes. Second course? If we had not gone downstairs they would have all gone as no one from the crew came upstairs to tell us cakes were available. It was extremely hot on the day and the cakes were very warm and sticky. I was told that by someone who had previously done the trip that the food was excellent and served up in food boxes that makes more sense. Overall it would have been better not to have any food and pay less.
Ask a couple of questions to one crew member who was quite blunt with me.
There are some very good reviews concerning these trips, the cost is not larger enough to correctly cater for a full passenger amount, nor able to serve in such limited space.
I see the owner replies to the reviews so thats good, I hope at least some of my observations are duly noted.
The boat was quite full and fortunately the weather was very good, to sure what the arrangements would have been if everyone had to go below, some standing ~I suppose.
Once we were through the lock we saw some very nice views of the areas either side of the river. The Skipper gave some information as we travelled down and then back.
The Buffet was served quite soon after leaving the Quay, however this is where it became somewhat disappointing. The food was not what I would call a Buffet, more like finger bites and as there was no room to sit below we had to go back up to the top seating area with the food only on paper plates with no plastic forks to use, secondly the seating on the top deck are made of aluminium slats there are very uncomfortable. (Should have brought some cushions) May be okay for short cruise but not 3.5 hours. After finishing the bites we decided to find somewhere to dispose of the plates and went downstairs, we then saw people helping themselves to some cakes. Second course? If we had not gone downstairs they would have all gone as no one from the crew came upstairs to tell us cakes were available. It was extremely hot on the day and the cakes were very warm and sticky. I was told that by someone who had previously done the trip that the food was excellent and served up in food boxes that makes more sense. Overall it would have been better not to have any food and pay less.
Ask a couple of questions to one crew member who was quite blunt with me.
There are some very good reviews concerning these trips, the cost is not larger enough to correctly cater for a full passenger amount, nor able to serve in such limited space.
I see the owner replies to the reviews so thats good, I hope at least some of my observations are duly noted.
Written 29 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.
Hello Roger,
Apologies for the delay in replying. It seems my Trip Advisor alerts have been turned off.
So, firstly - thank you for taking the time to write such a lengthy review.
We have since changed caterer for the trips but we are mindful of making it really clear the food is a buffet. We went over to boxes for covid and have just returned to them for Afternoon Teas interestingly.
With regards to weather and space... we look at the forecast and if there are lots of bookings and the weather is poor we try to move some people onto another trip. I am pleased it was nice weather for yours!
The aluminimum seats are all-weather, which I am sure you can understand. We do have cushions and the crew should hand them out, I do apologise that this didn't happen.
Best wishes
Emma
Written 4 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
George H
1 contribution
Aug 2023
Four of us went on a river trip on the Orwell Lady on Saturdy 19th August. We did enjoy the trip and the captain was very good with the commentary but some thing let the whole experience down! The trip WAS supposed to go round Harwich Harbour which we were all looking forward to but this did NOT happen. The captain asked the crew to see if any passenger would be ok to do this as there was a bit of swell in the harbour and a couple of whingers down below said it would make them unhappy so he made the call not to go round the harbour. So if he was captain of an aircraft and was coming into some turbulence would he ask the passengers if it was ok to carry on? Or if not turn the plane back? For christs sake if you are worried about a little swell on a boat don't book to go on it. As for the captain just do the trip as advertised unles it gets to a force 8 or similar.
Written 21 August 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.
Hello George,
Thank you for this review. I am pleased you enjoyed the trip.
I had a chat with our crew before responding to your comment about 'a couple of whingers'.
Our 3.5hr trip can go into Harwich Harbour if there is time and it is safe to do so.
Carl, who was crewing that day and was downstairs in the saloon had been chatting to a couple of people who were not confident on the water but wanted to try going out on the river.
Because they were clearly concerned about the pitching of the vessel we chose to turn around. I am not aware that the trip was shortened.
Can we draw parallels between turbulence and a scheduled flight?
I can appreciate your disappointment - personally I enjoy the swell - but it is also our mission to introduce the river to lots of people, and be responsible enough not to ignore someone who has voiced concerns and been reassured by us ahead of travel.
I am pleased you enjoyed the commentary, I have passed that on to the Skipper as well.
Written 8 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
daveinkent44
Ipswich, UK1,018 contributions
Sept 2022
We chose the three and a half hour trip. Very fortunate with the weather on a glorious September afternoon, which meant virtually everyone on board, was sitting on the open top deck. Left on time at 1400 and made our way along the river all the way down to harwich and Felixstowe docks. Commentary along the route was informative.
The boat itself has a downstairs seating area as well, if the weather is inclement, with a well stocked bar. Everywhere on board was clean including the toilets. You have to pass through.a lock in both directions, which can make the journey time a bit longer.
All in all a very pleasant day.
The boat itself has a downstairs seating area as well, if the weather is inclement, with a well stocked bar. Everywhere on board was clean including the toilets. You have to pass through.a lock in both directions, which can make the journey time a bit longer.
All in all a very pleasant day.
Written 8 October 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.
Thank you for your review Dave.
Written 4 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anita J
Raleigh71 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
I recently joined the summer solstice early morning cruise on the Orwell Lady. It was magical! There is something very special about leaving before sunrise and watching the sun come up over the water. The cruise included much needed coffee and a breakfast snack and the views of the suffolk shore were lovely. The crew were very knowledgable and friendly and made sure everyone was comfortable. I highly recommend this for a unique early morning experience.
Written 9 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.
This is my favourite trip - I was in Sydney this year so missed it!
Written 4 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John M
United Kingdom2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
I booked the 3.5 hour cruise for my wifes birthday on Friday 4th August. It was a lovely cruise and she said she really enjoyed it. The commentary the skipper gave us was very informative and jovial. It was also nice to have the downstairs internal area when it rained
Written 5 August 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.
Thank you! We are so happy we can offer shelter and decent views if the weather lets us down. Glad you had a lovely trip.
Written 5 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephen
10 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
I was looking forward to this river cruise as part of our wedding anniversary celebrations, unfortunately with less than 48 hours notice, I received a phone call telling me that the cruise had been cancelled due to the weather forecast. Emma was very professional and my money was refunded immediately. However it was strange to be looking at the Lady Orwell in the bright sunshine this morning at the same time we should have been on the cruise. The boat looked fine from afar, and had a covered deck as far as I could see, so whether the weather was real reason for the cancellation or not. I have my doubts. 10% offered off the next booking, but I doubt we will return. For these reasons I can only give it a rating of one.
Written 5 May 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.
Hello Stephen,
Thank you so mcuh for taking the time to give us this review.
If we cancel because of the weather, it is usually because the Skipper is making a judgement call on the grounds of safety. Of course that can be really frustrating when the weather doesn't turn out as forecast.
I hope you will come back at some point. We are a small family business - Emma is my sister-in-law, and yes - very professional :)
Written 4 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
carolesea56
Norwich, UK273 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
We did an afternoon tea river cruise on a group tour with Eastons holidays. It was slightly overcast but very warm and the rain held off. Even saw a bit of sun at times. The trip was relaxing, scenic and peaceful. Lovely to see familiar sights from the river like Pin Mill and of course we went under the mighty Orwell Bridge. A fabulous afternoon tea was served to us. So well organised too. And a lovely informative commentary. A lovely afternoon and we would highly recommend it.
Written 31 August 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.
Thank you! I am so pleased to hear you had a lovely time. Sometimes, when there are no clouds it can be too hot on the top deck! We love how peaceful it is.
Written 5 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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