river cruises from gloucester docks

Enhance your tour of the Cotswolds with a leisure cruise on one of the Cotswolds rivers including the Avon, Severn and Thames.

See below a list of local companies offering River Cruising and Trips.

Hotel Boat Cruising

River Boat Trips

Stratford-upon-avon.

AVON BOATING LTD

Enjoy a cruise aboard one of the traditional Edwardian passenger launches from Stratford-upon-Avon . Cruise downstream past the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church (the site of Shakespeare's tomb) before turning around and passing under the 15th Century Clopton Bridge.

Once through the bridge, the scenery changes as you are carried upstream to discover quiet river-banks and meadows with glimpses of large secluded houses and beautiful river-side gardens.

For more information see - www.avon-boating.co.uk

NATIONAL WATERWAYS MUSEUM

Experience the fascination of Gloucester waterways at first hand on a 45-minute long trips along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.

Boat trips depart from the National Waterways Museum (at Gloucester Docks) between April and October, accompanied by expert commentary on the history of the canal. Times and availabilty vary with up to three sailings a day during peak periods. Please check with the museum by telephoning 01452 318200 before planning your trip.

Combined boat trip and museum entry tickets are also available.

For further information see - www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/gloucester-docks

Enjoy the River Avon

River trips from Evesham are available from the end of March through to mid October and operate from the beautiful and award-winning Abbey Park in the centre of Evesham, with excellent facilities, shops, museums and car parking close by.

The 55 seater passenger boat – The Handsam Too – is simply the best way to enjoy the River Avon. Twenty five minute trip taking in Evesham Lock and Hampton Church.

11.00 to 16.30 on the hour and half hour.

For further information - www.handsamboatcompany.co.uk/rivertrips.html

Short Cruise on the River Thames

Trips are available from Lechlade (subject to weather and river conditions) aboard the Thames launch  Inglesham  throughout the summer season ( 9th April to the end of September for 2011 ). The departure point is on the south bank of the river from the popular Riverside Park (by kind permission of The Cotswold Water Park Society ).

You will be taken on a relaxing and informative cruise every weekend and Bank Holidays during the season and often operate on weekdays as well during the spring & summer school holidays. Normal operating times are from 11:00 until 17:00. Car Parking is available at the Riverside Park.

For further information - www.lechladetripboat.co.uk

Oxford River Cruises on the River Thames

Take in a fascinating stretch of the River Thames from Oxford and cruise down the university regatta course towards quaint Iffley village. You will pass the ancient Folly Bridge, Christchurch College and Meadows and the university rowing houses.

This is one of the busiest and most colourful stretches of the Thames (the stretch locally known as The Isis). Rowing eights, punts, university boats and large pleasure cruisers come together in a lively display of all that the river has to offer.

For further information see - www.oxfordrivercruises.com

For an experience to remember go aboard the “Silver Salmon” for your Bath river cruise on the river Avon.

Enjoy a luxury river cruise and see the beauty of the historical city of Bath and the relaxing scenery of the countryside and wildlife down river.

The river vessel is fully equipped for safety and comfort and the moorings are very conveniently situated close to Avon Street car park, the Riverside coach park and Bath Spa station.

Every booking is tailored for your personal requirements and Bath cruises can be arranged for any duration.

Typically, a Bath river cruise of up to 2 hours takes in the sights of the city where we sail right into the weir at Pulteney bridge and see a variety of wildlife on the outskirts of the city. 3 hours takes us downriver through the lock at Weston island, as far as Newbridge and back, and 4 hours allows us time to go further downriver towards Saltford.

For further information see - www.avonrivercruises.co.uk

River Boat Trips & Cruises

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English Holiday Cruises on the Severn River

By Helen Page 6 Comments

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Enjoy the Beautiful English countryside on a Severn River Cruise:

An 1890 View of Gloucester Cathedral

Cruising the rivers of Europe on board a luxurious river boat is without doubt, one of the most pleasurable ways of enjoying the sights of Europe. Whether its cruising down the Rhine, the Danube, the Seine or one of Europe’s many scenic rivers , this is a fantastic way to discover the many wonders of Europe.

England has many rivers as well,  although we haven’t heard a lot about holidaying on English rivers – that is up till recently when Griff Rhys Jones set out in his canoe to rediscover the rivers of England in a BBC documentary.

If you’ve been inspired by Griff Rhys Jones paddling around the rivers of England but don’t think that canoeing is for you, there is a river cruise on the Severn River that you can do which requires very little effort on your part. While not the calibre of the luxurious river cruises on the Rhine or Danube, a cruise on the Severn River is cosier affair and takes passengers through the beautiful English countryside where you can enjoy walks, do some bird-watching and visiting some famous riverside towns.

The River Severn is the U.K.’s longest river, whose source is in Wales and it flows through famous English shires like Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.   English Holiday Cruises (www.englishholidaycruises.co.uk) runs river cruise holidays on the Severn River from Gloucester. Most of the cruises are short weekend cruises, however their flagship cruise is a six-night full river cruise on the Severn. Below is a sample itinerary for the cruise from Gloucester up to Stourport-on-Severn and back.

English Holiday Cruises Ltd Oliver Cromwell Paddlewheeler Alexander Quay Gloucester Docks GL1 2LG Tel:  01452-410411 Website: www.englishholidaycruises.co.uk Email:  [email protected]

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About Helen Page

Helen Page is a prolific blogger and ardent traveller; she runs Travelsignposts with her professional writer and photographer husband Tony.

July 6, 2011 at 2:15 am

Please send me your brochure to

22 bayview Dr RR2 Peterborough Ontario Canada K9J 6X3

Regards Mrs Wookey

July 6, 2011 at 8:15 pm

We have forwarded your brochure request to English Holiday Cruises.

Regards, Helen

May 24, 2012 at 11:24 pm

I would like dates and prices for the english cruise.. Thank you, Kathy

May 25, 2012 at 10:53 am

Hi Kathy, your request has been forwarded to English Holiday Cruises.

October 3, 2021 at 11:42 pm

I would like the dates and prices for the seven days Severn cruise, which seems to us to be very tempting. If a printed brochure is available, please send it to Ragnar Nordgreen Vinjevegen 176 B N-3890 Vinje NORWAY

January 1, 2022 at 3:43 pm

The company currently does not send brochures to overseas addresses but you can see the cruise online information here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAERy7FKemA/view#1

Date and prices for 2022 cruises are not yet available but you can see the 2021 prices for a guide: https://www.canva.com/design/DAEMXYOGCTo/view#2

For further information, please contact https://river.englishholidaycruises.co.uk/ directly.

