The famous Paddle Steamer Waverley is setting course for Southend once again with the biggest variety of sailings she has offered this Century. Waverley will be making several specially themed cruises to help celebrate her proud heritage and what better way to do than on board the National Flagship of the Year 2024!

Don’t miss your opportunity to step aboard the magnificent Waverley between Friday 27th September and Sunday 13th October and experience a great day, afternoon or evening cruise aboard the World’s last seagoing paddle steamer.

Only aboard Waverley can you steam from Southend under the magnificent Tower Bridge to the heart of London as well as several sailings to view the historic and fascinating Thames Forts at close quarters. Look out for a unique sailing to Principality of Sealand and the finale to the Thames sailings will be a meeting of historic ships including Steam Tug Challenge.

Waverley will make several special sailings this year to mark notable anniversaries including the Centenary of Paddle Steamer Medway Queen, the 60th Anniversary of Radio Caroline and the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

(Image: Waverley Excursions)

SPECIAL CRUISES FROM SOUTHEND

Monday September 30 - Thames Forts Cruise - Knock John, Shivering Sands & Red Sands

Don’t miss this unique chance to explore a piece of wartime history on the Thames. Step aboard Waverley for an unforgettable cruise around the iconic and historic Thames Forts – Shivering Sands, Red Sands, and Knock John.

These fascinating WWII-era structures were built to defend London and the coast from air strike attacks. During the cruise, Maunsell Sea Fort Historian, Flo McEwan, will provide an insightful commentary, bringing the history of these forts to life.

Seniors Bring a Friend Half Fare from Southend. Southend Depart 1:30pm, Back at 5:00pm

Friday October 4 - Radio Caroline 60th Anniversary Cruise

Step aboard Waverley for a one-of-a-kind cruise marking the 60th anniversary of Radio Caroline! Sail along the River Blackwater and around the legendary MV Ross Revenge, with live commentary from Ray Clarke, Radio Caroline DJ and historian.

Meet and mingle with Caroline DJs, both past and present, including Keith Skues and Mandy Morton, as they share stories and answer questions. Experience a warm welcome from MV Ross Revenge, where she will greet Waverley with plenty of noise! Plus, enjoy a pirate radio display presented by LV18 reps aboard.

Southend Depart 12:30pm, Back by coach connection from Clacton at 7:15pm

Sunday October 6 - Swinging Sixties Pirate Radio Cruise to the Forts

Step aboard Waverley for an extraordinary cruise around the historic Thames Forts – Shivering Sands, Red Sands, and Knock John. These WWII structures once protected London from air attacks, and now you can experience them up close.

Enjoy insightful commentary from a Maunsell Sea Fort Historian and meet radio celebrities from various stations including Radio Caroline, Radio Jupiter and Radio Seagull aboard for this special sailing – the biggest guest list of pirate radio DJs ever seen aboard Waverley! Mingle with the legends, enjoy live interviews, and be entertained by their stories.

The fun continues with live entertainment from Adam Knight's 60s Roadshow, bringing a full 60s experience with authentic makeup and costumes of pop icons from the era. This promises to be the ultimate pirate radio celebration aboard Waverley.

Southend Depart 2:00pm, Back at 5:30pm

(Image: Waverley Excursions)

Tuesday October 8 - Cruise Essex Coast & Round Principality of Sealand

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to sail with royalty and relive the magic of pirate radio on the open seas! Join Waverley for a unique cruise along the Essex Coast, featuring a special sailing to the Principality of Sealand!

Meet Prince Michael of Sealand and the Sealand Royal Family aboard, with Prince Michael Bates offering live commentary as Waverley steams around this historic fort. Mingle with Pirate DJs from Radio Essex, who will be on hand to chat with passengers, and enjoy live entertainment from the 60s band Eclipse, bringing nostalgic tunes to the cruise.

Southend Depart 12:15pm, Back by coach connection from Clacton at 7:30pm

Sunday October 12 – D-Day 80th Anniversary Cruise

Join Waverley for a nostalgic cruise down the River Thames, and along the River Medway to view the iconic Paddle Steamer Medway Queen. Enjoy live, authentic 1940s entertainment aboard, featuring the Andrews Sisters-style harmonies of the Bel Canto Vintage Sisters.

Enjoy classic 40s tunes and experience a cabaret show that will transport you to a bygone era. Adding to the significance of the day, several veterans are expected to join Waverley on this special sailing, making it an unforgettable tribute to the past.

Southend Depart 1:20pm, Back at 4:10pm

Sunday October 13 - Thames Forts & Historic Ships Parade with Steam Tug Challenge

Join Waverley for her grand 2024 Thames Season Finale, where she will meet and sail alongside other remarkable historic vessels, including Steam Tug Challenge, sailing barge Greta, and Classic Pilot Vessel X-Pilot. Throughout the cruise of the forts, enjoy an informative commentary from the Maunsell Sea Fort Historian, adding fascinating insights to the day.

Southend Depart 1:30pm, Back at 4:15pm

(Image: Waverley Excursions)

CRUISE TWINKLING THAMES & UNDER FLOODLIT TOWER BRIDGE

Steam up the River Thames at dusk passing through the Flood Barrier, sail round the Isle of Dogs, view the O2 Arena, Canary Wharf and Greenwich as the lights shimmer and reflect on the Thames, sense the excitement build as Waverley approaches a floodlit Tower Bridge which opens just for you! Join the cheering crowd as Waverley passes under Tower Bridge and into the Pool of London. One-way to London Tower Pier £47, with coach return to Southend £55.

Cruise to London Tower Pier and return by coach connection

  • Saturday September 28 - Leave 6:55pm, back 11:55pm
  • Sunday September 29 - Leave 5:10pm, back 10:30pm
  • Sunday October 6 - Leave 5:50pm, back 11:20pm
  • Friday October 11 - Leave 6:40pm, back 11:50pm

One-Way to London

  • Monday September 30 - Leave 5:20pm, One Way arrive 9:15pm
  • Monday October 7 - Leave 5:35pm, One Way arrive 9:25pm
  • Sunday October 13 - Leave 4:30pm, One way arrive 8pm

AN AUTHENTIC STEAMSHIP

Waverley boasts a rich history and showcases a magnificent triple expansion steam engine that will leave you in awe.

Experience the authentic charm of a real steamship as you hear the telegraph ring, witness the engine’s graceful motion and sense the gentle aroma of hot oil and steam. You can even watch the paddles turning.

With almost 80 years of history, Waverley is a living testament to a bygone era, and is registered on The National Historic Fleet as being a vessel of pre-eminent national significance. For 2024 Waverley has been crowned Flagship of the Year by National Historic Ships UK.

BOOK NOW

Tickets can be booked in advance at waverleyexcursions.co.uk or by calling Waverley’s booking office on 0141 243 2224 (open 09:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday).