Steamship Shieldhall Cruise to the Nab Tower and the Eastern Solent

Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, Bolette and MSC Magnifica in berth, and on your return see a number of cruise ships depart - always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! Our cruise will see Shieldhall heading to the Eastern Solent, passing the famous Palmerston Forts and on to the near-mythical Nab Tower. In doing so, we’ll be recreating the journey Shieldhall carried out for Southern Water during the mid-1980s, when she visited the nearby ‘dumping grounds’. On board we will welcome the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, who will give us an update on their ‘Secrets of the Solent’ campaign.

As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; real ale; a range of Titanic bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, available on all trips.

Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!