Kind regards, [email protected]

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THE 5 BEST Gloucester Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in gloucester.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Discover Paddling

2. Saul Junction Marina

3. SUP Gloucester

4. Gloucester Boat Hire

5. Indiajane Jeffery

6. river guide, what travellers are saying.

• Saul Junction Marina
• Discover Paddling
• SUP Gloucester
• Indiajane Jeffery
• Gloucester Boat Hire

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Cruise guide: the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

Our canal boater’s cruise guide to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal takes you from the outskirts of Gloucester to Sharpness Docks…

In our Cruise Guide to the River Severn  we mentioned that the non-tidal reaches of the Severn could be a very unreliable navigation in the past – hence the eventual construction of the locks, and the decline of navigation above Stourport. The same was true of the lower tidal reaches, but for different reasons – and the way of dealing with them was different too: a canal was built to bypass the entire section of the river.

The Severn downstream of Gloucester suffered from shifting sands, a huge tidal range, fast tides (made more dangerous by the famous Severn Bore, a tidal wave which marked the arrival of the biggest tides), and a lack of depth which meant that larger seagoing craft could only use it around spring tides when it was at its most hazardous.

In 1793 the Gloucester & Berkeley Ship Canal was authorised to bypass the trickiest length; in the event, shortage of funds meant that it took until 1827 before it was finished, its length was reduced so that it ended at Sharpness rather than Berkeley (hence the name that it is now known by), and it took decades to pay off its debts.

But it succeeded in avoiding the hazards of the tidal river, it led to the development of Gloucester docks (which form its northernmost length), and having been built to take sizeable ships it was for a time the widest and deepest canal in the world.

Feeling thirsty? See our top ten pubs on the River Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal here

Gloucester Docks are surrounded by historic warehouses, with some interesting craft moored

Busy with shipping and barges until well into the mid-20th century, the docks then declined with the transfer of much of the busy oil and petrol traffic to pipelines, and the last tanker trade ended in 1985, leaving just the passing grain barges for Tewkesbury until the 1990s, plus occasional one-off ship passages since then. But the canal remains open, Sharpness Docks are still in commercial operation for seagoing traffic, and at the other end of the canal the historic warehouses at Gloucester Docks have found new uses including the National Waterways Museum in Llanthony Warehouse.

The entrance lock from the Severn leads straight into those docks, with a fine view of the historic warehouses on all sides, historic vessels moored up, and perhaps if you’re lucky a visiting tall ship. Immediately on your left are pontoon visitor moorings for exploring the docks, the city and all its attractions, while there are permanent moorings in a second basin (Victoria Dock) connected by an arm, also on the left.

Built for sailing ships of the early 19th century ago, the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal had no restrictions on headroom, with all bridges capable of opening to allow ships to pass – and that’s still the same today. So at the far end of the main basin there’s a liftbridge that will be opened for you by the keeper (subject to you arriving during opening hours – see Boaters’ Notes) which leads into the canal ‘proper’.

At this point I feel I should make an apology. When I first visited the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal 30 years ago, I imagined that as a canal built along the floodplain of a large river, designed to take ships of 200 years ago, it would be very straight, wide, deep, flat, and – frankly – dull. Well, having cruised it I could confirm that it was indeed flat (no locks other than those to connect to the Severn at each end), and as you’d expect it’s certainly wide and deep. But straight and dull? It’s true that the canal sets off on straight course heading south westwards through Gloucester’s outskirts, but there are a couple of interesting new bridges to enliven it.

As I mentioned, there are still no limits on boat headroom, so even modern bridges constructed over the last 20 years as part of a major road improvement scheme have to be capable of opening, although there’s plenty of headroom under them for canal craft so you won’t be holding up Gloucester’s traffic.

Two Mile Bend used to be quite a challenge for ships (if not for narrowboats), but the construction of one of these new bridges was accompanied by the easing of the curve. In between the new bridges are more traditional examples – mostly power operated these days by keepers, but often still accompanied by the cute ‘classical’ bridge-keepers’ houses, complete with little columns supporting a pediment. Most of them will need to be swung open for canal craft, although a few are high enough to pass under – but don’t disobey the ‘traffic lights’ protecting them (I got shouted at and my details taken down on my 1990 trip!)

At Saul Junction the soon-to-be-restored Stroudwater Navigation crosses the canal

Following another sharp bend (by ship canal standards) the canal leaves Gloucester’s outskirts and passes through open countryside (still punctuated by swingbridges) to reach Saul Junction. This was once a four-way ‘level crossing’ of waterways, with G&S cutting through the earlier Stroudwater Canal on its way from the Severn at Framilode to Stroud, where it met the Thames & Severn Canal.

Today the length from Saul Junction to Framilode (largely superseded once the G&S opened) is long abandoned but walkable, with the junction lock ‘cosmetically restored’ including interesting lock paddle gear reminiscent of some of some Leeds & Liverpool gear. But in the opposite direction, towards Stroud, it’s scheduled for complete restoration and reopening between now and 2024 under the Lottery-supported Cotswold Canals Connected project, as an important step towards reopening through to the Thames. You can read about it in our Restoration Feature from a little while ago , but the good news is that since that was written, the funding has been confirmed, work has started, and the new railway bridge needed to cross the restored canal at Stonehouse has been built over Christmas and New Year 2021-22.

In the meantime, Stroud is an attractive location with swing footbridge and junction cottage, and a useful boating centre with adjacent marina and boatyard.

Frampton-on-Severn follows closely: it’s notable for (reputedly) the longest village green in England, plus a couple of handy pubs within walking distance (unlike the Severn, canalside hostelries are few on the canal) and a shop. The amusingly-named Splatt Bridge (it takes its name from the adjacent small settlement of The Splatt – but where does that in turn get its name from?) is still manually operated by the keeper winding a large handle.

Splatt Bridge: still manually operated

Another rural length leads through flat countryside – but with glimpses of hills in the distance on both sides – and past the Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetland Trust’s well-known reserve a little way to the west of the canal. There are glimpses of the Severn estuary as the canal approaches Purton, winding its way around higher ground and passing a couple more swingbridges. For the final mile and a half, the canal runs along the edge of the estuary, and this is where its bank has been protected over the years by the famous ‘Purton Hulks’.

Passing Patch Bridge which provides access to Slimbridge Reserve

A curious circular stone tower on the west bank of the canal is a remnant of the swinging span over the canal of the ill-fated old Severn Bridge, a metal railway viaduct which crossed the estuary until 1960. Its demise was the result of a collision in thick fog and strong tidal currents between two loaded tanker barges; their skippers lost control and the barges were swept into the bridge, demolishing one pillar, bringing down the two adjacent spans and catching fire. Five men lost their lives in the disaster, and the rest of the bridge was subsequently demolished. On the towpath, it’s commemorated by a plaque and a model of the swinging span.

