Image by Will Faulkner.
You can join Southamton’s SS Shieldhall’s volunteer crew on Saturday 6 June, 1pm – 5.30pm, on when she ventures into the Medina River on the Isle of Wight.
On her way down Southampton Water Shieldhall will pass the cruise ships Celebrity Apex, Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Oceania Insignia and Seven Seas Grandeur at close quarters. Then, on reaching the Solent Shieldhall will head east, viewing Norris Castle and Osborne House from the water. Shieldhall will then return and enter the lower reaches of the Medina River, passing old warehouses and wharves, where in the past flying boats, hovercraft and steam ships were developed and built.
Guests will be welcomed on board from the Cowes Hammerhead Crane Trust, who will give an entertaining insight into the Medina views. This trip has had rave reviews when it was staged in 2024 and 2025.
Shieldhall’s Sunday 7 June trip, visiting the Eastern Solent and Sandown, passing the Solent Forts, has already sold out.
Shieldhall’s remaining June sailings see a Shanty Weekend being staged on Sat 13 June (Kings Pond Shantymen, 3.30pm – 7pm) and Sun 14 June (Selsey Shantymen, 2.30pm – 6pm); a ‘Midsummer Music Cruise’ with performances from the acclaimed Dinner Set on Friday 26th June between 6.30pm – 9.30pm; a ‘Titanic in Miniature’ sailing on Sat 27 June between 3.30pm – 7pm (giving an opportunity to explore Shieldhall’s Engine Room and Boiler Room); and a further Shanty Cruise on Sunday 28 June between 2.30pm – 6pm with the Southampton Salty Sea Dogs.
‘We’re looking forward to a full June sailing programme’ said Ticket Manager Nigel Philpott. ‘It was great to see Shieldhall back in steam over the weekend of 23 & 24 May, and to see Shieldhall involved with exercises with Solent Rescue, Hamble Lifeboat and the National Coastwatch Institution. We’re now set for another very busy weekend where we will be highlighting the wonders of the north shore of the Isle and Wight and the Solent.’
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 Shieldhall’s 2026 sailings and tickets for trips are available at ss-shieldhall.co.uk or through the Ticket Manager on 023 8155 0242 / email: tickets@ss-shieldhall.co.uk
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