Your next cruise on London’s iconic River Thames could be aboard the world’s last seagoing paddle steam vessel – The Waverley. And, should you board this October, you could be celebrating its decades-long maritime history, too.
Next month, tourists will have the chance to step aboard The Waverley as it marks 80 years since its launch in October 1946.
Powered by a 2,100 horsepower steam engine, the Waverley takes its name from the eponymous novels by Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. A series of more than two dozen, the “Waverley Novels” unpacked different phases of Scottish history and dealt with themes such as visions of the future.
“Reaching 80 years is a remarkable achievement for any vessel, but for Waverley it represents far more than a milestone,” Paul Semple, General Manager of Waverley Excursions, told Euronews Travel.
“Her story began on the Clyde on 2 October 1946, when she was launched at the Pointhouse Yard in Partick, Glasgow. Eighty years later, she remains in service and continues to give people the opportunity to experience the unique sight, sound and atmosphere of a traditional paddle steamer.”
After decades of commercial service, her working life came to an end in 1974 when she was gifted to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society for £1, but her story didn’t end there. She was brought back into service with the establishment of the Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. charity as a tourist attraction.
Since 1975, and after being fully restored to her original 1940s style, the Waverley has carried more than six million passengers, cruising across various UK destinations during the day, afternoon and evening.
A recent independent Economic Impact Assessment found that this has contributed £11.6 million (€13.5 million) to the British economy.
80 years and counting
The UK capital is the destination of her special birthday sailing on 2 October as she is set to depart from London Tower Pier. There will be live entertainment onboard, too, including performances from the Bel Canto Vintage Sisters – a jazz trio bringing the sounds of 1940s jazz and swing to the 21st-century.
For £47 (€54.67), passengers get a one-way ticket from London Tower Pier to Gravesend in Kent. This riverside town is the location of Gad’s Hill Place, home of English writer Charles Dickens, where he penned titles such as Great Expectations, which can be visited on select days.
Travellers will also be able to board cruises to and from Southend-on-Sea, with the London-bound route passing iconic landmarks like the O2 Arena, Canary Wharf and Tower Bridge.
Meanwhile, a £81 (€95) return ticket gives passengers the chance to see three Second World War-era forts built in the Thames estuaries: Shivering Sands, Red Sands and Knock John. The full day itinerary departs at 9:30 am and returns at 9:00 pm.
“The remarkable thing about Waverley is that, 80 years after her launch, she continues to sail and attract new generations of passengers,” Semple said.
“Reaching this anniversary is a significant achievement, and we are delighted to be able to celebrate it onboard with the passengers, supporters and volunteers who have played such an important part in keeping Waverley sailing.”
Other cruises this season will depart from English towns including Southampton, Swanage, Yarmouth, and Portsmouth Harbour, as well as further afield in Scotland from Dunoon, Glasgow, Greenrock, Kilcreggan, Blairmore and Largs.