Approaching the two swingbridges at Purton

Another half mile leads to Sharpness and to a split in the canal: to the right, the original line, leading to the remains of the old entrance lock into the Severn, is now a marina and visitor moorings; while to the left, the navigation leads under two swingbridges and through Sharpness Docks to the modern ship-sized entrance lock and the Severn estuary. If you’re planning on heading out into the estuary to make the adventurous trip to Avonmouth and the Bristol Avon, this is your route onward. If you aren’t, bear in mind that this is a working port, and keep clear of it.

Site of the canal span of the ill-fated Severn Railway Bridge

Sharpness Docks are an interesting (if slightly bleak in places) area to see from the places that are publicly accessible (which include a walkway across the gates of the ship lock), with warehouses, old railway tracks, a small railway preservation group, the entrance basin, and the views out over the estuary. When we were there, the assorted craft at the boatyard by the lock included narrowboats and broadbeams, a cruiser so large that it had a helicopter deck (with helicopter), something that looked like a Mersey ferry, and a lightship! It’s not your typical boatyard, but then the G&S (and for that matter the Severn) isn’t your typical waterway. I hope I’ve shown that my initial expectation that it would be “dull” was well wide of the mark.

The final length leading through Sharpness Docks

Image(s) provided by:

Martin Ludgate

by Martin Ludgate

Our Deputy ed is a guru on all things to do with canals.

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Canal boat trips from Gloucester Docks to return

One of the Dunkirk Little Ships, Queen Boadicea sails along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal five days a week

• 13:02, 29 APR 2022

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Ahoy there! Boat trips are back and sailing from Gloucester Docks as the historic Queen Boadicea ll weighs anchor for the new season.

Built in 1936 as a Thames pleasure boat, the Boadicea saw action in the Second World War as one of the Dunkirk Little Ships, that rescued many stranded soldiers from the besieged French beaches in 1940. After the war, the boat returned to the Thames and as well as working as a pleasure boat, there was a stint as a water bus at the Great Exhibition in 1951, plus a featuring role in the Queen’s Coronation Pageant in 1953.

She came to Gloucester in 1991 and boat trips have been running up and down the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal for more than 30 years now, only stopping for the pandemic. This summer season passengers can now enjoy a revamped saloon area, which has hints of the 1930s decor.

READ MORE: Gloucester Tall Ships Festival announces exciting new additions

The boat trip is a 45-minute cruise running from Tuesdays to Saturdays from the quayside at the back of the National Waterways Museum in Gloucester Docks.

Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and can be bought in person at the museum, with trips running from noon and 1.30pm. There is a mixture of covered seating and open seating on deck, although all seating is open to the elements so dress for the weather.

The boat is wheelchair accessible although the access plank is unable to take large, motorised wheelchairs. Tickets cost £7.50 for adults, £5 for children aged from four to 16, or £22.50 for a family ticket.

You don’t have to visit the museum as well, but if you fancy a tour through Gloucester waterways’ historic past, opening times are from 10am to 3pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

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Enjoy a Gloucester boat trip or pleasure cruise aboard the Queen Boadicea II and the King Arthur.

From their permanent moorings at the Gloucester Waterways Museum , the Queen Boadicea II and the King Arthur provide a great opportunity to take to the water, either on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal or the River Severn.

The Queen Boadicea II operates forty-five minute pleasure trips along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal on weekends and bank holidays between April and October. Regular sailings every day are operated in the summer months, starting at the beginning of May and running through to the end of August.

Having recently taken the trip on the Queen Boadicea II, we can recommend it. To view everything from the water is an experience in itself and gives you a completely different perspective. This is true whether you are a resident of Gloucester or a visitor.

The commentary by the skipper of the Queen Boadicea II is both interesting and amusing and reminds us of the part this former Dunkirk "Little Ship" played in helping our heroes in the allied evacuation from Dunkirk during World War II in 1940.

The King Arthur is a comfortable pleasure cruiser with a covered seated deck area, below deck saloon and a fully licensed bar. In addition to regular cruises, the King Arthur can be privately hired for a variety of uses including corporate functions, family events, parties and weddings.

The King Arthur offers a great selection of themed cruises which operate throughout the year including special pleasure trips to Sharpness, Fathers Day lunch, and even the opportunity to listen to the mellow sounds of the resident jazz band whilst cruising along the River Severn.

During December, a variety of Christmas themed cruises take place aboard the King Arthur including a one hour cruise giving children the opportunity to meet Santa in his special on-board grotto. All children receive a present and there are hot drinks and mince pies for the adults.

Trips to Tewkesbury aboard the King Arthur in 2012 are scheduled to take place on the 9th June, 14th July and 25th August. The trip up the River Severn takes in beautiful Gloucestershire countryside with the added excitement of navigating through two canal locks.

For further details on cruises and pleasure trips aboard the Queen Boadicea II and the King Arthur, please contact the Gloucester Waterways Museum by calling Gloucester (01452) 318200 or email [email protected]

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The charity making life better by water

Making life better by water

National Waterways Museum, Gloucester Docks

Housed in the old Llanthony Warehouse in the heart of what once was the bustling Gloucester Docks, the museum will take you on a whole new journey, charting the 200-year history of the docks and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.

National Waterways Museum Gloucester smiles

Things to do

The Grade II listed grain warehouse has been renovated, refreshed and rebranded thanks to over £1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and DCMS/Wolfson Museums & Galleries Improvement Fund.

With fun, interactive exhibits, café and museum shop you'll discover the stories of the communities that lived and continue to thrive here. Remember, your ticket allows you to return as many times as you like in 12 months.

Wildlife spotting

An urban environment may not seem a likely place for wildlife but why not investigate wildlife habitats with a difference with our fun wildlife trail ? Walk around the docks - plenty of bird life to enjoy.

Planning your visit

Open 10am-4pm, Tuesday-Saturday. The last day of opening in 2023 is Friday 22 December, then the museum will then be closed until Saturday 3 February 2024.

Entry into the museum is an annual pass. It allows you to return as many times as you like during a 12-month period. Please keep your annual pass safe, as you will need to show it at the desk each time you visit. We are unfortunately unable to admit visitors without a valid ticket.

Pay and Display parking is available, on Southgate Street and Gloucester Quays. The museum is between the car parks

Available, Monday to Saturday, from Waterwells, Quedgeley (near M5 Junction 12)

Available inside for visitors to the museum and tea room

National Waterways Museum Gloucester, Llanthony Warehouse, The Docks, Gloucester, GL1 2EH

Phone 01452 915676 or email [email protected]

We accept all (well-behaved) dogs. We even sell vanilla dog ice cream

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• Private Charters

THE Friki Tiki of Gloucester harbor

Island style vibes on enchanting gloucester harbor.

