The volunteers at Steamship Shieldhall in Southampton have released details of the ship’s 2024 sailing progamme. Commencing on Friday 3 May, with a final sailing on Sunday 15 September, there are a variety of 2hr, 3hr, 3 1/2hr, 4hr and all day sailings to choose from, including some returning favourite cruises and some all-new trips.

Groups are very welcome on board Steamship Shieldhall, where they will experience a seagoing heritage time capsule, paying homage to steam power! A regular sight on the Solent during the summer months, she delights passengers who wish to experience the magic of ‘steam at sea.’ It is access all areas on the Shieldhall, with passengers encouraged to visit the Engine Room and Boiler Room and also meet the Captain on the Bridge.

There’s a 10% discount for parties of 10 or more on all excursion tickets booked. Shieldhall also offers a series of all-day packages in Southampton on its 2hr, 3hr and 3 1/2 hr sailings, incorporating a visit to one of Southampton’s Museums, a guided walk with a local guide and an afternoon cruise on Shieldhall.

Themed packages ‘In the Footsteps of…’ cover The Titanic, The Spitfire, The Mayflower and Southampton’s Towers and Vaults, and cost from £42 per person (with the 2hr cruise, group price). Shieldhall is also available to visit alongside for guided tours of the Bridge, Engine and Boiler Rooms, with the opportunity to view the working docks of Southampton from the open decks. Tea/ coffee and biscuits or cream teas, served in the Saloon, are available. Please contact the Ticket Manager for more information.

New for 2024

Sunset music cruises, D-Day 80 cruises and a cruise to celebrate the Hampshire Food Festival

Why not start your weekend with a relaxing trip down Southampton Water to the Solent? New for 2024, Shieldhall will set sail on Friday’s 5 July and 16 August with musical entertainment on board, ahead of further trips on the Saturday and Sunday. Also new for 2024 are D-Day 80 cruises on Sat 8 and Sun 9 June, showcasing the important role the Solent and its environs played in Operation Overlord. Shieldhall will also be supporting the Hampshire Food Festival, with a cruise inclusive of a two-course Hampshire inspired lunch on Sunday 7 July.

Back due to popular demand:

Return trips to Portsmouth Harbour confirmed for 2024

Following recent sell-out trips to Portsmouth Harbour, Shieldhall’s 2024 programme will see two trips into Portsmouth Harbour on Sunday 9 June (as part of D-Day 80 weekend) and Sunday 18 August. In addition to the naval ships, the trips give an exciting opportunity to view the dramatic skyline of Portsmouth, including Southsea; Clarence pier; Spice Island and the Spinnaker Tower, from the water.

Get a picture-perfect moment in 2024 on the Shieldhall

One of the beauties of steam propulsion is that Shieldhall does not tend to vibrate or roll, and as such makes a great viewing platform, perfect for photography. For 2024, Shieldhall will steam to the Solent to watch the spectacle of the Round the Island Race on Sat 15 June and the racing at Cowes Week on Sat 27 July. Then, in late August / early September Shieldhall plans to be in the very best position to see the impressive sights of the Bournemouth Air Festival.

Music and sea shanties for 2024

Shieldhall’s volunteers welcome back the Selsey Shantymen for a performance on Saturday 4 May and Southampton’s own ‘Salty Sea Dogs’ on Sunday 28 July, in addition to the Friday evening music trips. And don’t forget Shieldhall’s own in-house jazz band, The Stompers, who will provide entertainment on her positional cruise to Poole on Bank Holiday 26 August.

To view Shieldhall’s complete 2024 sailing programme, please visit: www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk

Key trips for 2024:

Friday 3 May 2024 timing tbc, Queen Anne launch cruise

Saturday 4 May, Steam to the Solent Cruise with the Selsey Shantymen, 3.30pm – 7pm

Sunday 5 May, Rogation Sunday Port Cruise, 4.30pm – 6.30pm

Saturday 8 June, D-Day 80^th themed cruised to the Solent (Lepe) 2pm – 6pm

Sunday 9 June, D-Day 80^th themed cruise to Portsmouth Harbour 11.30am – 6pm

Saturday 15 June, Round the Island Race, 10am – 5pm

Sunday 16 June, Steam to the Solent and see the cruise ships depart, 3.30pm – 7pm

Friday 5 July, Sunset Music Cruise, 6.30pm – 9.30pm

Sunday 7 July, Hampshire Food Festival Cruise to the Eastern Solent, 12 noon – 6pm

Saturday 13 July, Steam to the Solent and see Cruise Ships depart 3.30pm – 7pm

Sunday 14 July, Cruise to see the Solent Forts, 12noon – 6pm NEW FOR 2024

Saturday 27 July, Cowes Week Launch Event cruise, 10am – 2pm

Sunday 28 July, Steam to the Solent Cruise with the Southampton Salty Sea Dogs Shanty Band

Friday 16 August, Sunset Music Cruise, 6.30pm – 9.30pm

Saturday 17 August, Cruise to The Needles, 10.30am – 6pm

Sunday 18 August, Cruise to Portsmouth Harbour, 10.30am – 5pm

Monday 26 August, One way trip to Poole, 10am – 4pm subject to confirmation

Thursday 29 August, Jurassic Coast Cruise with the Wareham Whalers, 11am – 4pm subject to confirmation

Friday 30 August, Bournemouth Air Festival, 10am – 7pm subject to confirmation

Saturday 31 August, Bournemouth Air Festival, 10am – 7pm subject to confirmation

Sunday 1 September, Bournemouth Air Festival, 10am – 7pm subject to confirmation

Monday 2 September, One way trip to Southampton, 10am – 4pm subject to confirmation

Saturday 14 September, Heritage Open Day Cruise, 4pm – 6pm

Sunday 15 September, Boat Show Cruise Steam to the Solent, 2.30pm – 6pm