Steamship Shieldhall is delighted to announce two additional sailings to her 2026 sailing programme, both being staged later this month.
On Saturday 18 July, an inaugural Jazz Cruise ‘Steam, swing and summer seas’ will see the celebrated musician Chirs Dean, leader of the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, perform on board with his Quartet. The event will bring together one of Britain’s most celebrated jazz musicians with one of Britain’s most remarkable historic ships. Secured at short notice and available for one sailing only, this is a rare opportunity not to be missed.
Guests joining the cruise will be welcomed by Captain John Scott and Chris Dean himself before enjoying an afternoon of live jazz, steamship heritage and spectacular views of Southampton Water and the Solent.
To mark this special occasion, every passenger will receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco or Nosecco on arrival, included within the ticket price.
As Shieldhall steams away from Southampton, guests will enjoy close-up views of four cruise ships alongside their berths – Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Sky Princess and Ventura. Returning later in the afternoon, there will also be opportunities to witness cruise ship departures, creating the perfect backdrop for Shieldhall’s famous steam whistle and unique “Shieldhall Organ”. ‘Steam, swing and summer seas’ will be staged between 3.30pm – 7pm, with adult tickets £58 (child and family tickets available).
Then, on Saturday 25 July, guests are invited on a very special cruise as Steamship Shieldhall witnesses history being made on the Solent, when the Clipper Race – the world’s greatest ocean adventure – returns to Portsmouth after an extraordinary 47,000-mile circumnavigation of the globe and 11 months at sea.
Shieldhall will meet the returning fleet off the Solent Forts before proudly leading the yachts into Portsmouth Harbour in a spectacular Parade of Sail. This unique vantage point offers guests the opportunity to witness the emotional conclusion of one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges as the Clipper Race reaches its finish line.
However, the excitement doesn’t end there. Following the Clipper Race arrival, Shieldhall will take up position alongside the SailGP race area, providing exceptional views of Day One of the high-speed racing off Portsmouth. Anchored in line with the course, guests can enjoy all the action from the comfort and stability of Shieldhall, with refreshments available to purchase on board. The ‘Lead the Clipper Race home and Experience SailGP’ cruise is being staged between 10.30am – 7.45pm, with adult tickets £75 (child and family tickets available).
On all Shieldhall sailings, guests are encouraged to visit 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 her volunteer crew; listen to the informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and The Solent; observe the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks and relax in the Saloon. Shieldhall has a wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; real ale; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips.
Details of all sailings and tickets for trips are available at www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk or through the Ticket Manager on 023 8155 0242 / email: tickets@ss-shieldhall.co.uk