Private Charter aboard The Friki Tiki - Book via phone or email

A perfect way to celebrate your special occasion!  Birthday's, Bachelor and Bachelorette parties, Retirement,  Company parties, you name it!  All guests are welcome to bring your favorite snacks and beverages of your choice (including alcoholic)!  Don't forget to bring your playlist for our Bluetooth enabled speaker.   The Friki Tiki can accommodate up to 20 people and there is a bathroom on board for your convenience.  Choose from a Harbor Cruise or Annisquam River Cruise!  Cruises are 90 minutes in length with an opportunity to add on additional time.  

Sunset Tiki Cruise

View picture perfect sunsets as you cruise through beautiful Gloucester Harbor on our 90 minute cruise.   Cruise past the Gloucester fishing fleet, Ten pound island, Rocky Neck Art Colony and Normans Woe.     Bring your friends, snacks and a beverage of your choice!    Sunset Cruise departures vary according to the time of year.  

Cruises available Wednesday - Sunday.

Public cruises available for booking up to 21 days prior to departure.

Note : The captain reserves the right to cruise up the Annisquam if the weather permits and/or requires it.  

Afternoon River Cruise - 2 hours

Sit back and relax as you cruise up the Annisquam River. Highlights of this trip include views of the Three Bridges and Annisquam Lighthouse, as well as an opportunity to observe wildlife in the marshland. You'll also see the entrance to Wingaersheek State Beach, Coffin's and Lighthouse Beach.

Cruises available on Saturday at 2 pm.

Sunday Funday Cruise

Join us on our Sunday Funday Cruise .!   Hold off the Sunday Scary's getting your island vibe on with us!   Cruise in Gloucester Harbor past the Gloucester fishing fleet, Ten pound island, Rocky Neck Art Colony and Normans Woe.     BYOB and Snacks!

Sunday Funday Cruises depart at 2 pm.

Amenities and Location

The Friki Tiki of Gloucester Is fully equipped with all of the following: Onboard bathroom • Bluetooth compatible audio system that allows you to control the music•  BYOB - food, beverages and alcohol • Coolers with ice will be provided• Capacity for 20 people •  

Board at Cripple Cove Landing at 73 East Main St. in Gloucester across from Zeke's restaurant.  Parking is available on Blake and Hammond St.  

2023 Prices

Public Cruises:

2 hour Afternoon River Cruise - $56.00 pp

90 minute Sunset Tiki Cruise - Harbor or River - $56.00 pp

Sunday Funday 90 minute Harbor or River Cruise - $49.00 pp

Private Cruises:

90 minutes/ $800.00 for up to 20 people

2 Hours - $1000.00 for up to 20 people

$200.00 for each additional 30 minutes

Meet the Team!

CRUISE WITH THE LOCALS! 

The Friki Tiki of Gloucester is locally owned and operated by Ginger Attaya, a local resident of Gloucester.. Our crew knows the local waters and the best spots to cruise aboard our custom floating tiki boat.  With an “island vibe”  and the beauty of Gloucester Harbor and Annisquam River, it’s sure to be everything you need for you and your friends to have a great time.   

Our vessel, "The Friki Tiki," is 36 feet long and over 11.4 feet wide. The Friki Tiki is fully licensed and insured. and equipped with all safety gear required by the USCG.  

Captain Mark Sinkinson is a Coast Guard certified boat captain and holds a 25 ton Masters license.  He has years of experience on fresh and salt waters and now resides here in Gloucester.  

 Captain Forrest got his start lobstering at the young age of 11.  He would work weekends when he was in school and continued to do so through the time he graduated.    Using his several years of sea time experience both in Gloucester and Alaska,  Forrest has now proceeded to acquire his 100 ton Masters License.  

Crew subject to change due to scheduling conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at  if you cannot find an answer to your question.  Our contact information is listed below. 

Our tours require a minimum of 9 total persons to run. If we are unable to meet that minimum, we will gladly reschedule to a time and day of your choice or refund your purchase.    (For public cruises only)  The Friki Tiki reserves the right to change, cancel, or reschedule a cruise as needed. Notice will be given as soon as possible.

The Captain reserves the right to adjust the trip as he/she sees fit.  This means that a harbor tour might go up the river and vs. versa depending on tides, weather, etc.    Note that on cooler days, the captain may decide to stay on the river vs. in the harbor.

Public Cruises - must cancel 24 hours in advance for a refund.   (Public cruises open up 2 weeks prior to departure)

Private Cruises - 50% paid up front and final payment due the day of your cruise .   If you cancel 30 days or more out, your deposit will be refunded.  If you cancel less than 30 days, no refund on deposit but we will try to reschedule you if possible.

If you are a no show, that will be considered a cancellation and you will not receive a refund. 

New England weather forecasts are not entirely reliable and we do not cancel trips based on the forecast.  The Captain decides whether it is safe to sail close to departure time.  If the Captain decides to cancel because of weather, we will work with you to reschedule your cruise or provide a refund.

Yes!   We have one restroom on board.  We call it "The Head."  

You may bring a beverage of your choice (including alcoholic), snacks/ food, sunblock, sunglasses,  jacket.  If you are booking a private charter, please feel free to bring your playlist so that you can enjoy your music while cruising!

We recommend comfortable clothing and casual shoes.  High Heels are not a good choice when walking around the boat.

There is no smoking (of any kind) permitted on The Friki Tiki.   

Yes!  The crew works hard in order to give you the best cruise possible.   Should you decide to provide a gratuity, they would be most appreciative!

Do you have any questions?  Send us a message and we'll get back to you!

The Friki Tiki of Gloucester Harbor

Cripple Cove Landing, 73 East Main St., Gloucester, MA

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Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum      Occupying the former Custom House at the north end of the Victoria Dock, this Museum tells the story of the lives, travel and service of the men of the Gloucestershire Regiment and the Gloucestershire Huzzars over the last 300 years. ( More )

Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet Centre       To the south of the main docks area is the Gloucester Quays designer outlet centre which has an outstanding mix of high street and designer labels at up to 60% off recommended retail prices. Refreshments are available at various coffee shops and restaurants. ( Website )

Narrowboat Day Hire      Gloucester Narrowboats offer a day boat for hire with seating for up to ten passengers, a galley and a flushing toilet. ( Website )

Mariners Chapel      The chapel in the centre of the docks is open to visitors each day. For times of services, see website .

Guided Tours      Gloucester Civic Trust guides lead tours around the docks for pre-booked parties. ( Website )

Gloucester Sea Cadets      The cadets moor their boats in the Barge Arm and may often be seen using them on Monday or Thursday evenings during the summer. ( Website )

Upstairs Downstairs Antiques      Specialists in clocks, furniture and lighting, across Severn Rd from the Lock Warehouse. Cafe on the first floor.

Gloucester Brewery      A micro brewery, shop and tasting room in Fox's Kiln (next to Alexandra Warehouse), open Tuesday to Saturday, with guided tours available. ( Website )

MV Edward Elgar       This vessel, based at Alexandra Quay, is the biggest hotel boatnow cruising UK inland waters. She offers holiday cruises for 2 to 7 days right along the Severn navigation between Sharpness and Stourport-on-Severn. ( Website )

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Famed battleship USS New Jersey floating down Delaware River to Philadelphia for maintenance

A famed battleship floated down the Delaware River on Thursday as the USS New Jersey left its dock in Camden, New Jersey, on its way to the Philadelphia Navy Yard for extensive maintenance work.

The vessel, guided by tugboats, was first headed to the Paulsboro Marine Terminal, where it will be balanced to prepare for dry docking and will then go to the navy yard in six days.

The maintenance work is expected to take about two months to complete, officials said. Three major repair projects are planned, including repainting the ship’s hull, fixing the anti-corrosion system underneath the ship and inspecting through-hull openings.

The battleship, which was built in the 1940s in Philadelphia, served for about 50 years before its retirement in February 1991. It has been a floating museum since 2001. The ship was built at the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and was launched there on Dec. 7, 1942, the first anniversary of the Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbor .

The ship is the most decorated battleship in Navy history, earning distinction in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and conflicts in the Middle East, according to its website . The ship steamed more miles, fought in more battles and fired more shells in combat than any other battleship.

Thursday's ceremony was attended by veterans who served aboard the ship, including Capt. Walter M. Urban Jr., who was a public affairs officer from 1970 to 2000, serving with both the Army and Navy Reserve. He worked aboard the battleship in February 1985 and February 1991 and remembers those times fondly.

“You always felt the presence of those who walked the decks before you,” Urban said. “She was born in a time of war, was a symbol of our great country at that time ... to be part of that history and see her today about 81 years later is fascinating.”

Ryan Szimanski, the battleship's curator, said moving the ship could be “a once in a generation occurrence." He described the ship as ”one of the most impressive man-made objects ever," noting it's the size of a 90-story office building, can displace 57,500 tons and can move through the water at about 38 mph (61 kph).

Szimanski said there are some concerns about the move, mainly due to the ship's age, but believes things will go smoothly.

National News | Baltimore Key Bridge collapse map: View the…

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National news | baltimore key bridge collapse map: view the path of the cargo ship dali.

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Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse: What to do if you booked cruise out of Baltimore

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has crippled transportation around Baltimore and caused people to scramble to find alternatives.

After Tuesday's disaster, drivers have had to find alternate routes to get into Baltimore, and vessel traffic was suspended indefinitely from the Port of Baltimore, causing people who booked cruises to wonder what's next.

What happened to the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore?

A major span critical to East Coast shipping collapsed early Tuesday morning after it was struck by a large cargo ship.

The  cargo ship Dali  struck the Key bridge around 1:40 a.m. Tuesday after experiencing electrical problems, officials said. The  984-foot ship sailing  under the flag of Singapore was slated to arrive early next month in Sri Lanka, according to MarineTraffic, a global ship tracking service. The bridge then collapsed into the Patapsco River.

Which cruise lines dock at the Port of Baltimore?

According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore. Carnival Cruise Line, American Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International have cruises scheduled to leave the port.

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse: Cargo ship hits bridge in Baltimore, causing collapse. Here's what we know so far

What are cruise lines doing with the Port of Baltimore closed?

Carnival Cruise Line said Tuesday it's temporarily moving Carnival Legend's Baltimore operations to Norfolk, Virginia.

Carnival Legend is scheduled to return from its current voyage on Sunday, March 31. It will now return to Norfolk, Virginia, on Sunday. Passengers will be provided complimentary bus service back to Baltimore. Carnival Legend’s next seven-day itinerary on March 31 will then operate from and return to Norfolk. Guests on the current and upcoming cruises are being informed of this change. 

Carnival Pride has a trip scheduled for April 28. The cruise line has not yet shared plans for Carnival Pride.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a release. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.” 

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s  Vision of the Seas  has a roundtrip itinerary scheduled to depart Baltimore on April 12, according to the cruise line’s website. 

 “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and extend our heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” a spokesperson for the line said in an email to USA TODAY. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings.”

American Cruise Line

American Cruise Lines  has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website.

“We will monitor the situation and make adjustments to future cruises if needed, but at present our schedules remain unaffected, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the immediate situation and rescue efforts underway,” an American Cruise Lines spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian doesn't have a booking out of Baltimore until September on Norwegian Sky . The cruise line is in contact with the port and will contact passengers and travel partners if changes are made.

Alternate driving routes for the Baltimore bridge

Drivers going from Wilmington to Baltimore or Washington should take I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) to avoid the collapsed bridge. However, the Maryland Transportation Authority notes there are  some exceptions .

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13 feet and 6 inches high or 8 feet wide may not use the I-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14 feet and 6 inches high or 11 feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel. 

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

Anthony DiMattia, Eve Chen and Nathan Diller contributed to this story.

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Explore cities rich in culture and charm, and immerse in the stunning natural beauty of North America’s Pacific Coast. Your nine-day journey will take you to sun-drenched California’s sandy beaches in San Diego and storied vineyards in Santa Barbara. Gaze at iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in cosmopolitan San Francisco and admire the rugged coastlines, dense forests and mist-shrouded mountains of the Pacific Northwest in historic Victoria.

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To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

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One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

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Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

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Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

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More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

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Opinion Baltimore’s tragic bridge collapse is a test for American leadership

The nation awoke Tuesday to images of a ghastly tragedy: Baltimore’s iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge had collapsed after a giant cargo ship lost power — and control — and slammed into one of the bridge’s key support columns. Several vehicles and eight construction workers were on the bridge, and rescue crews raced to save them from the cold water of early spring. As Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott (D) said: “A bridge can be rebuilt, but our focus is on those people.”

At a time when the nation seems ever more divided and the country’s political institutions are mired in disagreement and indecision, this tragedy can’t get caught up in partisan sniping. It’s a time to put aside differences, to rebuild and to tap what is still the United States’ greatest strength: its deep reservoir of native optimism.

This response started immediately after the bridge spanning the Patapsco River fell. Rescuers managed to save at least two of the construction workers and worked rapidly Tuesday to find the others. The action of bridge staff likely saved lives when they quickly attempted to halt traffic and clear the bridge after the cargo ship’s mayday warning. This crucial decision was made about 90 seconds before the bridge collapsed.

President Biden assured the country that there were no indications of a terrorist attack or anything other than a devastating accident. The cargo ship’s steering system apparently failed. It will take time to understand how and why the ship — owned by Grace Ocean Pte Ltd. and managed by Synergy Marine Group — malfunctioned. This ship was also involved in a 2016 collision with a loading dock in the port of Antwerp in Belgium.

Many in the D.C. area know the Key Bridge well. More than 30,000 vehicles crossed it on a typical day to commute to work or to vacations on the Maryland shore. The river that flowed under the bridge is also a prime waterway for commerce and cruises. It leads to the port of Baltimore, one of the nation’s busiest. The bridge opened in 1977 and was special for having the third-largest span of continuous truss in the world. Upgrades were planned for next year . There were fairly extensive barriers — known as “dolphins” — around the support beams that were there to stop boats before they collided with the bridge. But the gargantuan size of this vessel and the freakish way it hit the support structure overcame those protections. Any future bridge will surely need more.

The next steps are clear: Focus first and foremost on saving lives. Crews will then need to remove the bridge debris from the waterway. That will take time and special equipment. The focus will then turn to rebuilding the roughly mile-long section of the bridge that was destroyed — perhaps even improving on the previous structure, for safety and throughput. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) has already declared a state of emergency that helps unlock federal dollars for the rescue and repair efforts. Mr. Biden pledged that the federal government “will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge.” Though this Congress appears to be competing to be the least effective in memory, lawmakers should move swiftly to allocate the money, as Congress has in similar incidents. The National Transportation Safety Board is also on scene to begin assessing what went wrong on the ship.

This is a moment for national unity — to ask how to help the families waiting to hear what happened to their loved ones and the first responders braving frigid waters, and to be ready to help rebuild. Almost a year ago, a bridge on Interstate 95 collapsed outside Philadelphia after a freak accident in which a truck carrying gasoline lost control and caught fire. But as the flames in that tragedy were brought under control, political leaders, union leaders and engineers came together and reopened part of that highway in an incredible 12 days. It was an accomplishment many thought would take months. But Americans of differing political views and skills found a way to make it happen. At one point during the repairs, when rain was delaying the project, the Pocono Raceway provided a NASCAR turbo dryer to help. It was one of many examples of creative and fast problem-solving.

We don’t expect the Francis Scott Key Bridge to be rebuilt in two weeks. (It took about five years to build it in the 1970s.) But the spirit of Philadelphia needs to move south to Baltimore. The country can show that it is not too divided (or too distracted) to step up.

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Video shows Carnival Freedom on fire, again. Two upcoming cruises were canceled. Here's what to know

The Carnival Freedom 's next two sailings have been canceled after the cruise ship, based out of Florida, caught fire . Again.

Carnival initially said there were no expected changes in its schedule but on Sunday afternoon announced cancellations of the Monday and Friday cruises out of Port Canaveral, which come during a busy spring break period.

"Regrettably, the damage is more than we first thought, and will require an immediate repair to stabilize the funnel, resulting in the cancellation of the March 25 and March 29 cruises from Port Canaveral," according to a statement issued by Matt Lupoli, Carnival Cruise Line's senior manager of public relations. "The funnel has been stabilized for the ship’s return to Port Canaveral overnight to disembark guests, and then it will go to the Freeport shipyard on Monday afternoon to begin the required repairs."

This is the second time in less than two years this cruise ship's funnel has caught on fire and disrupted the schedule.

Carnival cruise fire: Carnival Freedom's next two cruises from Port Canaveral canceled after exhaust funnel fire

When did the Carnival Freedom catch on fire?

The fire broke out on the port side of the ship's exhaust funnel area at about 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Carnival said.

The ship was 20 miles off Eleuthera Island, Bahamas. It was intended to call on the Carnival private island of Princess Cay but had rerouted toward Freeport due to adverse weather.

"The ship’s fire response team was quickly activated, and the ship’s captain also turned the vessel towards the heavy rain in the area to maximize the efforts to put out the flames," an earlier Carnival statement said. The fire was put out by 5:20 p.m., the cruise line said.

Why did the Carnival Freedom cruise ship catch fire?

Unknown at this time.

"Eyewitnesses reported the possibility of a lightning strike, and that is being investigated," Carnival said, "but cannot yet be confirmed."

Was anyone hurt in the Carnival Freedom fire?

The cruise line said there were no reports of passenger injuries, although two firefighting crew members were treated for minor smoke inhalation and part of the funnel fell onto Deck 10, according to Carnival.

There were about 3.700 passengers aboard.

Which Carnival Freedom cruises have been canceled?

While initially the cruise line said the schedule would not be affected, further investigation found more damage than suspected. Scheduled cruises for Monday, March 25 and Friday, March 29 have been canceled.

Can I get a refund for my canceled Carnival Freedom cruise?

"We sincerely regret the impact to our embarking guests, as we know they have been looking forward to their spring break vacation<' Carnival Cruises said in a statement. "We are providing all guests on both canceled cruises a full refund and a 100% future cruise credit, so they can come back and enjoy a future cruise with us. We also greatly appreciate the terrific guests who are currently sailing with us, for their outstanding cooperation and support."

Where is Port Canaveral?

Port Canaveral, Florida is located on a barrier island between the Banana River and the Atlantic Ocean just north of Cape Canaveral. The port is 54 miles from Orlando and 75 miles from Daytona Beach.

What is the funnel on a cruise ship?

A cruise ship exhaust funnel works as a smokestack to lift emissions away from the deck and from passengers and crew. They're often called stacks.

The Carnival Freedom debuted a new stylized winged funnel in October last year after a 16-day dry-dock refurbishment in Cadiz, Spain. Carnival cruise funnels are referred to as the whale tail.

Has the Carnival Freedom cruise ship caught on fire before?

A fire broke out in the funnel area in May 2022 while it was docked in Grand Turk. Three scheduled sailings were canceled while the ship was repaired at a shipyard in Grand Bahama.

The ship was carrying about 2,500 passengers at the time and a crew of about 1,100, according to the cruise line. There were no injuries reported.

Which cruise ship caught fire?

The  Carnival Freedom  caught on fire on Saturday, March 23.

The 110,000-ton vessel made its inaugural sail in 2007.  The Freedom, which has 13 decks, can hold up to 3,754 passengers and 1,150 crew members. 

Has a Carnival cruise ship ever sank?

No. But one has been shipwrecked.

On Jan. 13, 2012, the Costa Concordia struck a reef and capsized off the Tuscan island of Giglio. The ship, which was owned by a Carnival Corporation subsidiary, when the captain steered the 952-foot, 13-deck ship close to the shore to "impress the passengers" and tore a 160-foot gash in the port hull.

Captain Francesco Schettino was found guilty of manslaughter in 2015 and sentenced to 16 years in prison for the deaths of 32 passengers and crewmembers.

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 Below is a list of the four cities with cruise ship ports of calls in California. If you're looking for an affordable journey, there's nothing that can beat the all-inclusive cruise experience.

Long Beach: Carnival Miracle, Inspiration and Imagination destinations are Baja Mexico 3 & 4 day, Mexican Caribbean (Cabo) 6 days and Hawaiian Islands 15 days Carnival Cruises, Carnival Miracle Carnival Miracle Cruise Ship 15 Days Hawaii from Los Angeles, CA 15 Days - Starting in Long Beach with stops in Hilo, Kahului, Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Kona, Ensenada Los Angeles: Princess Cruises--Star, Island, Celebrity, Coral, Crown and Sapphire Princesses cruises last 4 days, 15 days Mexico, coastal Santa Barbara, Panama, Hawaii, Osaka Japan, Vancouver BC, Panama, Ft. Lauderdale, Cape Horn, Santiago Chile Seabourn, Seabourn Sojourn world voyages up to 94 days or segments Silversea, Silver Whisper lasts up to 113 nights to China, Barcelona or 20 nights to Auckland, New Zealand Carnival Imagination, Inspiration, Miracle and Legend Baja sampler 4 days, Tahiti & Fiji 23 days Costa Cruises, Costa Deliziosa up to 72 days Celebrity Century to Santa Barbara 8 nights Holland America up to 71 days to Great Barrier Reef Azamara Club Cruises, Azamara Quest to Sea of Cortez, Copper Canyon San Diego: Holland America up to 45 days to Panama, Incan Empires, Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas, Vancouver BC, Coastal Celebrity Cruises - Century, Infinity to Panama Canal Cruise 15 days Royal Caribbean (RCL), RCL Legend of the Seas 15 Night Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise, Fort Lauderdale Disney Wonder 14 day to Vancouver, Port Canaveral Florida, coastal California San Francisco: Cunard Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria world cruises up to 91 nights Princess Grand, Star Princesses - Panama, Mexico, Coastal California, Hawaii Oceania Cruises, Oceania Regatta 18 days trips goes to Alaska, New York Regent Seven Seas Navigator 31 Nights to Montreal, Vancouver Canada, New York Celebrity Century up to 23 nights to Sydney, Alaska Holland America 17 night Panama Canal Crystal Cruises Serenity 102 nights Grand Pacific Panorama

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Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Description.

To Spanish explorers, the rumors of gold and vast riches could only mean that this section of Central America was the costa rica - the "Rich Coast." Hailed as the Switzerland of the Americas, Costa Rica occupies a unique position, lying between two oceans and two continents. On both coasts, tropical rainforests rise to the mountains of the interior, many of which soar over 13,000 feet above sea level. In the west, a seemingly endless succession of brown-sand beaches forms the nation's Pacific coast. Puntarenas is your gateway to Costa Rica's wonders - and to its capital city of San Jose.

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More about Puntarenas, Costa Rica Points of Interest

Costa Rica's vibrant capital city is home to the Gold Museum, the spectacular Metropolitan Cathedral, the historic National Museum (the scene of fighting during the 1948 civil war), and the National Theater, considered to be the country's most beautiful building.

Costa Rica's river cruises glide through the tropical mangroves where crocodiles, lizards and waterfowl roam, but the Corobici River is a prime waterway for a laid-back river raft float.

Coffee production has always played a key role in the country's history and is important for the economy. Tour a sprawling plantation to discover how coffee is produced, from bean to cup.

Dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of Costa Rica's endangered wildlife back into the wild, the center is home to sloths, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, owls and and other animals.

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Eco-Jungle River Cruise

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Local News | Carnival cruise passengers to return to Norfolk…

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Local news | key bridge collapse live updates: a minute-by-minute timeline of baltimore disaster, local news | carnival cruise passengers to return to norfolk instead of baltimore after key bridge collapse.

Carnival Cruise ships will be rerouted to Norfolk, Virginia, after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge closed the Port of Baltimore for the foreseeable future.

Cruise passengers in the middle of a seven-day trip to the Bahamas on the Carnival Legend that was scheduled to return to Baltimore on Sunday will instead disembark in the southeastern Virginia city, according to Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Passengers will receive complimentary bus transportation back to Baltimore, a distance of about 233 miles, Duffy said in a news release late Tuesday.

In addition, future cruises on the Carnival Legend and Carnival Pride, including one scheduled to leave on Sunday, will depart and return from the southeastern Virginia city.

As the cruise industry struggles to reroute ships, at least one expert doesn’t think the damage done to the travel ship business — nationally or in Baltimore — will likely be permanent.

Carolyn Spencer Brown, a travel journalist, consultant and former editor of Cruise Critic, an online review website, said that the industry has rebounded from the losses it incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting from social distancing mandates and well-publicized reports of shipboard illness.

“Cruises for the next few months are fully booked,” Brown said. “In the short-term, the cruise lines are scrambling like mad to figure out how to reroute their ships and how to minimize the inconvenience to travelers.

“The long-term effect will depend on how the bridge is rebuilt. Baltimore is never going to be a superpower port, but it has a lot to offer. It has the capacity to be a bigger cruise port than it is now.”

According to the Cruise Lines International Association, Baltimore is the nation’s 29th busiest port, moving about 378,000 passengers annually. Twelve ships were scheduled to dock at the port 115 times during 2024, the Association said.

The Port of Baltimore’s Cruise Maryland Terminal is home to four cruise lines: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and American Cruises.

Royal Caribbean is currently in the midst of a 12-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Vision of the Seas that departed March 23 and was scheduled to return to Baltimore April 4. The cruise line wrote in an email on Tuesday that “our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings” and that updates would be communicated to passengers.

Norwegian, a relatively new line at the port which provides cruises between Baltimore and New England and Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean, operates a fall and winter schedule and had no cruises scheduled immediately for Baltimore.

American’s cruises currently are departing from Washington, according to a spokeswoman; the earliest departures from Baltimore are not on the schedule until May.

Before Tuesday, the Port of Baltimore was responsible for 400 jobs and generated about $63 million in revenue annually for local businesses, according to a report issued last September by the Maryland Port Administration.

U.S. President Joe Biden has pledged federal resources to rebuild the Key Bridge.

More than 40 million people live within a six-hour drive of Baltimore, according to the Port Administration; Brown said that if the new bridge were taller, it could generate additional cruise business for the city.

“The biggest ships haven’t been able to come to Baltimore because they couldn’t pass under the bridge,” she said.

“What Baltimore offers is a very wonderful experience that is close to home. Cruising down the Chesapeake Bay is magical. You see parts of the bay you’ve never seen before.”

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01452 410411 | [email protected]

The Canal Getaway Cruise

Nights Long

Miles of Cruising

Included Tours & Excursions

Try Us Out or Great for Groups!

The Canal Getaway Cruise runs in Spring and Autumn at a special rate and is ideal if you want to fit in a short break around work, or for special event charters.  Many people book this cruise to try us out and then go on to book a more extended cruise. This is an ideal cruise for group charters as they usually run over a weekend.

A Break To Remember

This is a short break with a difference offering glorious views, waterways heritage, wildlife interest, and of course our usual top class hospitality.

Cruise from Gloucester down Britain’s first ship canal. Our Historic Docks have reminders that they once formed England’s busiest inland port, including a shipwright still repairing Tall Ships. 

Stop off at the Slimbdirge Wetland Centre founded by Sir Peter Scott, the ‘Purton Hulks’ graveyard of 80 barge wrecks and the Cotswolds Canal Heritage Centre at Saul Junction. 

There are glorious views of the lower Severn Vale all along the way. This is a perfect sample of our holidays which you might like to enjoy with friends.

Spring & Autumn only

This cruise is has limited sailings. Book today to avoid disappointment. Group Charters available.

Day One - Gloucester 

Day two - slimbridge wwt and purton hulks, day three - saul and departure day.

*Meal Times are 8.30 am Breakfast, 12.30 pm Lunch and 6.30 pm Dinner. Some cruises have lunch ashore during excursions which passengers must buy at their expense.  The above itinerary is subject to change based on weather, tide and local conditions or events.

The MV Edward Elgar

All our cruises in England are on board the 4-star rated Edward Elgar hotel boat. With just 22 passengers and 5 crew, it provides a unique atmosphere whilst our crew look after everything.

98% of our passengers rate our service as "Good" or "Excellent" value for money. That's because we include:

Frequently asked questions, what do i have to pay and when.

Secure your booking with a £200 per cabin deposit. Balance payments must be paid in full 60 days before the cruise is due to depart.

I'm a single traveller. Do you have single cabins and single rates?

Yes. The Edward Elgar and Deborah only musthave twin cabins on board, but we do have single rates available on all cruises.   Please note that to make a single booking, you will need to do so by phone by calling us on 01452 410411 as single bookings cannot be booked online.

All our scheduled cruises will have at least one cabin available at a single rate. Cruises departing in April and October will have two single-rate cabins on every sailing.

Is there parking & is it secure?

Yes. We have on-site parking at the boarding point in Gloucester which is covered, locked and has CCTV.

Parking is £7 per night on our standard package and included in the "Plus" package.

I have reduced mobility, is this suitable for me?

We have been inspected by VisitEngland and received an M1 mobility rating. This means we are considered to be suitable for older and less agile guests with sufficient mobility to climb a flight of steps but who would benefit from fixtures and fittings to aid balance. If you would like a full copy of our access guidance then you can find it here .

Do you allow children?

Our holidays are designed to be completely laid back and relaxed. We do not usually allow bookings with children as it is an adult only setting. However, if you charter the vessel in full for Christmas cruises, we do allow children but we ask that children are a minimum of 7 years old for safety reasons.

Do I need travel insurance cover?

Yes. It is very important in case you have to cancel unexpectedly. We do not sell travel insurance but we will provide you with details of travel insurance providers that can arrange suitable cover for one of our cruises. You can use any insurer and we don't insist you use our partner insurer. It is important you purchase coverage as soon as you have booked your holiday. Having travel insurance is a condition of travel with English Holiday Cruises. Here is the link to our partner insurer, Just Travel Cover .

What happens if I need to cancel? What are your terms of booking?

Please make sure you have familiarised yourself and everyone in your party with our terms of booking and cancellation policy .

I have already made a booking. Where can I get the boarding pack information?

Boarding Pack for Cruises Departing up to and including 24/7/23 - Download

Boarding Pack for Cruises Departing from 31/7/23 - Download

Pricing and Availability

Standard Package

Per Person Twin Sharing

Per Person Single Occupancy

 Includes the cruise only.

Departure Dates

This cruise is currently scheduled to depart:

4 April & 20 October.

Group Charters are available at discounted rates on 5/4/24 and 18/10/24. Please contact us for details.

Please scroll down to the online booking area for live availability.

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English Holiday Cruises LTd. Registered in England and Wales Company Number 05207004. Registered Address: Windsor House, Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, GL50 3AT.  Please visit the Contact Us page for our correspondence address.

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Watch CBS News

Battleship New Jersey moves to Paulsboro Marine Terminal for dry dock maintenance

By Jasmine Payoute , Nikki DeMentri , Scott Hezlep

Updated on: March 21, 2024 / 7:57 PM EDT / CBS Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The nation's most decorated battleship is on the move. The  Battleship New Jersey  took off Thursday for historic dry dock maintenance for the  first time in 30 years .

"It is historic! And I love it," Leo Kurth said while aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia. The 11-year-old drove 10 hours from North Carolina with his family to see history unfold on the Delaware River.

As part of that process, the battleship traveled south down the Delaware River to the Paulsboro Marine Terminal, where it was ballasted. The ballasting process allows water to be pumped in and out of the ballast tanks while at port, which is essential for safety during transit.

The Spirit of Philadelphia and Rendezvous both shadowed the New Jersey on its journey.

"We'll be within 200 feet of the Battleship New Jersey," Ryan O'Connor, General Manager of City Cruises, said.

Once the clock hit 12:10 p.m., the most decorated battleship officially departed Camden, heading south down the river.

Around 1 p.m., all traffic came to a halt on the Walt Whitman Bridge as the battleship traveled underneath. Next stop – Paulsboro Marine Terminal for minor maintenance.

"This is also a dedication from me to the ones that never made it home," Mike Coughlin, from Honesdale, said.

The ship will be repainted and thousands of parts replaced, but to make it about six miles to the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the Battleship will be pulled by four tugboats, which McAllister Towing will guide.

The Battleship NJ is heading down the river. @CBSPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/yo0nZx6nL6 — Nikki DeMentri (@nikkidementri) March 21, 2024

The Battleship New Jersey will be at the Paulsboro Marine Terminal for a week. 

Later, on March 27, the  ship will depart for the Philadelphia Naval Yard , where it will remain for  dry dock work for about eight weeks .

"This is a once-in-a-generation thing. Ships that are inactive like this, and there are no more battleships active anywhere in the world, so it's very rare for one of them to move at all," Battleship New Jersey museum curator Ryan Szimanski said. "They only go to dry dock once every 20 years, maybe 30 years. So this is the first time in my lifetime that we're doing this and I'll be 60 or 70 years old before we do it again."

• Pennsylvania
• Philadelphia

Jasmine Payoute joined CBS News Philadelphia as a reporter in June 2021.

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